Frequently Asked
Questions

Rent is due on the 1st of each month. We offer a 5-day grace period until the 5th before late fees apply. Setting up autopay through RentRedi is the easiest way to make sure you're never late.

You can pay rent online 24/7 through your tenant portal at RentRedi.com. We accept ACH bank transfers (free), debit cards, and credit cards (small processing fee applies). Autopay is available and highly recommended.

Yes — and we strongly encourage it. Log into your RentRedi account, navigate to Payments, and set up recurring ACH or card payments. It takes 2 minutes and means you'll never worry about a late payment again.

Contact us before the due date — don't wait. We understand that financial difficulties happen, and we may be able to work out a short-term payment plan. The worst thing you can do is go silent. Communication always leads to better outcomes than avoidance.

We prefer electronic payment through the RentRedi portal for everyone's security and convenience. If you have difficulty setting up online payments, contact our office and we'll help you get set up.

You have two options: submit a request online at clevelandcomforthousing.com/maintenance (available 24/7), or call our office at (216) 490-0217. For non-emergency requests, the online form is fastest because it automatically routes to our maintenance team.

True emergencies requiring immediate response include: no heat when it's below 65°F outside (Ohio law requires landlords to provide heat), active water leaks or flooding, gas leaks (leave the property and call the gas company first), complete loss of electricity, broken door locks or windows affecting security, and any situation posing immediate danger to health or safety. For emergencies, call us immediately at (216) 490-0217 — even after hours.

Emergency requests: same-day response. Urgent issues (non-working appliances, plumbing that's functional but problematic): within 24–48 hours. Routine maintenance (general wear-and-tear fixes): typically within 3–5 business days. We'll confirm receipt of your request and update you on timing.

Tenants handle minor consumables: light bulbs, air filters (we recommend changing every 90 days), and minor pest prevention. We handle all structural repairs, appliance replacements, HVAC service, plumbing, electrical, roof, and anything related to building systems. Damage caused by tenant negligence may be billed to the tenant — your lease has full details.

No — never hire your own contractors for property repairs without written approval. Unauthorized repairs can void warranties, create safety issues, and may be deducted from your security deposit. Always submit a maintenance request and let us handle it.

Standard leases are 12 months. We may consider 6-month or month-to-month leases in certain situations at a slightly higher monthly rate. Ask about options when you inquire about a property.

Absolutely — most of our tenants renew, and we prefer long-term relationships. We reach out 60–90 days before your lease expiration to discuss renewal options and any changes to rent. You're never left guessing.

Early termination has consequences outlined in your lease agreement, typically including a fee equivalent to 1–2 months' rent. However, Ohio law (ORC 5321.14) requires us to make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit — you only owe rent for periods the unit remains vacant. Ohio also has legal exceptions for military orders (SCRA) and documented domestic violence situations (ORC 5321.051). Contact us as soon as you know — the earlier we know, the better we can work together on a solution.

Some of our properties are pet-friendly with an additional pet deposit and monthly pet rent. Restrictions apply on breed and size. Check the individual property listing or contact us to ask about a specific property. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are handled separately under fair housing law — contact us to discuss your documentation.

Short-term guests are welcome. Any person staying longer than 14 consecutive days or 30 days total in a year must be added to the lease. All permanent occupants must pass our screening process. Unauthorized occupants are a lease violation.

Subletting requires written approval from Cleveland Comfort Housing. Unauthorized subletting — including Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms — is a lease violation and grounds for eviction.

Apply online at clevelandcomforthousing.com/apply. We'll run a credit check, background check, and verify income and rental history. There is no application fee. Qualified applicants typically receive a decision within 24–48 business hours. We follow all fair housing laws and evaluate all applicants on the same criteria.

At move-in, you'll need: first month's rent, security deposit (typically 1 month's rent), and proof of active renters insurance. All adults living in the unit must have signed the lease before receiving keys.

