ACAR Statement on Passage of Akron Charter Issues 11 and 12

ACAR Statement on Passage of Akron Charter Issues 11 and 12

Akron voters approved Charter Issues 11 and 12 on November 3, bringing changes to the city’s rental housing requirements and fair housing provisions.

The Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® (ACAR) supports fair housing, equal access to housing, and efforts to reduce barriers to homeownership and rental housing. However, ACAR opposed both amendments as written due to concerns regarding their potential impact on housing providers, rental housing availability, and the overall cost and complexity of providing housing. ACAR supports practical alternatives that expand housing opportunities without creating unintended costs or regulatory uncertainty.

What Passage Means for REALTORS®

Both amendments will require landlords and housing providers to pay attention to changes in Akron’s rental requirements.

• Issue 11: Changes how landlords collect security deposits, allowing payments in installments, and prohibits rental application fees.
• Issue 12: Adds criminal history as a protected category under Akron’s fair housing provisions, changing how landlords can consider an applicant’s criminal background when making rental decisions.

The City of Akron must develop and communicate an implementation plan outlining how the new requirements will be applied and enforced. Until that guidance is released, practical questions remain about how the amendments will work, including the specific procedures and expectations for landlords and housing providers.

REALTORS® working with rental properties, investors, landlords, or tenants should stay informed as the City moves toward implementation. These changes could affect rental policies, leasing practices, and property management.

ACAR will continue to monitor the City’s implementation efforts, share information with members, and advocate for housing policies that promote access, choice, and a healthy housing market throughout our region.