About
The Toledo Municipal Housing and Environmental Court helps people resolve housing disputes in a fair and efficient way and also works to educate the community and promote neighborhood health and safety.
About
The Toledo Municipal Housing and Environmental Court helps people resolve housing disputes in a fair and efficient way and also works to educate the community and promote neighborhood health and safety.
About
The Toledo Municipal Housing and Environmental Court helps people resolve housing disputes in a fair and efficient way and also works to educate the community and promote neighborhood health and safety.
The Honorable Judge
Joseph J. Howe
Judge Joseph J. Howe was elected in November, 2017 to serve as Judge for the Toledo Housing and Environmental Court. Judge Howe graduated Cum Laude from the University of Toledo Law School in 1997, where he was a member of the University of Toledo Law Review and a Law Merit Scholar. He was also awarded the Order of the Coif.
He was the Housing Court Prosecutor for over eleven years prior to the 2017 election. He was the recipient of the 2011 University of Toledo, College of Law Outstanding Public Service Supervisor Award. Prior to 2006, Judge Howe worked as a private attorney and spent several years as a staff attorney for the UAW Legal Services Plan in Toledo, Ohio and Clearwater, Florida, handling mostly civil consumer protection cases.
In July 1997, Judge Howe was first a Law Clerk, then quickly becoming a Judicial Staff Attorney in 1998, for the Lucas County Common Pleas Court. While still in law school, he was an Editorial Assistant for Dean Quick, UT Law, working on the Criminal Procedure Casebook for West Publishing.
Judge Joseph J. Howe was born in Napoleon, Ohio, but has resided in Toledo for over 20 years. He, his wife Jenny, and their three children live in south Toledo. In his spare time, Judge Howe is an avid runner and has participated in numerous marathons. He was the Event Coordinator and Race Organizer for the Capital Campaign Annual 5K Fundraiser. He is also an active member of Jammin' for Justice, playing drums at annual fundraisers benefiting the Neil Light Scholarship Fund and Legal Aid.
He uses knowledge garnered from over a decade of prosecuting housing court violators to ensure the Toledo Municipal Housing Court is contributing to a better life for the City's neighborhoods. He has first-hand experience working with Law Enforcement, Block Watch Groups and City Administrations in dealing with Housing Court issues. He shares the concerns of Toledo's citizens in their worry of blight in their neighborhoods. He understands the impact and the effect it has on crime.
The Honorable Judge
Joseph J. Howe
Judge Joseph J. Howe was elected in November, 2017 to serve as Judge for the Toledo Housing and Environmental Court. Judge Howe graduated Cum Laude from the University of Toledo Law School in 1997, where he was a member of the University of Toledo Law Review and a Law Merit Scholar. He was also awarded the Order of the Coif.
He was the Housing Court Prosecutor for over eleven years prior to the 2017 election. He was the recipient of the 2011 University of Toledo, College of Law Outstanding Public Service Supervisor Award. Prior to 2006, Judge Howe worked as a private attorney and spent several years as a staff attorney for the UAW Legal Services Plan in Toledo, Ohio and Clearwater, Florida, handling mostly civil consumer protection cases.
In July 1997, Judge Howe was first a Law Clerk, then quickly becoming a Judicial Staff Attorney in 1998, for the Lucas County Common Pleas Court. While still in law school, he was an Editorial Assistant for Dean Quick, UT Law, working on the Criminal Procedure Casebook for West Publishing.
Judge Joseph J. Howe was born in Napoleon, Ohio, but has resided in Toledo for over 20 years. He, his wife Jenny, and their three children live in south Toledo. In his spare time, Judge Howe is an avid runner and has participated in numerous marathons. He was the Event Coordinator and Race Organizer for the Capital Campaign Annual 5K Fundraiser. He is also an active member of Jammin' for Justice, playing drums at annual fundraisers benefiting the Neil Light Scholarship Fund and Legal Aid.
He uses knowledge garnered from over a decade of prosecuting housing court violators to ensure the Toledo Municipal Housing Court is contributing to a better life for the City's neighborhoods. He has first-hand experience working with Law Enforcement, Block Watch Groups and City Administrations in dealing with Housing Court issues. He shares the concerns of Toledo's citizens in their worry of blight in their neighborhoods. He understands the impact and the effect it has on crime.
History of The Court
Where We Started and How Far We’ve Come
During a time when housing issues were becoming overwhelming, the City and neighborhood officials decided upon a plan to resolve and address the declining houses stock.
