Boardman township can now implement landlord registration program

Staff report

BOARDMAN

The township is free to implement a long-stalled program that will establish new rules for landlords.

The Ohio Supreme Court declined to review a case involving the township’s proposed landlord registration program, according to case announcements released Wednesday.

A landlord with property in the township sued the township in November 2014 after township trustees approved the program.

The case has been in litigation since then, with a Mahoning County Common Pleas visiting judge and the 7th District Court of Appeals panel of judges both siding with the township.

The plaintiff, William Hiznay, had appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court, which declined to review the appeal.

Township Administrator Jason Loree said the township will soon start the process of implementing the program, with hopes to have it up and running next year.

“It’s a big deal, because previously no other townships have explored this issue,” he said. “We’re the first township in Ohio to move ahead with a landlord registration program. It’s commonplace for cities and villages, but not for townships.”

The program would require landlords to register with the zoning office, pay an annual fee and maintain certain exterior and interior standards for rental units.