Ohio Homeowners Given One-Time Chance to Exit MV Realty Contracts
By Anastasia Kotkovskaya, Director of Advocacy & Research
In early February 2026, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced a limited opportunity for Ohio homeowners to cancel long-term listing contracts with MV Realty following a state lawsuit over deceptive practices.
More than 900 Ohio homeowners who signed 40-year “Homeowner Benefit Agreements” now have until April 29 to void those contracts.
What Happened?
MV Realty’s Homeowner Benefit Program offered homeowners between $300 and $5,000 in upfront cash in exchange for exclusive listing rights for up to 40 years. Many homeowners later learned these agreements restricted their ability to sell or transfer their property and allowed MV Realty to place liens on their homes.
If a homeowner or heir sold the property without using MV Realty, the company could demand a payment of at least 3% of the home’s value, as determined by the company itself.
In 2023, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office sued MV Realty, alleging violations of Ohio real estate and consumer protection laws. A Franklin County judge issued an injunction barring the company from operating in Ohio, and MV Realty later filed for bankruptcy.
What Homeowners Can Do Now
As a result of the lawsuit, affected homeowners are being offered a one-time, 90-day window to cancel their agreements:
- Homeowners must notify MV Realty of their intent to cancel
- A $75 filing fee is required to record the termination with the county recorder
- No repayment of the incentive money paid by MV Realty is required
Both steps must be completed by April 29
MV Realty has begun sending letters to approximately 947 Ohio homeowners notifying them ofthis option. The Attorney General’s Office is also sending its own notices to the same homeowners, urging recipients to carefully review the offer.
“These agreements carried long-term financial consequences that many homeowners may not have fully understood when they signed,” Yost emphasized. “This cancellation offer gives Ohioans a rare chance to walk away.”
Why This Matters
For REALTORS®, this announcement reinforces the importance of transparency, consumer education, and protecting homeowners from practices that can create serious long-term financial harm. Homeowners who may not plan to sell for years could still face significant penalties or complications if they don’t take action now.
If you work with clients who may have participated in MV Realty’s program, encouraging them to review the Attorney General’s notice before the April 29 deadline could make a lasting difference.
Find more information about this here: Ohio Attorney General: Ohio Consumers Given the Ability to Exit Contracts With MV Realty
Anastasia Kotkovskaya
Director, Advocacy & Research
Supports Ohio REALTORS®’ legislative, regulatory, and political initiatives at the Ohio Statehouse, conducting public policy research, collaborating with stakeholders, and developing advocacy resources to keep members informed of advocacy efforts. She provides regular legislative updates through Capitol Connections and The Latest Political Buzz, and hosts the Policy Talks podcast to provide insights on key political developments. She also serves as the staff liaison for the Political Advocacy Fund Committee.
Learn more about Anastasia & her role.
