Sometimes a person in the greater Toledo metro area simply reaches a point in their life where their finances are unstable, perhaps due to a job loss or serious illness, and they are unable to pay their rent. If this happens, their landlord may file an eviction case in court. The following is an overview of the eviction process in Ohio.
The eviction hearing
To start, the court will schedule an eviction hearing date and will provide the tenant with a summons containing information about the time and place of the hearing. Generally, the eviction hearing will take place within approximately two weeks. It may be possible to reschedule an eviction hearing by requesting a one-week continuance to obtain legal assistance with the case. Tenants and landlords can attempt to settle the matter out-of-court up to the hearing date.
Moving forward with eviction
If the court decides to allow the eviction to proceed, a “red tag” will be placed on your door indicating when the tenant must vacate the premises. Usually, this time is five days. If the landlord does not vacate the premises on their own, the landlord can request that the sheriff go to the premises and set out the tenant’s remaining possessions.
Eviction is a serious matter
Eviction is a serious matter for landlords and tenants. Tenants face losing their home while landlords are looking to obtain the rent that they are due. Many may find it helpful to negotiate a settlement out of court rather than go through the entire eviction process. This way, both parties can walk away knowing they have reached a leasing solution that is agreeable and feasible.