Renter Resources
Utilities
Birdtown uses FirstEnergy for electricity and Enbridge for gas. Water, sewer, and trash are billed through the city.
Issues with Landlord and/or Living Conditions
Here are some of your rights as a renter in Lakewood and Cuyahoga County.
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?
Tenants can call and leave a message at any time. Legal Aid says that callers should clearly state their name, phone number and a brief description of their housing question. A housing specialist will return the call between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday. This number is for information only. Callers will get answers to their questions and will also receive information about their rights. Some callers may be referred to other organizations for additional help. Callers who need legal assistance may be referred to Legal Aid’s intake or a neighborhood brief advice clinic.
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. Download it below or visit Legal Aid’s website at https://lasclev.org/landlordtenantlawbrochure/.
The Coalition is currently working toward having the city take action against absentee landlords in Birdtown.