Consumer Affairs - FAQs

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.

From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights

Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 10:08am

Q969
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.

From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights

Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 10:09am

Q970
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.

From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights

Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 10:09am

Q978
Can the Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs staff serve as my attorney?

No employee of the Office of Consumer Affairs can act as your private attorney.

If you need legal advice, seek counsel from either a private attorney, the Legal Aid Society, or other organizations. Contact or visit the Cleveland Bar Association to learn how to find a lawyer and to see if you qualify for a free attorney or other legal aid.

From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights

Last updated: 03/25/2015 - 1:13pm

Q979
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.

From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights

Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 10:10am

Q980
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

From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights

Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 10:10am

Q981
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.

From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights

Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 10:12am

Q982
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.

From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights

Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 10:11am

Q983
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.

From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights

Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 10:16am

Q1002
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

From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights

Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 10:10am

Q1003

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