Accountability for Landlords: Cleveland Residents Demand Clean and Safe Community

Janet Williams, President of COSEROPhoto byJanet Williams

(Janet Williams is the President of COSERO. This issue is a current news story based upon current issues that she is confronting in her neighborhood.)

Cleveland, OH. Many homeowners want a clean and safe community—I do mean clean. As responsible people who have invested in their property, they have many wishes, but the one they hope renters and investors will respect is to be good neighbors. To most people, that is not much to ask for, but to others, it may remain on a wishful thinking list, and this is what angers one local group in the Cleveland Ward One Community.

The Cleveland, Ohio Southeast Residents Organization, COSERO, wants landlords, management companies, and renters held accountable and responsible for living conditions: street by street, block by block, and neighbor by neighbor. No one is exempt.

Janet Williams, President of COSERO, wants people to care for their property. "I grew up here. I raised my family in this neighborhood. I don't want it destroyed or to have a negative reputation because of the blightness and unkempt homes. We want landlords and management companies to be responsible for the conditions of their investment: cutting and trimming grass regularly, painting the brick, picking up debris, etc. Is this too much to ask?"

According to the website, Cosero is an umbrella organization that connects the local block clubs in the neighborhood to improve residents' quality of life. The specific activities that Cosero provides can vary depending on the community's needs and priorities. Still, Cosero is generally involved in various activities that promote safety, social cohesion, and community engagement.

Due to the group's dissatisfaction with the many neglected properties in their community, both vacant and occupied, COSERO is issuing a warning letter to property owners (see letter) followed by a formal complaint to the city.

Cosero Letter to LandlordsPhoto byJanet Williams, President

Williams says, "Property owners and managers, as you purchase and rent property, do so responsibly. It is your "investment. " It should be maintained to a standard you would live in."

COSERO is bent on being a better community. So, if you come here, "Do as the Romans do." In this case, keep your property up. At a minimum, keep the yard, front, and back presentable. Be a good neighbor," stated Williams.

Williams and COSERO members are determined to clean their neighborhood. "We have to live here. We want to live here in peace. The best way to honor peace is to care for the property you reside in, regardless if you are the owner. It's all about having pride where you lay your head."