Motion to Seal Eviction Record – Cuyahoga County, Ohio

The Motion to Seal Eviction Record form is used within the Cleveland Municipal Court’s Housing Division in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, for defendants in eviction cases to request that their eviction records be sealed. The form is designed to ensure that eviction records are sealed under specific conditions, providing defendants an opportunity to mitigate the long-term impact of eviction judgments on their rental and credit histories.

This guide will help you complete this form for the Cleveland Municipal Court Housing Division. Follow these steps to ensure that the form is filled out accurately and completely:

Case Information

1. • Case Number: Write your case number in the designated space.
   • Plaintiff(s) and Defendant(s): Provide the names and contact details, including telephone numbers, of the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s) involved in the eviction case.

Judgment Information

1. • Indicate the date on which the court entered an eviction judgment. Check the appropriate box to specify the outcome:
     • The court entered an eviction judgment in favor of the landlord.
     • The court entered a judgment in your favor on the eviction claim.
     • The court dismissed the eviction claim.

Reasons for Sealing the Record

1. • Check the applicable boxes to specify the reason(s) for requesting the sealing of the eviction record. Your options include:
     • The court dismissed or entered judgment in your favor on the claim for possession.
     • The landlord dismissed the claim for possession before adjudication.
     • The landlord agreed in writing to seal the record (attach a copy of the agreement).
     • The landlord prevailed on the merits, but there were extenuating circumstances, and at least five years have passed since the judgment.
     • Other reasons (provide specific details in the space provided).

Extenuating Circumstances (if applicable)

1. • If the landlord prevailed but there were extenuating circumstances, describe these circumstances in the space provided. Ensure you meet the criteria of five years passing since the judgment and no other eviction judgments against you in any jurisdiction within the last five years.

Affidavit and Documentation

1. • Attach an affidavit attesting to the relevant facts.
   • Provide a copy of the case docket and any other required documentation to verify the grounds for sealing the record.

Signature and Verification

1. • Sign and date the form where indicated.
   • Indicate how you delivered a copy of this motion to the plaintiff or defendant (by hand or regular mail). Provide the date of delivery.

Submission

1. • Ensure all sections are completed accurately.
   • Submit the completed form to the Cleveland Municipal Court Housing Division as per their submission guidelines.

Checklist Before Submission

• Case number and contact details provided.
• Judgment information indicated and date provided.
• Appropriate reasons for sealing the record checked.
• Extenuating circumstances described (if applicable).
• Affidavit and required documentation attached.
• Form signed and delivery of copy verified.

Following this guide will help ensure that your Motion to Seal Eviction Record form is completed correctly, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome in your request to seal the eviction record.