Being a landlord can be rewarding, but it also comes with complex legal responsibilities. From drafting leases to navigating evictions, landlord-tenant law requires strict compliance with state and local regulations. Even small missteps can lead to costly delays, denied claims, or lawsuits. Having an experienced lawyer by your side isn’t just helpful, it’s essential to protect your property, your finances, and your peace of mind.
Protecting Your Investment
For most landlords, rental property represents a significant financial investment. Hiring a lawyer ensures that every step, whether it is drafting leases, handling disputes, or pursuing an eviction, is handled properly and safeguards your property from unnecessary financial risk.
Key Reasons Landlords Need a Lawyer
1. Representation Requirements
If your property is owned by an entity such as an LLC or corporation, you are legally required to have an attorney represent you in court. You cannot represent the business yourself. This makes retaining a lawyer not just wise but legally necessary.
2. Eviction Procedures
Evictions are highly technical. Courts require landlords to follow precise statutory procedures, and any error, no matter how small, can result in the eviction being denied. A lawyer ensures the process is handled correctly and efficiently.
3. Enforcing Lease Agreements
With a written lease in place, landlords are not limited to evicting for non-payment of rent. A lawyer can enforce any valid lease violation, from property misuse to repeated rule-breaking, helping maintain order and compliance on your property. Even without a written lease, Ohio law has requirements for tenant behavior. A failure of a tenant to follow those requirements is grounds for eviction.
4. Lease Drafting and Review
A well-drafted lease is a landlord’s best protection. Lawyers can create leases tailored to your property and compliant with housing laws, ensuring your rights are protected while reducing future disputes.
5. Dispute Resolution
From disagreements over security deposits to maintenance concerns, tenant disputes can quickly escalate. An attorney provides guidance to resolve issues fairly and often prevents a small conflict from becoming a costly legal battle.
6. Defense Against Lawsuits
Landlords may face lawsuits for alleged negligence, injuries, or property damage. A lawyer provides a proper defense and helps mitigate potential financial losses.
7. Compliance with Fair Housing Laws
Anti-discrimination and fair housing laws can be difficult to interpret and apply correctly. A lawyer helps landlords stay compliant, reducing the risk of costly claims or penalties.
8. Handling Security Deposits
Strict rules govern how security deposits are collected, held, and returned. A lawyer ensures compliance and helps landlords avoid penalties and disputes.
Final Thoughts
Landlord-tenant law is complex, and landlords cannot afford to make mistakes. From ensuring compliance with technical eviction rules to protecting against lawsuits, having a lawyer on your side provides peace of mind and long-term protection for your investment.
At Kocher & Barney, our team has deep experience helping landlords navigate these challenges with clarity and confidence. If you own rental property, don’t leave your investment vulnerable. Let us help you stay compliant and protected.