Where Can I Get Rent Assistance or Eviction Help in Ohio?
Ohio renters facing rent trouble or eviction can get free help from legal aid programs, state agencies, and hotlines. The list below shows who each organization helps and how to reach them, including which counties they serve. Contact more than one if you are not sure where to start.
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Ohio Legal Help (ohiolegalhelp.org). This website has information on housing topics. Topics include eviction, repairs, landlords, security deposits, and mobile homes. It also covers subsidized housing (private housing where the government helps pay part of the rent). And it covers foreclosure (when a lender takes a property because the owner missed payments).
✓ Details checked September 29, 2026
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Legal Aid Line connects renters in 32 counties of northwest and west central Ohio with free help, including for housing problems. Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) and Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) run this service. All of their services are free. Call 1-877-894-4599.
✓ Details checked September 29, 2026
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Legal Aid Society of Cleveland gives free legal help on housing and other civil legal issues to people with low incomes across Northeast Ohio. Their services include legal advice clinics in neighborhoods. Apply for help or find a clinic at lasclev.org.
✓ Details checked September 29, 2026
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Ohio 211 connects renters by phone to local housing and utility (water, electric, gas) assistance, and other help across Ohio. Call 211 or 888-OHIO-211.
✓ Details checked September 29, 2026
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The Ohio Civil Rights Commission enforces Ohio's laws against discrimination and takes charges from people who believe they were treated unfairly. File a charge online or call 1-888-278-7101.
✓ Details checked September 24, 2026
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The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) makes a once a year payment directly to your heating or cooling utility (such as electric or gas) bill. The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) helps people who qualify manage energy bills year round. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services runs these programs. To apply, visit energyhelp.ohio.gov or contact your local energy assistance provider. You can also call the department at 614-466-6282.
✓ Details checked September 27, 2026
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The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies helps you find your local Community Action Agency, which is dedicated to helping people in your community. Search by county at oacaa.org or call 614-224-8500.
✓ Details checked September 29, 2026
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) works with housing counseling agencies across the country. These agencies help renters make informed housing decisions. Go to hud.gov/findacounselor. Search by zip code or select Ohio as the state to find an agency near you.
✓ Details checked September 24, 2026
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