OREIA adopts Statement of Principles
In addition to our mission and vision, the OREIA board has adopted a Statement of Principles. Our positions on proposed legislation will be centered around these principles.
OREIA supports policies that:
- Protect and strengthen private property rights;
- Encourage investment in housing by removing unnecessary barriers;
- Ensure fairness, due process, and predictability for housing providers;
- Treat real estate entrepreneurs with the respect and legal protections they deserve.
Click HERE to see the full statement.
Ohio Housing Group Supports Affordability Goals While Calling for Clear Line Between Wall Street and Main Street
The Ohio Real Estate Investors Association (OREIA) appreciates the renewed national focus on housing affordability and access, and we agree that safe, attainable housing is foundational to strong families, stable communities, and a healthy economy.
We share the goal expressed by Donald Trump of ensuring that housing policy works for people—not abstractions—and that the American Dream remains within reach for first-time buyers and younger Americans. Addressing affordability challenges requires thoughtful solutions that increase housing supply, promote stability, and encourage long-term investment in local neighborhoods.
At the same time, it is critical that policymakers clearly distinguish between large, institutional capital operating at scale and the thousands of independent housing providers who own a small number of homes, often locally or regionally, and who play a vital role in Ohio’s housing ecosystem. These housing providers supply naturally affordable housing, maintain older housing stock, and offer flexibility and choice for residents who are not ready—or able—to buy.
Any effort to limit institutional consolidation of single-family housing must be carefully structured to avoid unintended consequences that reduce housing supply, restrict resident choice, or discourage small-scale investment. Overly broad restrictions risk increasing costs, tightening rental markets, and accelerating housing shortages—particularly in working-class and rural communities where independent housing providers are often the primary source of available housing.
OREIA looks forward to working with policymakers at all levels to advance solutions that expand housing supply, protect property rights, and support fair, predictable rules for housing providers—while strengthening pathways to homeownership and long-term affordability. Smart housing policy should reinforce, not undermine, the diverse ecosystem of residents, homeowners, and independent housing providers that keeps Ohio’s communities stable and growing.
Also look at the analysis from the National Association of Realtors HERE.
Ohio Supreme Court to hear rental inspection case
We had a wonderful turnout to support Maurice Thompson and his co-councils from Pacific Legal Foundation, Allison Daniel and Nichole Papageorgiou. The justices asked great questions and seemed very interested the arguments.
A moment of humor came when Chief Justice Kennedy corrected opposing counsel who kept saying "searches" instead of "inspections". Kind of exactly the problem we have with this!!!!
Click HERE to watch a replay of the arguments.
Click HERE to make a donation to Maurice's 1851 Center for Constitutional Law so that he can keep fighting for us!
And be sure to join us again, February 10th, 9am at the same court for another case involving occupancy limits and non-related persons.
Cities across the state have implemented Rental Inspections under the guise of safety and code concerns. Though, these inspections are targeted to only one type of housing. Entering the living space of a renter with no legitimate cause and no lawful warrant is a violation of that renter's privacy.
We are trying to pack the courtroom with supporters and would love to have your join us! Here are some details:
- Color coordinating worked great last time! Let's all try to wear something red again.
- The Ohio Supreme Court is located at 65 S. Front Street in Columbus
- Parking is "tricky" so please allow enough time to find a spot and walk to the building. See picture below for some close options.
- Court will begin at 9am. There should be three cases heard. Each will take about 30-45 minutes depending on questions from the judges. (but we can leave after our case is done)
- You will need an ID and to go through security. It is recommended you plan to be at the building by 8:30.
- There is only one large room where cases are heard. It should be easy to find.
- Dress code is business to business casual. Please represent us well.
- Food and drink is not really allowed in the hearing room. A small bottle of water if needed is probably ok. Highly recommend you bring cough drops to have on hand.
- The court is recorded. Please be aware you may be on camera or publicly posted later. Please watch facial expressions and reactions to arguments.
- Photos and video are allowed however no flash. Be respectful. (we would like to get a group photo afterwards)
10% Property Tax credit eliminated by misguided legislature.
November 20, 2025- Thank you for your swift response to this week’s Call to Action. More than 750 of you sent over 2,000 messages to legislators opposing the last-minute amendment to HB186 that would phase out the 10 percent non-business tax credit housing providers depend on to keep rents stable.
How this unfolded
On Tuesday afternoon, OREIA received word from a trusted legislator that several new amendments were being discussed behind closed doors and were likely to be added to HB186. Our legislative team, Governmental Policy Group, and executive board immediately mobilized—working into the night to prepare language and launch the MUSTER alert.
You responded, and it made a difference in the conversations that followed. But by Wednesday morning, it was clear the Senate committee intended to adopt the amendment. Committee members voted it out at 9 a.m., and our team spent the rest of the day meeting with Senators who, we learned, had been told this change affected only large corporate owners. That argument was incorrect and convenient for their efforts.
Several legislators expressed concern once the real impact on independent housing providers became clear, but the full Senate advanced the bill, and the House voted to concur later that evening.
What happens now
OREIA's President, Scott Ellsworth, has given several interviews and reached out to a number of media outlets to express our displeasure. And our press release has been sent to dozens of news stations and reporters across the state. See it HERE. The Governor signed the bill into law on 12/19/2025.
The amendment phases out the rollback over four years beginning in 2027. Taxes will not rise immediately, but they will rise—and planning ahead is essential.
OREIA is looking for real estate investors willing to share their stories with legislators. Our professional lobbyists do a great job, but we've found that personal narratives are much more impactful. You can be an expert in the field, or simply have a compelling story about the topic; be that a positive or negative experience, a reason for entering or leaving an investing strategy, or a barrier you've experienced. It's the personal stories that best sway legislators.