As in Youngstown, controversy surrounds law holding landlords more accountable in Cincinnati

CINCINNATI (AP) — A Cincinnati law meant to hold landlords more accountable for problems at their properties is a sore point with both neighborhood advocates and property owners.

Police say about one in five of the city’s 25,000 multifamily dwellings generates all the nuisance calls.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Sunday that large landlords complain that the law discriminates against them because of the large populations they house.

Members of neighborhood councils complain the same buildings keep showing up with largest number of calls.

Cincinnati police have billed five landlords a total of $26,568 for billable services allowed under the nuisance law.

Information from the City Manager’s office shows none of the invoices have been paid and no citations or fines have been issued.

Controversy also surrounds a similar Youngstown law that requires landlords to register with the city and cooperate on city-sponsored inspections of rental properties.