Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Ohio

My landlord has filed a complaint through the courts for me to be evicted. It says First cause of action-Forcible entry and Detainer Second cause of Action-Civil Action--Money only.It says that i have been summoned and required to serve upon the plainiffs attorney a copy of the answer to the complaint. I do plan on being moved out of the apartment before the court date next week so they wont have to come move me,second i am willing to make a payment plan to owe any late fees and past amounts. I cannot afford an attorney,and will have to represent myself.i have never been to court before and not sure the next steps i should take.Do i have to contact their attorney and tell him when I move out and if they are willing to work out a payment plan?,will they keep the security deposit since i owe payments,are they allowed to have access to my bank account.If i do go to court can i ask them to appoint a lawyer for me? Any information will be helpful in the process in how it works and the step I should take.I do live in Ohio.


Asked on 4/11/13, 12:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Sauter Cloppert, Latanick, Sauter & Washburn

If you can't afford a lawyer - and most who are being evicted cannot - but are planning on moving out and can pay some or all of the late fees and past due amounts, then it is fine to contact their attorney and work these details out with him or her. The landlord may end up dismissing the Forcible Entry and Detainer action upon you moving out of the property.

Since this is a civil matter you will not have access to a court-appointed attorney. Court-appointed attorneys are only available for certain criminal matters.

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Answered on 4/11/13, 1:42 pm


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