While Toledoans took a lot of pride in the development of our city and our beautiful waterfront, we could not overlook the sight of abandoned, vandalized and dilapidated structures, scattered throughout our city.
At the urging of many concerned citizens, including the Citizens Monitoring Board, the need for Housing Court was taken under advisement.
History of The Court
Where We Started and How Far We’ve Come
During a time when housing issues were becoming overwhelming, the City and neighborhood officials decided upon a plan to resolve and address the declining houses stock.
While Toledoans took a lot of pride in the development of our city and our beautiful waterfront, we could not overlook the sight of abandoned, vandalized and dilapidated structures, scattered throughout our city.
At the urging of many concerned citizens, including the Citizens Monitoring Board, the need for Housing Court was taken under advisement.
1986
The Court Administrator's Office Funcation
After many studies and recommendations, on May 6, 1986, the Toledo City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for the General Assembly of the State of Ohio to pass legislation to establish a housing court in Toledo. Finally, after the combined efforts of many dedicated individuals representing several segments of the community and the urging of Ohio Supreme Court Justice Andy Douglas, a special docket was created to handle housing and environmental issues in Toledo Municipal Court.
After many studies and recommendations, on May 6, 1986, the Toledo City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for the General Assembly of the State of Ohio to pass legislation to establish a housing court in Toledo. Finally, after the combined efforts of many dedicated individuals representing several segments of the community and the urging of Ohio Supreme Court Justice Andy Douglas, a special docket was created to handle housing and environmental issues in Toledo Municipal Court.
After many studies and recommendations, on May 6, 1986, the Toledo City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling for the General Assembly of the State of Ohio to pass legislation to establish a housing court in Toledo. Finally, after the combined efforts of many dedicated individuals representing several segments of the community and the urging of Ohio Supreme Court Justice Andy Douglas, a special docket was created to handle housing and environmental issues in Toledo Municipal Court.
1987
1987
1987
In January of 1987, the Ohio Supreme Court granted a waiver of a court rule permitting the Toledo Municipal Court to consolidate the "housing cases" into one docket. On April 1, 1987, Toledo Municipal Court began a separate housing docket. Judge Judith Ann Lanzinger was appointed to serve as interim Housing Judge.
In January of 1987, the Ohio Supreme Court granted a waiver of a court rule permitting the Toledo Municipal Court to consolidate the "housing cases" into one docket. On April 1, 1987, Toledo Municipal Court began a separate housing docket. Judge Judith Ann Lanzinger was appointed to serve as interim Housing Judge.
In January of 1987, the Ohio Supreme Court granted a waiver of a court rule permitting the Toledo Municipal Court to consolidate the "housing cases" into one docket. On April 1, 1987, Toledo Municipal Court began a separate housing docket. Judge Judith Ann Lanzinger was appointed to serve as interim Housing Judge.
1988
1988
1988
In 1988, Judge J. Ronald Bowman was installed as the Court's first elected Housing Judge. Growth in the Environmental Court's caseload increased 60% over the number estimated, forcing changes in the very first year of operation. To regulate this change, Judge Bowman added several full-day sessions of Environmental Court in the fourth quarter of 1988.
In 1988, Judge J. Ronald Bowman was installed as the Court's first elected Housing Judge. Growth in the Environmental Court's caseload increased 60% over the number estimated, forcing changes in the very first year of operation. To regulate this change, Judge Bowman added several full-day sessions of Environmental Court in the fourth quarter of 1988.
In 1988, Judge J. Ronald Bowman was installed as the Court's first elected Housing Judge. Growth in the Environmental Court's caseload increased 60% over the number estimated, forcing changes in the very first year of operation. To regulate this change, Judge Bowman added several full-day sessions of Environmental Court in the fourth quarter of 1988.
1989
The Court Administrator's Office Funcation
On July 7, 1989, Judge Roger R. Weiher was appointed to the Environmental Court to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Ronald Bowman to the Court of Common Pleas. In November 1989 Judge Weiher was elected to fill Judge Bowman's unexpired term ending December 31, 1993. Judge Weiher was reelected in 1993, and remained the Housing Judge until he retired in December 1999. To better manage an ever-increasing caseload, Judge Weiher created a new program entitled, "Monitored Probation." This allowed defendants who were placed on the program to work with court staff in order to achieve compliance.
