Understanding Your Rights and Options Amid Rising Foreclosure Activity
Foreclosure activity is increasing—but knowing your options can make all the difference. According to ATTOM’s…
At MPC LAW, we believe tenants deserve to live with dignity and without fear of retaliation for speaking out against poor housing conditions or asserting their rights. Thanks to a new Ohio law—the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA)—additional legal protection for Ohio tenants is available.
The Ohio Uniform Public Expression Protection Act is a powerful new law aimed at protecting the free speech and public participation of Ohio citizens. With its recent passage into law, Ohio is now the ninth state to adopt the UPEPA as promulgated by the Uniform Law Commission.
The UPEPA, as adopted in Ohio, is aimed at stopping parties, including landlords, from misusing the legal system to silence citizens, including tenants, who are doing nothing more than exercising their rights to free speech and assembly.
The new law covers tenants who speak up about housing conditions, organize with other tenants, or publicly challenge unfair treatment. These kinds of retaliatory cases are often referred to as SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) suits, and this law is designed to stop them in their tracks.
One of the most impactful aspects of the new law is its prohibition against naming minor tenants in eviction lawsuits.
If a landlord includes a tenant under the age of 18 who is not emancipated in an eviction case, the court must dismiss the case and may also award reasonable attorney fees to the tenant’s legal counsel.
This Ohio tenant protection prevents landlords from unfairly targeting minors who may reside in the unit but are not legally responsible under the lease.
Under the new law, Ohio tenants are better protected from lawsuits that aim to punish them for exercising their rights, such as reporting code violations, speaking to the media, or organizing with neighbors.
These types of SLAPP suits are no longer viable tactics. The act gives tenants a legal pathway to quickly dismiss retaliatory lawsuits and recover legal fees when appropriate.
Tenants now have a stronger legal footing when facing retaliatory eviction in Ohio. If you
you may have a defense under this law. It is critical to act quickly and seek guidance to protect your rights.
At MPC LAW, we uphold tenant rights in the eyes of Ohio eviction law. Attorney Matthew P. Curry is dedicated to protecting tenant rights at all levels, which now may include retaliatory legal actions under the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act.
Whether you’re being wrongfully sued, named improperly in an eviction, or fear retaliation for organizing or reporting your landlord, MPC LAW is here to help.
The passage of the Uniform Public Expression Protection Act marks a major win for Ohio citizens and tenants. With greater legal protection for Ohio tenants now in place, it’s essential that tenants stay informed and take action when their rights are violated.
If you believe your landlord is acting unfairly or retaliating against you with a lawsuit, you may have legal remedies available under this new law. Don’t wait—contact MPC LAW today to schedule a consultation and explore your options for legal defense.
