Council discusses changes to tenants’ rights and responsibilities ordinance at fourth reading

Cleveland Heights — Council members advanced discussion of Ordinance 244124, titled “Tenants’ Rights and Responsibilities,” during the Committee of the Whole on Jan. 21 as a fourth-reading item and described revisions made since introduction.

Council member Petrus summarized recent amendments: "Now they'll be able to distribute a digital copy to folks," eliminating an initial requirement to provide paper copies to every resident; and the law department changed the penalty class from a first-degree misdemeanor to "a minor misdemeanor." Petrus also described an earlier change that moved the distribution frequency from an annual requirement to distribution upon lease renewal and confirmed the ordinance requires an initial distribution for existing tenants if it is adopted.

Council members asked practical questions about the ordinance’s rollout and access for residents who lack internet access. One member asked whether the city would make paper copies available at City Hall; staff said the ordinance requires landlords to provide paper copies in cases where they execute a lease on paper or do not have the tenant’s email address, but the city’s decision to proactively print and distribute copies is a separate administrative choice. The cover sheet for the ordinance indicated no direct city cost; staff explained that printing costs would be borne by property owners who choose paper distribution, while the administration could opt to provide limited paper copies at city facilities if desired.

Councilwoman Larson asked about the ordinance’s implementation date; during the discussion she said, "I believe it's July," referring to the anticipated start if the ordinance were approved at meeting. Administration staff confirmed the ordinance would require landlords to provide initial materials to existing tenants and would allow electronic distribution (for example, via DocuSign) moving forward.

The ordinance as discussed also specifies a maximum monetary penalty for a minor misdemeanor—$150—and clarifies that the requirement to provide tenant materials applies when a landlord offers or executes a lease, not simply when someone is shown a property. The committee did not record a final passage vote during the session; the item remained in the legislative process for final action.