All about Columbus Ohio’s new tenant right to counsel

A 2018 report from Legal Aid Society of Columbus found that tenants receiving representation through their Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) received an adverse judgement only 1.1% of the time, compared to over 50% of the time when unrepresented.  Then, in 2024, Stout Risius Ross released a report analyzing TAP and finding that “With an annual investment of approximately $6.1 million in an eviction right to counsel, Columbus and Franklin County may recognize economic benefits of at least an estimated $24.4 million.”  The report adds that “Stout’s estimate of the annual economic benefits is likely significantly understated.”  Stout also estimates that of the $6.1 million in costs for the RTC, $5.1 million would provide representation for Columbus tenants while $1 million would cover tenants in Franklin County.  These cost estimates do not take into account the amount that the City of Columbus has already invested in its Tenant Assistance Program (TAP).  The report’s release was covered by WOSU.

In late 2024, spurred by the prior reporting, the City Council enacted an ordinance providing a right to full representation by counsel for tenants at 100% below of the federal poverty level who have children.  The Columbus Dispatch covered the enactment of the law.