How Renters & Landlords Are Protected | aka Landlord–Tenant Law (Session #2)
How Renters and Landlords Are Protected
Laws and local programs set the rules between renters and landlords.
What these rules affect
They shape:
How evictions work
How disputes are handled
Whether renters have access to fair treatment and legal help
Who handles landlord–tenant issues
Several organizations play a role:
Akron Municipal Court handles eviction cases, landlord–tenant disputes, and some housing code violations. The court decides whether a renter must leave their home or can stay. It also offers mediation and diversion programs that help landlords and tenants resolve problems without eviction.
City of Akron Civil Rights Commission investigates housing discrimination complaints and enforces fair-housing laws. The commission works to ensure renters and homebuyers are treated fairly regardless of race, disability, family status, source of income, or other protected characteristics. It also provides education to help residents understand their rights.
Community Legal Aid is a nonprofit legal organization serving Northeast Ohio. Its attorneys represent renters in eviction cases and housing condition disputes when resources allow. Community Legal Aid also supports tenant organizing efforts and provides legal education. Demand for legal help is often greater than the organization’s capacity.
What the law allows, and limits
Ohio state law sets many landlord–tenant rules and court procedures.
Cities in Ohio (including Akron) cannot impose rent control or limit rent increases.1
State law limits how much local governments can change eviction timelines and processes.
Because of these limits, Akron focuses on tenant protections allowed under state law.
In 2018, the city adopted a Non-Discrimination Ordinance, which expanded local protections for renters.2
Recent tenant protections and programs
In recent years, Akron has taken steps to support renters within the limits of state law:
Right to Counsel pilot (2025). The City of Akron, United Way of Summit & Medina, and Community Legal Aid launched a pilot program that provides legal help to tenants facing eviction. To qualify, tenants must meet income and household requirements.3
Non-Discrimination Ordinance protections. These include Pay to Stay (requiring landlords to accept late rent payments under certain conditions) and Source of Income Protection (preventing landlords from refusing renters who use housing vouchers or other legal forms of payment).
Rent escrow program. Akron Municipal Court allows renters to pay rent to the court instead of the landlord when serious repairs are not made. The court holds the rent until the problems are fixed.4
Expanded education. The city and local nonprofits have expanded education efforts to help renters understand their rights, eviction procedures, and security deposit rules.
Why this part of the system matters
When renters understand their rights and have access to fair processes, they are better able to stay housed. Court procedures, legal help, and anti-discrimination rules all play a role in housing stability for renters across Akron.
1. Ohio Revised Code 5321.19
2. Ohio Revised Code Ch. 1923
3. City of Akron, United Way, and Legal Aid Launching Right to Counsel, June 23, 2025
4. Municipal Court Rent Escrow