What happens after rent is deposited with the court?
The Franklin County Municipal Court will send a copy of your application to the landlord and
your case will be forwarded to the Mediation Department. You will be notified by mail of your
next hearing date. If you do not receive notice within ten (10) business days, please call (614)
645-8576.
You may also file a Motion for Rent Abatement and Order to Repair, at the time you file your
application to deposit rent with the court. The motion, (a letter in your own words that should
contain what you are asking of the court with a brief explanation why) should be dated, signed
and contain your case number. You may ask for the following:
A court order requiring your landlord to make the requested repairs.
A court order allowing you to pay less rent, until repairs are made (Rent Abatement).
A court order allowing you to use the rent deposited to make necessary repairs yourself.
What to do when your next rent payment is due?
Deposit the full rent amount (NOT including utilities or fees) to:
Franklin County Municipal Court
Rent Escrow Program Third Floor
375 S. High Street
Columbus, Ohio, 43215
If payment is not received by the Clerk of Courts on or before the due date, you risk losing your
case.
What to do when repairs are completed?
Come to the Clerk of Courts, Rent Escrow office with your ID to sign a release form that
authorizes the escrowed funds to be released to your landlord. Rent is to be paid to your landlord
from this point forward.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a process where a landlord and a tenant can try to resolve a dispute with the
assistance of a neutral third-party (a mediator). Mediation can be completed in-person, by phone,
or online. Participants can discuss repairs and other issues relating to the landlord-tenant
relationship. Contact the mediation department for more information about Rent Escrow
Mediation. If the parties reach an agreement in mediation then the mediator can document the
agreement in writing. If the Rent Escrow case is not resolved in mediation then the Rent Escrow
process will continue.