Akron voters approved two housing charter amendments in the November 3, 2026 election, according to the Summit County Board of Elections’ unofficial results. Issue 11 changes how housing providers collect deposits and application fees. Issue 12 changes fair housing rules, including how property owners and managers use criminal history and source of income in housing decisions. The amendments apply within the City of Akron. An Akron mailing address alone does not establish that a property is inside city limits. Summit County election results · Full charter amendment text in Ordinances 262-2026 and 263-2026

When the changes are scheduled to take effect

Both amendments are expected to take effect December 3, 2026, 30 days after voter approval, unless a later date is specified or required by law. If December 3 holds, City Council has until March 3, 2027, to enact necessary implementing legislation. Landlords should use December 3 to plan when to update deposit notices, application fees, and screening policies. Akron Charter §§ 101b(D)(3), 100a(D)(3), 101b(B)(7), 101b(C)(5) and 100a(C)(1)

As of November 13, the county’s published results remain unofficial, and Akron’s Law Department is drafting legislation to implement Issue 12. Check Council’s legislation for the final enforcement procedures. Summit County election results · Signal Akron’s November 13 report · Akron City Council legislation

Issue 11 security deposits and application fees

If you require a deposit, give written notice of the payment options and honor the tenant’s choice. The text provides for payment in full or installment plans of at least three or at least six monthly payments, due on the day rent is due. A $900 deposit could be scheduled as three $300 installments or six $150 installments. You cannot impose a surcharge, penalty, or extra condition because the tenant chooses installments. The deposit provisions reach residential leases executed or renewed after the effective date. The charter also prohibits retaliation, including refusing to rent or raising the rent because someone asked about the options, exercised their rights, or complained. Akron Charter § 101b(B)(1)–(5)

The application-fee ban covers charges for screening, credit and background checks, processing, administration, and holding a unit. The definition reaches payments requested or accepted from prospective tenants before execution. The charter also refers to paying a deposit in full or selecting an installment option before entering the agreement. Read those provisions together when setting up your lease-signing and payment workflow. Review the timing of collection before accepting any money at the application or reservation stage, including through an online vendor. Akron Charter § 101b(B)(1), (C)(1)–(3)

The text directs Council to include strict liability and organizational criminal liability in its implementing legislation. It expressly calls for failure to give the required notice to carry at least a fourth-degree misdemeanor penalty. Review the implementing ordinance for the exact penalty applicable to a particular violation. Akron Charter § 101b(B)(7), (C)(5)

Issue 12 criminal history and source of income

Section 100a brings fair housing protections into the charter and covers differential treatment based on criminal history and source of income. Its reach includes screening and denials, advertising, less favorable terms, and unequal treatment by a property manager. Criminal history is defined broadly to include arrests, detentions, convictions, court orders, and other contacts with police or courts. The definition excludes offenses requiring registration as a sex offender or arson offender under Ohio law. Review blanket criminal-record exclusions, automatic screening flags, voucher policies, and the way your staff calculates whether an applicant can afford their share of rent. The text includes limited exceptions, including provisions addressing certain shared single-family housing and state or federal requirements. Akron Charter § 100a(B)(1)–(7)

Council is directed to use the existing Chapter 38 complaint process and give the Akron Civil Rights Commission primary jurisdiction over complaints arising under the new section. The implementation provisions call for remedies that include equitable relief, compensatory damages, punitive damages for willful or malicious violations, and attorney fees and costs. They also call for organizational criminal liability and strict liability for acts expressly prohibited, while preserving a defense based on a legal obligation under state or federal law. Akron Charter § 100a(C)(1)(a)–(f)

What to change in your leasing workflow

Start with the next renewal and the next listing. Prepare a written deposit election form, set up installment accounting, and test the application portal for applicant charges. Review written screening criteria and automated denials with your staff and vendors, and keep records showing which criteria were applied. If you’re updating a lease, application, or screening policy for an Akron property, we can review the forms together. Landlord services · Request a consultation

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