Yes. All tenants must maintain renters insurance for the full duration of their lease. This is non-negotiable and protects your personal belongings — our property insurance covers the building, not your stuff. Renters insurance typically costs $15–$30/month and is worth every penny. We'll need a certificate of insurance or proof of coverage before move-in.

Before or on your move-in day, you'll complete a move-in condition checklist documenting every room, fixture, and appliance. Take photos. This protects you at move-out by establishing a clear baseline — we can only deduct security deposit for damage beyond normal wear and tear, and the inspection is your proof.

Give proper written notice (check your lease — typically 30–60 days), leave the property clean and in the same condition as move-in (less normal wear and tear), and attend the move-out inspection. Under Ohio law (ORC 5321.16), we must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out, with an itemized list of any deductions. Normal wear and tear — scuffs, small nail holes, carpet wear from regular use — cannot be deducted.

This varies by property. Most of our properties require tenants to set up and pay for electric (Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company / FirstEnergy), gas (Enbridge Gas Ohio, formerly Dominion Energy Ohio), and water/sewer. Your specific lease will spell out exactly who's responsible for what. Ask before you sign if you're uncertain.

Contact utility providers directly before your move-in date to establish service. For electricity: The Illuminating Company (CEI, a FirstEnergy company) at 1-800-589-3101, or Ohio Edison at 1-800-633-4766 in the Akron area. For gas: Enbridge Gas Ohio (formerly Dominion Energy Ohio) at 1-800-362-7557. For water: contact the City of Cleveland Water Division at 216-664-3130. Give yourself at least 3–5 business days before your move-in date. We'll provide any account or service address details you need.

Most of our properties include dedicated off-street parking. Check the individual property listing for details. Street parking rules vary by city — in Cleveland, check neighborhood-specific parking restrictions.

Yes — you're responsible for setting up your own internet and cable service. Major providers serving our properties include Spectrum, AT&T, and T-Mobile Home Internet. In Cleveland, you may also qualify for Spectrum's low-income internet program (Spectrum Internet Assist) if you receive SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.

Trash pickup and recycling are typically city services. In Cleveland, residential trash pickup is weekly (curbside). Check Cleveland Public Works at city.cleveland.oh.us for your pickup schedule. In Garfield Heights and Akron, schedules differ — we'll provide that information at move-in.

Minor decor that leaves no lasting damage — removable adhesive hooks, temporary wallpaper, etc. — is generally fine. Painting walls requires written approval. If approved, walls must typically be returned to original color at move-out unless otherwise agreed in writing.

You must get written approval before adding or changing any locks. If approved, you must provide Cleveland Comfort Housing with a copy of the key or security code. Unauthorized lock changes are a lease violation and can be a safety issue for emergency access.

Small TV antennas are generally permitted inside the unit. External dishes or antennas require approval and must not damage the exterior of the property.

All Cleveland Comfort Housing properties are smoke-free. No smoking of any substance — cigarettes, cigars, marijuana, or e-cigarettes/vaping — is permitted inside the unit. Violations can result in lease termination and significant cleaning deductions from your security deposit.

Ohio law requires landlords to maintain heating facilities capable of maintaining 65°F when outdoor temperature is below 65°F. If your heat isn't working, submit an emergency maintenance request immediately. If we fail to respond within a reasonable time, you have rights under ORC 5321.07.

Ohio law requires landlords to give 24 hours notice before entering, except in genuine emergencies. We respect your privacy and will always notify you in advance for scheduled inspections, maintenance, or showings.

Normal wear and tear is deterioration that happens during regular, careful use — small nail holes from pictures, minor carpet wear in high-traffic areas, small scuffs on walls. This cannot be deducted from your deposit. Damage includes large holes in walls, stains, broken fixtures, excessive filth, and any damage beyond what happens with normal living.

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland offers free legal help to qualifying low-income renters: call 216-687-1900 or visit lasclev.org. Cleveland Tenants Organization provides advocacy and advice: 216-881-0401. Ohio Legal Help (ohiolegalhelp.org) has free self-help tools for landlord-tenant issues statewide.