CINCINNATI — Aftab Pureval, the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts, calls eviction “a massive epidemic … a silent epidemic.”
“It drives up homelessness. Folks who are in their house, folks who can afford to rent but for whatever reason missed a payment are now on the streets. They’re now putting stress on our social services,” Pureval said.
That’s why Pureval supports City Councilmember Greg Landsman’s plan to prevent evictions in Cincinnati.
Landsman presented eight ordinances Wednesday, calling it a “comprehensive approach” to a major problem in a city with about 80,000 rental units.
He said his plan is geared toward both landlords and tenants in the hope it can keep people from being booted from their homes.
“Eviction can happen if you are really struggling financially. There are some evictions that are necessary, but most aren’t and we can prevent them,” Landsman said.
Eviction can have many causes, even something as simple as a broken-down car, Landsman said.
“They may have lost their job, they lost some hours, or something happened where they are facing a financial difficulty,” said Landsman.
“When it happens, it’s very problematic.”
Landsman wants to keep that eviction notice off families’ doors.
“If you can keep someone in their homes, it’s a good thing in terms of helping people move out of poverty and into the middle class,” Landsman said.
His proposal places a safety net around renters. The ordinances call for a cap on late fees, a rental registry and a rental inspection program, among other things.
SEE Landsman’s ordinances: Part 1 and Part 2.
Pureval said the ordinances would lead to a “win-win for both the landlord and the tenant.”
“That’s really what the goal is and that’s why I’m so happy to see Councilman Landsman’s proposals because I think they’ll help do that,” Pureval said.
Pureval has seen the impact of eviction first-hand through his office’s “Help Center,” which provides legal advice on dealing with eviction.
It can happen quickly, he said.
“If you don’t show up to your court date and you’re evicted, your stuff will literally be on the sidewalk within weeks if not days,” Pureval said.
Landsman wants to keep families off the street and in a stable place.
“It’s a good thing for children, it’s a good thing for schools and it’s a good thing for the stability of our neighborhoods,” Landsman said.
Landsman’s plan still needs approval by city council. It will go to a committee meeting on Tuesday, and Landsman hopes the full council will vote on Wednesday.
