As the year draws to a close and many prepare for the holiday season, landlords should take note of an important proposed amendment to Rule 3.7 of the Dayton Municipal Court’s Forcible Entry and Detainer procedures. While this time of year often brings a natural pause, the Court is signaling a shift that warrants immediate attention. The proposed rule highlights the growing importance of thorough and accurate documentation in eviction cases, particularly when nonpayment of rent is involved.
Under the amendment, landlords filing an eviction will be required to attach a full rental ledger or equivalent financial record covering the relevant period. In cases based on nonpayment of rent, the Complaint must also include an itemized ledger detailing how the average was calculated at the time of filing. The rule makes clear that failure to provide these documents may result in dismissal, continuance, or other court-ordered remedies. In practical terms, inadequate or incomplete ledgers can delay the eviction timeline, increase costs, and complicate recovery efforts.
For our landlord clients, this proposal serves as a timely reminder that careful and consistent record-keeping is not simply advisable—it is becoming indispensable. Courts are trending toward heightened scrutiny of eviction documentation, and Dayton’s proposed rule reinforces that movement. Maintaining clear monthly records, capturing all payments, charges, and balances, and avoiding reliance on hastily assembled figures will be essential to ensuring that eviction filings proceed without avoidable setbacks.
Our firm will continue to monitor this rule change and provide updates as they develop. In the meantime, this holiday season offers an opportunity to review your internal practices and ensure your rental records are complete, organized, and ready to support future filings. Strong documentation remains one of the most effective ways to protect your interests and promote efficient case resolution in the year ahead.
If you are a landlord and need eviction counsel, contact the author at 937-223-1130 or djohnson@pselaw.com.
