Boardman's new rental inspection law on hold pending trial

BOARDMAN

A case to determine whether Boardman Township can keep its new home-rule resolution, which requires landlords to register with the township and maintain certain standards in their units, will go to trial.

The township submitted an agreement to visiting Judge Linton Lewis via telephone conference with the judge and the plaintiff Wednesday. The township agrees not to enforce the resolution pending the outcome of the litigation. The trial date is set for May 13.

The case centers around whether the township has the authority to establish a landlord registration program. The resolution, which trustees approved in November, requires landlords to register with the township and provide contact information, pay an annual fee, maintain certain standards in their rental units and subject their units to periodic inspections by the zoning department if there are complaints.

The township argues that its home-rule status, which gives it broader powers than other townships have, enables it to enact the resolution.

William Hiznay of Poland, who owns property at 200 Meadowbrook Ave. in Boardman, filed a civil lawsuit against the township Nov. 12 arguing that the resolution is illegal and unenforceable.

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