WARREN — A law set to take effect in a few weeks regulates companies that lure property owners into paying more than they have to for deeds.

The bill prohibits the companies from charging a fee of more than four times the amount the county recorder’s office charges and requires the companies to inform the property owner how much the recorder’s office charges. Trumbull County Recorder Tod Latell praised the bill.

“Amended House Bill 52 comes in response to deed solicitation scams plaguing many Ohioans, including elderly and first-time homeowners, whereby companies outside of Ohio will send official looking notifications to homeowners informing them that they need a copy of their property deed for a charge of $80-$90. Typically unbeknownst to the homeowner, they can obtain a copy of their deed from the county recorder’s office for a minimal fee,” a statement from Latell’s office states.