Renter Resources
Topics covered (Click to navigate):
Housing
Issues with Landlord and/or Living Conditions
Housing Assistance
The Lakewood Community Services Center (based in Birdtown) provides a combination of case management, referrals to mainstream benefits and service providers, and cash assistance for rent and/or utilities to Lakewood residents at risk of homelessness.
Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law
The Legal Aid of Society of Cleveland provides a brochure of some of the basic Ohio Landlord-Tenant Laws. It includes: Landlord duties, tenant duties, eviction, conditions issues, retaliation, and more. Visit Legal Aid’s website at https://lasclev.org/landlordtenantlawbrochure/.
Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Do you rent your home? Do you have questions about tenant rights and responsibilities? Tenants can call Legal Aid’s Tenant Information Line for information about Ohio housing law. For Cuyahoga County tenants, call 216-861-5955.
Legal Aid provides legal services at no cost to clients with low incomes, helping ensure fairness for all in the justice system. Legal Aid is prepared to help with common questions, like:
Am I allowed to break my lease?
How can I get my landlord to make repairs?
What do I need to do to get back my security deposit?
Can I keep my service animal if my new building does not allow pets?
Do I have to keep paying rent if my landlord is not paying utilities that are his responsibility?
I received a 3-day notice, do I need to move?
How much can my landlord charge for late fees?
The Coalition is currently working toward having the city take tangible action against absentee landlords in Birdtown.