Reps. Grim and Miller Announce Ohio Safe Homes Act

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) yesterday introduced the Ohio Safe Homes Act, House Bill (HB) 855. This legislation would allow a tenant to terminate a rental agreement or request a change of locks at the tenant’s expense, if the tenant is a victim of rape, attempted rape, domestic rape, dating violence, abuse, or a sexually oriented offense.

“Across Ohio, survivors of domestic violence need practical solutions to safely escape violent situations and maintain stable housing. Domestic and sexual violence affect every type of community, family, and individual — and the consequences are too often deadly. I am proud to sponsor legislation that will provide survivors across our state with a critical tool to help them find safety and stability,” said Rep. Grim.

“Every Ohioan deserves to feel safe in their own home. The Ohio Safe Homes Act gives survivors of domestic and sexual violence a pathway to leave dangerous situations without facing additional financial hardship, while also providing reasonable protections for landlords,” said Rep. Miller. “By removing barriers to safe housing transitions, we can help survivors take the next step toward stability and independence.”

Under HB 855, victims of sexually oriented offenses and domestic violence may pursue a termination of their rental agreement or request the installation of new locks if:

• A qualifying protection order is issued or approved for the protection of the tenant, 
• The tenant has reported the crime to a qualified third party (law enforcement officer or qualified victim advocate) and has received a written record of the report, or
• New locks can be installed at the tenant’s expense.
   

The Ohio Safe Homes Act awaits a House Committee assignment.

EDITOR’S NOTE: A photo of Reps. Grim and Miller is attached. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats.