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Bill Summary · HB 368

Legislative bill overview

HB 368 would automatically seal eviction records in Ohio after three years have elapsed since the eviction case closed. This means eviction history would no longer be publicly accessible or discoverable by landlords and other parties after the three-year period, though the records would still exist in court files.

Why is this important

Eviction records significantly impact individuals' ability to secure housing, as landlords routinely screen applicants using public eviction histories. Sealing records after three years could help people move past housing instability and access rental housing more easily, though it also reduces transparency for landlords conducting tenant screening.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord access and risk assessment: Property owners argue eviction history is essential for evaluating tenant reliability and managing property risk. Sealing records limits their ability to make informed decisions, potentially affecting rental prices or availability.
  • Victim protection concerns: Landlords cite cases where sealed records prevent discovery of patterns of property damage, non-payment, or safety issues that recur across multiple properties.
  • Three-year timeframe: Debate over whether three years is appropriate—some argue it's too short to be meaningful for screening, others contend it's long enough for meaningful rehabilitation and second chances.
  • Automatic vs. petition-based sealing: Questions about whether automatic sealing (without tenant action) is fair to all parties versus allowing individuals to petition for early sealing.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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