What started as a property dispute in West Portsmouth ended with Scioto County Sheriff’s Deputies giving a crash course in eviction law—and calling an ambulance.
Deputies were called around 2 p.m. after a homeowner reported a conflict with people staying in a trailer behind their house. The caller wanted the trailer dwellers gone immediately. But deputies explained that it doesn’t work that way.
You Can’t Just Throw People Out
Even if someone is on your property, once they’ve established residency, you can’t simply order them to leave—or drag them out. Ohio law requires property owners to go through a civil eviction process. If the proper steps aren’t followed, the property owner could actually face charges. Deputies in this case warned the caller that they would need to stay away from the trailer or risk being charged with criminal trespass themselves.
The call also took a medical turn—an ambulance was requested for one of the people involved, who was transported to the hospital for treatment.
The Legal Eviction Process in Ohio
So, what does the legal process actually look like? Here’s the step-by-step:
Provide Written Notice
The landlord must give the tenant a written three-day “Notice to Leave the Premises.” This is required by Ohio law before any court action can be filed.
File an Eviction Complaint
If the tenant doesn’t move out after those three days, the landlord files an eviction (also called a “forcible entry and detainer”) complaint in municipal or county court.
Court Hearing
A hearing is scheduled, usually within a few weeks. The landlord must prove the grounds for eviction. The tenant has the right to show up and defend themselves.
Court Order Issued
If the judge rules in favor of the landlord, a formal eviction order is issued.
Sheriff Enforces the Order
Only law enforcement—not the landlord—can physically remove someone from a property. Deputies or bailiffs will oversee the process to make sure it’s done legally and safely.
Tenants Have Rights Too
It’s also important to understand that tenants—even those without a written lease—have rights in Ohio:
Right to Notice: They must receive a proper three-day written notice before court action starts.
Right to Due Process: They can appear in court to challenge the eviction, for example if they believe it’s retaliatory or unlawful.
Right to Safe Conditions: Tenants can’t be forced out by having utilities shut off, locks changed, or belongings dumped outside—those “self-help” evictions are illegal.
Right to Appeal: If the tenant believes the judge ruled unfairly, they can appeal the decision.