South Ohio News

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 93, a measure that aims to change the limitations on recovery and lien imposition by municipalities against property owners of non-owner-occupied properties for unpaid water, sewer, and disposal services rates and charges. The bill is joint sponsored by State Reps. Mark Johnson and Riordan McClain.

According to State Rep. Mark Johnson, the current practice of bringing liens against the property owner for unpaid charges on non-owner-occupied residences is unfair and abusive. He believes that the responsibility for payment should lie with the renter who signed up for the utilities and used them. Johnson stated, "This unfair, abusive practice needs to end."

The legislation will ensure that property owners are not charged more than the termination amount, which is the amount that, when unpaid, would result in the termination of municipal services. If individuals are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint, they may appeal the matter to the local municipal court.

State Rep. Riordan McClain highlighted the need to correct the longstanding practice of charging property owners for delinquent payments of tenants. He explained that House Bill 93 aims to remove the option to place a property tax lien due to services not contracted by the owner.

House Bill 93 now awaits consideration by the Ohio Senate.

This legislation aims to address the issue of property tax liens on non-owner-occupied properties for unpaid water, sewer, and disposal services rates and charges. It seeks to shift the responsibility for payment from the property owner to the renter who used the utilities. The bill has received support from State Reps. Mark Johnson and Riordan McClain, who believe that the current practice is unfair and abusive. House Bill 93 will ensure that property owners are not charged more than the termination amount, and individuals have the option to appeal to the local municipal court if they are not satisfied with the resolution of their complaint. The bill now awaits further consideration by the Ohio Senate.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/mark-johnson/news/ohio-house-passes-legislation-regarding-property-tax-liens-117788