On July 7, 1989, Judge Roger R. Weiher was appointed to the Environmental Court to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Ronald Bowman to the Court of Common Pleas. In November 1989 Judge Weiher was elected to fill Judge Bowman's unexpired term ending December 31, 1993. Judge Weiher was reelected in 1993, and remained the Housing Judge until he retired in December 1999. To better manage an ever-increasing caseload, Judge Weiher created a new program entitled, "Monitored Probation." This allowed defendants who were placed on the program to work with court staff in order to achieve compliance.
On July 7, 1989, Judge Roger R. Weiher was appointed to the Environmental Court to fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Ronald Bowman to the Court of Common Pleas. In November 1989 Judge Weiher was elected to fill Judge Bowman's unexpired term ending December 31, 1993. Judge Weiher was reelected in 1993, and remained the Housing Judge until he retired in December 1999. To better manage an ever-increasing caseload, Judge Weiher created a new program entitled, "Monitored Probation." This allowed defendants who were placed on the program to work with court staff in order to achieve compliance.
2000
2000
2000
On January 6, 2000, Judge C. Allen McConnell was sworn in as the Environmental Court Judge to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Roger R. Weiher. Judge McConnell refined the Monitored Probation Program, now called "Community Control", and expanded the programs availability to handle the steadily increasing number of housing cases. Judge McConnell also implemented, the "First Offender's Program," which assists eligible parties to correct the conditions at their property, which is the subject of the housing case. Participants who successfully complete the program have their cases dismissed by the Court and they avoid a criminal conviction in their case.
On January 6, 2000, Judge C. Allen McConnell was sworn in as the Environmental Court Judge to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Roger R. Weiher. Judge McConnell refined the Monitored Probation Program, now called "Community Control", and expanded the programs availability to handle the steadily increasing number of housing cases. Judge McConnell also implemented, the "First Offender's Program," which assists eligible parties to correct the conditions at their property, which is the subject of the housing case. Participants who successfully complete the program have their cases dismissed by the Court and they avoid a criminal conviction in their case.
On January 6, 2000, Judge C. Allen McConnell was sworn in as the Environmental Court Judge to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Roger R. Weiher. Judge McConnell refined the Monitored Probation Program, now called "Community Control", and expanded the programs availability to handle the steadily increasing number of housing cases. Judge McConnell also implemented, the "First Offender's Program," which assists eligible parties to correct the conditions at their property, which is the subject of the housing case. Participants who successfully complete the program have their cases dismissed by the Court and they avoid a criminal conviction in their case.
2017
2017
2017
On December 21, 2017, the newly elected Judge Joseph J. Howe was sworn in as the Toledo Municipal Housing Court Judge, to replace the retiring Judge C. Allen McConnell. Judge Howe will use his 11 years of experience as a Housing Court Prosecutor to ensure that the Toledo Municipal Housing Court continues to contribute to improving the quality of life in the City's neighborhoods.
On December 21, 2017, the newly elected Judge Joseph J. Howe was sworn in as the Toledo Municipal Housing Court Judge, to replace the retiring Judge C. Allen McConnell. Judge Howe will use his 11 years of experience as a Housing Court Prosecutor to ensure that the Toledo Municipal Housing Court continues to contribute to improving the quality of life in the City's neighborhoods.
On December 21, 2017, the newly elected Judge Joseph J. Howe was sworn in as the Toledo Municipal Housing Court Judge, to replace the retiring Judge C. Allen McConnell. Judge Howe will use his 11 years of experience as a Housing Court Prosecutor to ensure that the Toledo Municipal Housing Court continues to contribute to improving the quality of life in the City's neighborhoods.
Housing Court Docket and Responsibilities
Housing Court Docket and Responsibilities
Housing Court Docket and Responsibilities
In addition to the Housing Court docket, the Housing Judge also handles his share of regular criminal and civil cases. He alternates with the six other judges by serving one week in each of the three mandatory courts: misdemeanor arraignment, felony arraignment, and duties.
In addition to the Housing Court docket, the Housing Judge also handles his share of regular criminal and civil cases. He alternates with the six other judges by serving one week in each of the three mandatory courts: misdemeanor arraignment, felony arraignment, and duties.
In addition to the Housing Court docket, the Housing Judge also handles his share of regular criminal and civil cases. He alternates with the six other judges by serving one week in each of the three mandatory courts: misdemeanor arraignment, felony arraignment, and duties.
