What can you do to protect yourself and your rental property when your tenant fails to pay rent, utilities, or has damaged your property?
In this post, we’ll explore your options for dealing with an unreliable tenant in Columbus, Ohio.
Dealing with Bad Tenants
Imagine that you’re the owner of a small apartment complex in Columbus, Ohio. Despite the minor headaches, you enjoy the extra income this generates for you. Plus, it’s gratifying to help others in the community who need a roof over their heads. The majority of the time, being a landlord is a title you embrace.
Occasionally, however, situations arise that can cause headaches. You know how frustrating it is to encounter damages to your property and negligent payments. Dealing with tenant problems can consume so much of your time and energy that it takes time away from those people and activities you love. Spending hours on the phone, making countless trips back and forth to the apartment, and pouring over legal documents is not exactly a picturesque Friday night. Is there a better way to handle tenants who don’t pay or are damaing your property?
Fortunately, The Law Office of Tom Somos, LLC understands your situation. We stand ready to lead you through these trying times. With our experience and knowledge of tenant laws in Ohio, you will feel confident knowing the case is on its way to a just end.
Let’s take a closer look at how the law can help improve your situation.
What the Law States
Under Ohio Revised Code section 5321, you can file an action in court to recover rent owed and damages when a tenant is in default due to their failure to pay rent, utilities, or has damaged your rental property.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16, any money held by the landlord as a security deposit may be applied to the payment of past due rent and to the payment of the amount of damages that the landlord has suffered. Under section 5321.05, tenants are legally obligated to (summarizing statute):
- Maintain “safe and sanitary” conditions by disposing of all trash in a safe way
- Properly utilize plumbing and electrical fixtures
- Follow all local laws and codes
- Avoiding negligent behavior or damaging any part of the property
Tentants who fail to follow the rules as stipulated by section 5321.05 may be subject to damages and legal fees incurred by the landlord.
Contact Tom Somos for a Guiding Hand
We hope this knowledge is helpful to your cause. With all that you have on your plate as a landlord, don’t hesitate to contact us to see if we can lend a helping hand.
We routinely help landlords in Central Ohio, and we look forward to working with you.
