Akron Voters Approve Two Renter Protection Measures

Akron voters approved two housing-related charter amendments, with Issue 11 leading by 58% to 42% and Issue 12 passing narrowly, 51% to 49%, with one precinct still unreported. Issue 11 eliminates rental application fees and requires landlords to let tenants pay security deposits in installments over three or six months. Issue 12 bars housing discrimination based on criminal history—with exceptions for sex and arson offenses—and source of income, and gives the Akron Civil Rights Commission authority over local real estate discrimination claims. Supporters said the changes would make housing more accessible and fair, while opponents warned they could raise rents and discourage development; opponents had also said they planned to sue to block the measures. A separate proposal, Issue 13, sought to expand Akron’s civilian police oversight board, but the provided articles do not report its final result.