The Cuyahoga County Council and its Community Development & Housing Committee will be hosting the second hearing on an ordinance that would establish “Pay to Stay” as an affirmative defense for tenants facing eviction due to nonpayment of rent. We first alerted you to this in late November.
Council President Dale Miller and other Council members are particularly interested in hearing from landlords and housing providers about how this proposal could impact property owners. If you are available to attend or submit comments, the details are below.
What is Pay to Stay?
At its core, the ordinance would allow a tenant facing eviction for nonpayment of rent to pay all owed rent and permitted fees up until the eviction hearing. The full ordinance is attached for your reference.
Hearing Details
Date: February 2, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location:
County Council Chambers
4th Floor, County Administration Building
2079 E. 9th Street
Cleveland, OH 44115
How to Participate
- The hearing will be held in person, and anyone interested may attend and provide testimony.
- Written testimony is strongly encouraged, even if you plan to testify in person.
- If you are unable to attend but would like to share comments, please submit your written testimony to Andria Richardson at arichardson01@cuyahogacounty.gov. She will distribute submissions to the Committee.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Yariel Camacho.
