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Eviction Proposal Wins Approval From Council, But Not All Landlords Are On Board

city hall
Bill Rinehart
/
WVXU

Cincinnati council has passed several pieces of legislation that supporters say will dramatically reduce preventable evictions. The package included three motions, which were all approved by an 8-0 vote.  The five ordinances were approved by 7-1 votes.

The measures include a residential rental registry, inspection program and limit on late fees.

Jeniece Jones is the executive director of Housing Opportunities Made Equal, and is supportive.

"I think this is a critical first step for the folks that the Fair Housing Act was designed to protect, African Americans, other communities of color, newcomers to our community, folks who are disabled, seniors and families with children," Jones said.

Some landlords are opposed to the legislation. Many of them expressed concern about the pilot inspection program in East Price Hill, Avondale, Clifton, University Heights and Fairview. 

JoAnn Hall said the inspection piece will not improve living conditions in the city.

"Instead it would hit longtime, trusted landlords with unnecessary bureaucracy and invade the privacy of the tenants," Hall said. "It would also put a financial burden on the tenants who are in those in those properties right now."

Jay Hanselman brings more than 10 years experience as a news anchor and reporter to 91.7 WVXU. He came to WVXU from WNKU, where he hosted the local broadcast of All Things Considered. Hanselman has been recognized for his reporting by the Kentucky AP Broadcasters Association, the Ohio Society of Professional Journalists, and the Ohio AP Broadcasters.