Poland man sues Boardman over new landlord law

BOARDMAN

The township has put on hold the implementation of a new landlord registration program that was set to begin in January because of a civil lawsuit filed Wednesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.

“I hope it doesn’t delay it for long, but the prudent thing to do is stop it until the injunction is resolved,” said Trustee Tom Costello. “We have put everything on hold until we resolve this issue.”

William Hiznay of Poland, who owns property at 200 Meadowbrook Ave., has asked for a preliminary and permanent injunction to prevent the township from enforcing the resolution and for a declaratory judgment against the resolution, which he argues is illegal.

“We’re asking that the ordinance be found to be improper, and essentially be rescinded,” said Atty. Joshua Hiznay, who filed the suit. “I just don’t believe that the [Ohio] Revised Code permits a township to start something like this.”

The township’s resolution, which trustees unanimously voted to approve Nov. 10, requires landlords to register with the township and provide contact information, maintain certain standards within their rental units, and pay an annual fee. It also stipulates that rental units will be subject to periodic inspections by the zoning department.

Read more about the case in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.