To the appropriate local and state officials:

We, the undersigned residents and community members of Paulding County, are asking officials to review and strengthen rental housing safety, maintenance, inspection, and tenant-protection standards.

Our goal is simple: safe homes, accountable property owners, qualified workers, and a clear process for tenants to report serious problems without fear of retaliation.

WE ARE ASKING FOR:

1. Regular property inspections

Landlords should be required, with proper notice and respect for tenant privacy, to inspect their rental properties at least annually. Property owners should know the condition of the homes they are renting so they can identify both needed repairs and tenant-caused damage.

2. Timely responses to serious maintenance problems

Serious issues such as major leaks, standing water, water damage, loss of heat, loss of water, dangerous electrical problems, or major plumbing failures should have clear and reasonable response and repair deadlines. Repairs should be completed properly and fully address the reported problem, rather than being left incomplete or temporarily patched when a permanent repair is reasonably necessary.

3. Properly licensed, Insured and qualified workers

When work requires a licensed trade, landlords should use properly licensed, insured, and qualified contractors as required by Ohio law. Applicable licenses, permits, and inspections should be documented. Work should be performed in a safe, professional manner and completed to applicable building, plumbing, electrical, and safety standards. Repairs should fully address the underlying problem and should not be left incomplete, improperly performed, or reduced to temporary fixes when a proper repair is required.

4. Lawful employment and payment of maintenance workers

People performing maintenance work should be properly compensated, appropriately qualified, and legally permitted to perform the work assigned to them.

5. Documentation and accountability

Significant maintenance requests and repairs should be documented, including when the problem was reported, who performed the work, what was repaired, and whether additional work or inspection was necessary. When applicable, documentation should also establish that required permits, inspections, and licensed or qualified professionals were used and that the repair was completed.

6. A safe way for tenants to report problems

Tenants should have a clear process for reporting unsafe or unhealthy conditions and should know where to turn when serious problems are ignored.

7. Protection from retaliation

Tenants should be able to report legitimate health, safety, and housing concerns without fear of unlawful retaliation, intimidation, or harassment.

8. Confidentiality for petition supporters

Because some tenants may fear retaliation, we ask that petition supporters’ names and identifying information be kept confidential and not voluntarily disclosed to landlords, property owners, or management companies to the fullest extent permitted by Ohio law. Petitioners should be informed if their information is subject to public-records requirements.

OUR REQUEST

We are asking the appropriate officials to review the laws and procedures currently in place in Paulding County, identify gaps in enforcement or protection, and determine what additional local or state action may be necessary.

This petition is not about attacking landlords, tenants, contractors, or any individual.

It is about making sure that:

Landlords know the condition of their properties.
Tenants have safe homes.
Workers are properly qualified and compensated.
Serious problems are addressed promptly.
And people can speak up without being afraid. Our goal is not to make it harder to be a landlord, it is to help ensure that rental housing is safe, repairs are done correctly, and everyone involved is treated fairly and held to appropriate standards.