LAWO Responds Quickly to Urgent Eviction Threat at Executive Towers

On Monday, August 4, Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) began receiving urgent calls from residents of Executive Towers, an apartment complex in Toledo’s Old West End. Tenants were alarmed after receiving notices from the property management company stating that current residents had just a few days to vacate their units after the city issued a nuisance order because of needed repairs. The notice directed all tenants to leave by August 8, offering few alternative housing options and support.

In response, LAWO immediately coordinated with the City of Toledo, United Way 211, the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board, and the Area Office on Aging. Together, they discussed the legal implications, the misinformation that was being communicated to residents and community members, and organized a community meeting for affected tenants the following evening, Tuesday, August 5, at the Toledo Lucas County Public Library Main Branch.

At the meeting, tenants learned that the vacate notice had been rescinded and that they would not be forced to leave their homes. This reversal came after growing pressure from tenants, media outlets, and community advocates who made the issue public. Media coverage revealed extensive concerns at Executive Towers, including mold, water damage, and other unsafe living conditions.

During the meeting, LAWO attorneys Veronica Martinez and Taylor Burns delivered a Housing Know Your Rights presentation, educating tenants on landlord-tenant laws, the importance of documentation, and options such as rent escrow for those who wish to remain in their homes while repairs are completed.

Community partners also provided vital resources:

• The Fair Housing Center discussed legal rights and offered support for tenants interested in forming a tenant union.
• United Way 211 shared how residents could connect with services specific to special populations such as older adults and people with disabilities.
• Toledo City Councilwoman Vanice Williams encouraged tenants to speak up and share their stories so the City could hold property owners accountable.

Additional LAWO staff assisted residents with questions, legal intake, and support at the event, including Paul Okafor, Nat Rodriguez-Steen, and Patty Hernández. Emily Desmond from ABLE was also present for additional support.

Media coverage from WTOL, 13ABC, and the Toledo Blade helped bring attention to the issue and amplify residents’ voices. Read the full coverage here:

• WTOL: Toledo meeting aims to inform Executive Towers tenants of renters’ rights
• WTOL: Executive Towers tenants react to order to vacate entire building
• WTOL: Executive Towers Toledo residents must vacate due to plumbing
• 13ABC: Residents express concerns after Executive Towers reverses decision on lease terminations
• 13ABC: An inside look at Executive Towers apartments after City of Toledo deems complex a public nuisance
• 13ABC: Residents given five days to move out of Toledo apartment complex due to water leak
• 13ABC: Executive Towers changes course, says residents can stay amid repairs
• 13ABC: Executive Towers tenants get letter from management company, are given 5 days to leave
• Toledo Blade: Mass eviction reversed as housing advocates meet with Executive Towers residents

LAWO remains committed to defending tenants' rights and preventing unlawful or unsafe evictions. Tenants in need of assistance can apply for free legal help at www.LegalAidLine.org.