Ohio Senate Bill 237 changed who may be named as a defendant in an eviction complaint. It prohibits listing a minor tenant when a parent or adult guardian is also a defendant on the same complaint. It did not replace Ohio’s separate rules for prefiling notices and service of eviction summonses.
We deliver prepared landlord notices and serve court papers in Central Ohio. Send us the documents, property address, and deadlines.
What SB 237 Changed
The eviction provision took effect April 9, 2025. Under R.C. 1923.05(B)–(C), a complaint that names a minor tenant alongside a parent or adult guardian must be dismissed without prejudice, and the filer must pay the minor tenant’s reasonable attorney fees. R.C. 1923.01(C)(15) defines a minor tenant as someone under 18 who is not emancipated.
The restriction applies to defendants named in the eviction complaint. It does not prohibit every mention of a minor in landlord paperwork.
Keep the Notice and the Court Summons Separate
A notice to leave the premises comes before the eviction case. R.C. 1923.04 sets out the notice requirement, permitted delivery methods, and required residential-notice language, subject to the statute’s exceptions.
After filing, service of the eviction summons is governed separately by R.C. 1923.06. That section addresses clerk mailing, authorized servers, the sequence for personal delivery, leaving papers with a person of suitable age and discretion, and posting. A private server handling that court process must have the required court designation.
Do not treat posting a prefiling notice as completion of court summons service. Include the document type and court instructions with each order.
What to Include With a Notice or Service Order
- Prepared documents: Provide the complete notice or court-issued packet and the exact parties named.
- Property details: Include the full street address, unit number, access instructions, and recipient information.
- Separate deadlines: Identify the requested delivery date, service deadline, return deadline, and hearing date.
- Court requirements: Include the appointment order, service instructions, and required return form when applicable.
We record each attempt, the delivery method, and what happened at the property. For postings, photographs show where the notice was placed. The return or affidavit gives you the written record.
Frequently Asked Questions About SB 237 and Eviction Notices
R.C. 1923.05(B) prohibits naming a minor tenant as a defendant when a parent or adult guardian is also named on the same complaint.
The court must dismiss the action without prejudice and order the filer to pay the minor tenant’s reasonable attorney fees under R.C. 1923.05(C).
No. SB 237 did not amend the prefiling notice statute, R.C. 1923.04, or the eviction-summons service statute, R.C. 1923.06.
Send the completed notice, full property address and unit, delivery instructions, and deadline. For court papers, include the case number and any required appointment order or return form.
R.C. 1923.01(C)(15) defines a minor tenant as a tenant under 18 who is not emancipated. If age or emancipation is uncertain, have counsel resolve it before filing.
No. The provision addresses listing a minor tenant as a defendant in an eviction action when a parent or adult guardian is also a defendant on the same complaint. It is not a blanket ban on every reference to a minor in every landlord document.
The server should not change the parties named in issued court papers. Tell the filing attorney or party about the concern so they can address the complaint and any replacement papers with the court. Send RVB the corrected, complete packet before further service.
No. Proper delivery cannot cure a complaint that violates the minor-tenant rule. Review who is named before filing, and have counsel address any defect. RVB handles the authorized delivery assignment; the court decides the case.
Request Document Delivery in Central Ohio
We serve Delaware, Franklin, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Union, Licking, and Fairfield counties. See our Ohio service area and pricing page, then upload your prepared documents.
Need rush service? Call or text 740-936-7625 with the address and deadline.
Legal disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. RVB Services, LLC is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. If you need legal assistance, consult an attorney licensed to handle your case.
