The Tenth Ohio District Court of Appeals has ruled Franklin County landlords are no longer allowed to evict tenants by affidavit.
The ruling requires landlords to appear in court and bring witnesses to prove their case. Local affordable housing advocates and Columbus Mayor Andy Ginther say the ruling changes a system that often disproportionately impacts single women and minorities:
More than 18 thousand evictions were filed in Franklin County last year. The court ruled in favor Canal Winchester resident Traci Wimberly, who appealed an eviction order from a Franklin County court based only on an affidavit from the landlord.