Civil Docket
Civil Docket
Civil Docket
The Housing Court docket also includes a civil docket. Civil matters involve landlord-tenant disputes known as Forcible Entry and Detainer actions (FED's) and rent escrow under Chapter 1923 and 5321 of the Ohio Revised Code.
The Housing Court docket also includes a civil docket. Civil matters involve landlord-tenant disputes known as Forcible Entry and Detainer actions (FED's) and rent escrow under Chapter 1923 and 5321 of the Ohio Revised Code.
The Housing Court docket also includes a civil docket. Civil matters involve landlord-tenant disputes known as Forcible Entry and Detainer actions (FED's) and rent escrow under Chapter 1923 and 5321 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Housing Magistrate's Role
Housing Magistrate's Role
Housing Magistrate's Role
A Housing Magistrate hears all first causes of action cases as well as rent escrow cases wherein tenants deposit rent into an escrow account with the Court because of a dispute with the landlord. The Magistrate's orders are submitted to the Housing Court Judge for approval. In addition to approving the Magistrate's decision, any objection to the Magistrate's orders is referred to the Housing Court Judge for decision or hearing.
A Housing Magistrate hears all first causes of action cases as well as rent escrow cases wherein tenants deposit rent into an escrow account with the Court because of a dispute with the landlord. The Magistrate's orders are submitted to the Housing Court Judge for approval. In addition to approving the Magistrate's decision, any objection to the Magistrate's orders is referred to the Housing Court Judge for decision or hearing.
A Housing Magistrate hears all first causes of action cases as well as rent escrow cases wherein tenants deposit rent into an escrow account with the Court because of a dispute with the landlord. The Magistrate's orders are submitted to the Housing Court Judge for approval. In addition to approving the Magistrate's decision, any objection to the Magistrate's orders is referred to the Housing Court Judge for decision or hearing.
Expansion of Housing Court Jurisdiction
Expansion of Housing Court Jurisdiction
Expansion of Housing Court Jurisdiction
Since 1987, substantial changes have occurred in the Housing and Environmental Court as evidenced by the escalating caseload. The Housing Court's jurisdiction has expanded to include cases such as Wildlife (R.C. §1531), Hunting and Fishing (R.C. §1533), Waterways Protection and Pollution (R.C. Titles 37 and 15), and Environmental Services (Toledo Municipal Code, Chapter 9, 11, 15 and 17).
Since 1987, substantial changes have occurred in the Housing and Environmental Court as evidenced by the escalating caseload. The Housing Court's jurisdiction has expanded to include cases such as Wildlife (R.C. §1531), Hunting and Fishing (R.C. §1533), Waterways Protection and Pollution (R.C. Titles 37 and 15), and Environmental Services (Toledo Municipal Code, Chapter 9, 11, 15 and 17).
Since 1987, substantial changes have occurred in the Housing and Environmental Court as evidenced by the escalating caseload. The Housing Court's jurisdiction has expanded to include cases such as Wildlife (R.C. §1531), Hunting and Fishing (R.C. §1533), Waterways Protection and Pollution (R.C. Titles 37 and 15), and Environmental Services (Toledo Municipal Code, Chapter 9, 11, 15 and 17).
Current Housing Court Schedule
Current Housing Court Schedule
Current Housing Court Schedule
Criminal dockets are Tuesday Mornings, Friday Mornings, and Wednesday Afternoons.
Arraignment docket for first-appearance arraignments is Wednesday mornings.
Civil cases are heard by the Housing Judge on Thursdays.
Criminal dockets are Tuesday Mornings, Friday Mornings, and Wednesday Afternoons.
Arraignment docket for first-appearance arraignments is Wednesday mornings.
Civil cases are heard by the Housing Judge on Thursdays.
Criminal dockets are Tuesday Mornings, Friday Mornings, and Wednesday Afternoons.
Arraignment docket for first-appearance arraignments is Wednesday mornings.
Civil cases are heard by the Housing Judge on Thursdays.
Hours of Operation
The court is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on legal holidays, and as otherwise ordered by the court. Please refer to Court Rule 2 for more information about particular court sessions.
