I think the contractor I hired is not doing a good job on my project. Can the City help me?

If you feel the contractor you hired is doing an improper or poor job, contact the Department of Building and Housing at 216.664.2282 and request that an inspector inspect the project.

Is a contractor required to be licensed, bonded and insured to work in the City of Cleveland?

Yes! You can verify if a contractor is licensed, bonded and insured to do work in Cleveland by calling the Department of Building & Housing at 216.664.2910.

Are there any City of Cleveland home repair assistance programs that I can apply for ?

Some Cleveland seniors and disabled residents qualify for home repair assistance, and those who meet certain criteria may recieve home weatherization services. You may also be eligible for a paint refund.

I need some home repairs and don't have the money. The contractor told me about a finance company. Is this safe?

Not all loans or lenders are equal, so shop around. The cost of doing business with high-cost lenders can be excessive and abusive. For example, "predatory lenders" target homeowners who are elderly or have low incomes or credit problems. They deceive them about terms or give them loans they cannot repay.

You may be able to receive some assistance or a low interest loan click here.

What do I need to know when hiring a contractor?

Get estimates from at least 3 contractors to compare prices

Interview each contractor, ask for references, and check them.

If the work is to be done in Cleveland, verify that the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured by calling 216.664.2910

Check with the Better Business Bureau (216.241.7678) for complaints

Avoid oral contracts! Insist on a written contract which includes:

• contractor’s name
• address
• telephone number
• license/registration number
• complete description of all work to be done
• start and end date
• total price
• any additions or changes made
• any warranties including timelines

What if the contractor failed to pull a permit for work done on my home?

Failure to pull a permit may result in a fine (to the property owner) from the Department of Building & Housing, but not all contractor work requires a permit. For additional information contact the Department of Building & Housing at 216.664.2282.

How do I get telemarketers to stop calling?

You can register online on the National Do Not Call Registry website, or call 1.888.382.1222.

What is small claims court?

Small Claims Court is part of the court system which allows an inexpensive, informal way to resolve a dispute with an individual or a business. An attorney is not required, but you may use one if you prefer. For additional information contact the Cleveland Municipal Court at 216.664.4966

Are all cars covered under the Lemon Law?

No, Ohio's Lemon Law only covers new vehicles in the first 18,000 miles or less than one year old. For additional information, contact the Ohio Attorney General Office at 1.800.282.0515.

I hired a contractor who never finished the job. What can I do?

If the contractor is not responding to or cooperating with you, contact Consumer Affairs at 216.664.4529 and a representative can assist in trying to resolve your problem.

How do I file a small claims suit against a business or company ?

Small Claims suits are filed at the Clerk of Court’s office on the 2nd floor of the Justice Center.
To file, you must supply the name(s) and address of the person(s) you wish to sue and any information you have regarding your claim.

When filing against a business you must have the first and last name of the owner, unless the business is a corporation. If you are suing a corporation, the correct corporation name should be on the complaint. You can search online or contact the Secretary of State of Ohio (Toll Free: 877.767.3910) to obtain the corporation name and the name and address of its statutory agent. The statutory agent is appointed by the corporation to accept legal papers.

What is the maximum amount of a small claims suit?

The maximum amount of damages which can be requested in Small Claims Court is $3,000.00. There is a $31.00 filing fee that must be paid at the time of filing, and an additional charge of $5.00 per defendant if you are suing more than one person

I filed a consumer complaint, but I'm not satisfied with the response I received from the business I filed the complaint against. What can I do now?

Consumer Affairs makes every attempt to procure a satisfactory response for the consumer. However, the office cannot force a business to satisfy any complaint, since the mediation process relies on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business. If you feel you have been wrongly charged for services or products, you can file in Small Claims Court for claims of $3,000 and less.

What should I do if I gave a contractor a down payment to start work but he never returned to do the job?

File a police report and contact the Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs at 216.664.4529 to file a complaint.

How can I verify if a contractor has had complaints filed against his company ?

You can check on contractor complaints through the following agencies:

• City of Cleveland Building & Housing at 216.664.2910
• Office of the Attorney General at 216.787.3030
• Better Business Bureau at 216.623.8964
• City of Cleveland Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs at 216.664.4529

I think I was ripped off! How do I file a complaint with the Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs?

If you are a Cleveland resident or have purchased a product or service from a business or company based in Cleveland, you may file several ways:

• By phone: call 216.664.4529, weekdays 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
• By fax: 216.664.4006
• By mail: City of Cleveland, Department of Community Development, Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs, 601 Lakeside Avenue, Room 320, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

If submitting by fax or mail, include a statement about your complaint and supply copies (not originals) of all pertinent information (business/company contact information, contracts, estimates, invoices, receipts etc.). The office will contact you within three business days.

What can I do to avoid losing my home to foreclosure ?

Call the Cuyahoga County Foreclosure Intervention and Prevention Program at 216.436.2000. In addition, several foreclosure-related assistance providers can be reached through First Call For Help by dialing "211"

What should I know before refinancing?

These tips can help you make a wise decision:

• Be careful! Variable rate loan payments can increase drastically, while fixed rate loan payments don't change
• Do not refinance low-interest loans with higher interest ones
• Consider the total of all fees- including closing costs
• See if there are prepayment penalties
• Ask if the monthly payment includes property taxes and insurance
• If you're not sure, DON'T SIGN! Consumer credit agencies or housing counselors can assist you. Dial First Call for Help at 211 for the location nearest you

What should I know before making a final payment to a contractor?

Following these steps can help protect your rights and investment. Make sure:

• All work meets the standards indicated in your contract
• You have a copy of the contractor's City of Cleveland License/Registration Certificate
• You have written warranties for materials and workmanship
• You have proof that subcontractors and suppliers have been paid. Laws may allow a mechanic's lien to be filed against your home to satisfy unpaid bills!
• All excess material, tools and equipment have been cleared away and the site has been cleaned to your satisfaction
• You have inspected and approved the project

What can I do to research the value of a used car?

To help you investigate and compare prices, several publications are available that give general guidance on value for many models. Your library, bookstore, bank or insurance agent should have a copy of the monthly National Automotive Dealers Association Official Used Car Guide, monthly Kelley Blue Book or Edmund's to estimate a car's resale value. Comparing prices of similar makes and models can give you an idea of which seller offers the best deals.

Where can I go to get a report of my credit history?

A recent amendment to the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting companies to provide you with free copies of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

• Equifax: 1-800-997-2493
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion: 1-800-888-4213

There's only one online source authorized to do so. Beware of other sites that may look and sound similar.

What types of issues are handled by The Department of Community Development, Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs?

The Department of Community Development, Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs (web page) investigates and works to resolve complaints related to Fair Housing, real estate fraud, predatory lending, home improvement/repair contracting, unlicensed business practices, consumer scams and unfair sales practices (false warranties, questionable sales and repairs which are unneeded or without estimates).

The Office, which can be reached at 216.664.4529, coordinates and conducts educational activities including literature distribution, presentations,seminars and workshops with the goal of increasing consumer protection and financial literacy.

I have filed a complaint with Consumer Affairs. Who is handling it?

Within three business days after your complaint file is opened, you will receive a letter with the name and phone number of the person assigned to your case. In addition, you will receive a verification checklist concerning your case.