OH HB480

Creates expedited removal procedure allowing record owners or authorized agents to request county sheriffs immediately remove unauthorized residential occupants without court proceedings, provided nine conditions are met including that occupant unlawfully entered, was directed to leave, and no rental agreement or litigation exists.

Requires sheriffs to verify complainant ownership and serve notice to vacate on occupants; allows sheriffs to arrest occupants for trespass or other crimes and to charge reasonable hourly rates for standing by while locks are changed and property removed.

Allows wrongfully removed persons to sue for civil damages including actual damages, triple the fair market rent as statutory damages, court costs, and reasonable attorney's fees.

Adds new criminal offense of "title fraud" making it a misdemeanor of the first degree to present false lease documents to detain property, and a felony of the first degree to list/advertise or rent residential property without legal authority to do so.

Declares the bill an emergency measure effective immediately to protect property owners from loss of ownership.