Last month, the new requirements under H.B. 525 went into effect in Ohio.  It requires that all document presented for recording have certain margins and minimum font sizes.  If it doesn't, the filing is assessed an additional $20 fee.  The Ohio recorders have been interpreting the requirements very strictly!

The recorders have transparent overlays and if ANYTHING is in the margins, they assess the additional fee. I do mean ANYTHING.  If the borrower initials even slightly into the reserved margins... $20 more.  If the notary stamp is the least bit in the margins... $20 more.  If the page number is smaller than a 10pt font... $20 more.  Often times you can't tell by looking at it that something encroaches into the margins, but the recorders can with their transparent overlays.

Today, I received a transparent overlay in the mail from the Ohio Association of Independent Title Agents.  At least now we can tell before we get to the courthouse if there is going to be an additional recording charge.  I was wondering where I could get one of these... now I don't have to.  What a great organization, and a great idea!

Thank you, OAITA!

Robert A. Franco
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