Judges' Division staff are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Probation Department is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Help Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Clerk's Office Criminal/Traffic Division is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Clerk's Office Civil Division, Small Claims, and Trusteeship is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Holiday Schedule 2026
Thursday, January 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day |
Monday, January 19, 2026 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
Monday, February 16, 2026 | President’s Day |
Friday, April 3, 2026 | Good Friday |
Monday, May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day |
Friday, June 19, 2026 | Juneteenth |
Friday, July 3, 2026 | Fourth of July (observed) |
Monday, September 7, 2026 | Labor Day |
Monday, October 12, 2026 | Columbus Day |
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | Veteran’s Day |
Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving Day |
Friday, November 27, 2026 | Day after Thanksgiving |
Thursday, December 24, 2026 | Christmas Eve |
Friday, December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day |
Hours of Operation
The court is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on legal holidays, and as otherwise ordered by the court. Please refer to Court Rule 2 for more information about particular court sessions.
Judges' Division staff are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Probation Department is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Help Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Clerk's Office Criminal/Traffic Division is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Clerk's Office Civil Division, Small Claims, and Trusteeship is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Holiday Schedule 2026
Thursday, January 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day |
Monday, January 19, 2026 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
Monday, February 16, 2026 | President’s Day |
Friday, April 3, 2026 | Good Friday |
Monday, May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day |
Friday, June 19, 2026 | Juneteenth |
Friday, July 3, 2026 | Fourth of July (observed) |
Monday, September 7, 2026 | Labor Day |
Monday, October 12, 2026 | Columbus Day |
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | Veteran’s Day |
Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving Day |
Friday, November 27, 2026 | Day after Thanksgiving |
Thursday, December 24, 2026 | Christmas Eve |
Friday, December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day |
Hours of Operation
The court is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except on legal holidays, and as otherwise ordered by the court. Please refer to Court Rule 2 for more information about particular court sessions.
Judges' Division staff are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Probation Department is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Help Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Clerk's Office Criminal/Traffic Division is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Clerk's Office Civil Division, Small Claims, and Trusteeship is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Holiday Schedule 2026
Thursday, January 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day |
Monday, January 19, 2026 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
Monday, February 16, 2026 | President’s Day |
Friday, April 3, 2026 | Good Friday |
Monday, May 25, 2026 | Memorial Day |
Friday, June 19, 2026 | Juneteenth |
Friday, July 3, 2026 | Fourth of July (observed) |
Monday, September 7, 2026 | Labor Day |
Monday, October 12, 2026 | Columbus Day |
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 | Veteran’s Day |
Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Thanksgiving Day |
Friday, November 27, 2026 | Day after Thanksgiving |
Thursday, December 24, 2026 | Christmas Eve |
Friday, December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day |
Parking & Directions
There is very limited metered street parking near the court building. The time permitted by meters ranges from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Most of the meters in the immediate vicinity permit only one hour of parking. Metered parking is $1.00 per hour. There is a pay parking garage across the street from the court and several pay parking lots in the general vicinity. Parking lot fees range from $1 for one-half hour to $5 for the day.
Parking & Directions
There is very limited metered street parking near the court building. The time permitted by meters ranges from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Most of the meters in the immediate vicinity permit only one hour of parking. Metered parking is $1.00 per hour. There is a pay parking garage across the street from the court and several pay parking lots in the general vicinity. Parking lot fees range from $1 for one-half hour to $5 for the day.
Parking & Directions
There is very limited metered street parking near the court building. The time permitted by meters ranges from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Most of the meters in the immediate vicinity permit only one hour of parking. Metered parking is $1.00 per hour. There is a pay parking garage across the street from the court and several pay parking lots in the general vicinity. Parking lot fees range from $1 for one-half hour to $5 for the day.
Quick Links
Court Information
Find key information on nuisance properties and resources for tenants, landlords, and homeowners.
FAQs
Get answers to common questions and find helpful resources to guide you through your court visit or case.
Local Rules
Learn about the Housing Court’s local rules so you know what to expect and how to be ready for your visit.
Quick Links
Court Information
Find key information on nuisance properties and resources for tenants, landlords, and homeowners.
FAQs
Get answers to common questions and find helpful resources to guide you through your court visit or case.
Local Rules
Learn about the Housing Court’s local rules so you know what to expect and how to be ready for your visit.
Quick Links
Court Information
Find key information on nuisance properties and resources for tenants, landlords, and homeowners.
FAQs
Get answers to common questions and find helpful resources to guide you through your court visit or case.
Local Rules
Learn about the Housing Court’s local rules so you know what to expect and how to be ready for your visit.
© 2025 Toledo Municipal Court System
© 2025 Toledo Municipal Court System
© 2025 Toledo Municipal Court System