Columbus proposes eviction bond fund to help tenants appeal court orders

City officials told the Housing Committee that a new eviction‑bond grant would help low‑income tenants pursue appeals in eviction proceedings when a court requires a bond to stay an eviction while an appeal is pending.

Deputy Director Hannah Jones (Department of Development) said the city will allocate funds to Compass to administer a grant program that would cover court‑mandated bonds for eligible tenants who are appealing an eviction judgment. "This will give tenants the ability to have their case heard and decided on its merits," Jones said.

Jones said the city plans to set aside $50,000 initially; if average bonds run near $2,000, that funding would assist about 25 households. She emphasized the program would be targeted to households with strong grounds for appeal and implemented in partnership with the Legal Aid Society of Southeast and Central Ohio and Compass to vet applications. Jones said the city would reevaluate the program after the first year and that recovered bonds could replenish the fund.

Committee members asked for data on how often tenants with meritorious cases lack bond funds; Jones said she did not have precise counts but would follow up. Several council members framed the eviction‑bond program as one component of a broader housing strategy that includes legal representation, emergency rental assistance and other measures to prevent homelessness.

What’s next: City staff will develop eligibility criteria and an application process in coordination with Legal Aid and Compass and return proposed legislation for committee consideration.