Akron voters approved two housing charter amendments on Nov. 3, but tenants and landlords will wait up to 120 days before the new rules bind property owners. Signal Akron and the Akron Beacon Journal reported Issue 11 passed with more than 57% of the vote — 57.8% according to the Akron Beacon Journal’s unofficial count — and Issue 12 passed with 50.9%, with all precincts reporting. Results remain unofficial pending certification by the Summit County Board of Elections.
Issue 11 changes upfront rental costs. According to the Akron Beacon Journal, landlords must offer 3- or 6-month installment plans for security deposits. The amendment bans fees, charges, or deposits before a rental agreement is finalized, and criminalizes collecting application fees and failing to notify tenants of the installment right.
Issue 12 expands fair-housing protections. The Akron Beacon Journal reported criminal history — except for sex offenders and arson offenders — and source of income become protected classes, and refusing to rent on that basis is prohibited. The Akron Civil Rights Commission will also gain jurisdiction over real-estate discrimination claims…