Council hears second reading of elevator‑maintenance ordinance; tenants could seek rent relief after seven days out of service

BEXLEY — At its March 11 meeting the Bexley City Council held a second reading of Ordinance 07‑25, which would create Chapter 1473 to require landlords to maintain passenger elevators in residential rental properties for the duration of a lease.

Council member Marcelino introduced the ordinance and said tenants should be able to seek relief when an elevator is necessary for their enjoyment of the property. The enforcement section (Section A‑3) says that if an elevator is inoperable for more than seven days, a tenant "may seek a rent abatement or termination of the lease without penalty." Marcelino said the language allows tenants to seek remedies but does not guarantee release in every case.

Council President Fischel asked why the ordinance uses a seven‑day period. Marcelino and other council members said seven consecutive days was chosen as a clear, administrable threshold. Council members and staff cautioned that the city must consider practical enforcement realities: an elevator technician shortage could extend repair times, and "reasonable" timeframes may require interpretation.

City staff (Klingler) told the council adding elevator maintenance to the code would bolster code enforcement rather than create a new hardship for the enforcement office. Council member Silverman asked whether the city currently enforces elevators; Klingler answered that the additional language would strengthen enforcement tools and that landlord–tenant law remains applicable.

Marcelino declined to move the ordinance to the consent agenda and said he preferred to keep the item off consent, in part because Council member Hurley was absent. No final vote occurred at the March 11 meeting; the ordinance remains under consideration for later action.