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.
Consumer Affairs - FAQs
Is a contractor required to be licensed, bonded and insured to work in the City of Cleveland?
From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Building and Housing
Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 11:04am
Q984
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.
From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Building and Housing
Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 11:04am
Q998
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.
From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Building and Housing
Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 11:05am
Q1001
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
From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Building and Housing
Last updated: 03/26/2015 - 11:05am
Q1007
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.
From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Building and Housing
Last updated: 04/08/2015 - 6:18pm
Q1011
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 receive home weatherization services.
From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Building and Housing
Last updated: 04/08/2015 - 6:23pm
Q1015
What is fair housing?
Fair housing is a right, not a privilege. It is your right under the law to compete equally for housing, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or family status.
From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Fair Housing
Last updated: 03/25/2015 - 11:41am
Q888
How do I know if I'm a victim of discrimination?
You may be concerned if you hear any of the following statements:
- We had an apartment, but someone just put a deposit on it.
- Sorry, we just rented the last apartment.
- The apartment won't be available for several months.
- You probably wouldn't like it here.
- This apartment is a little expensive, isn't it?
- We can't make an appointment for you now, why don't you call back?
- I know of a nice area where most of the people speak your language.
- We can't have three generations living in one apartment.
- I think there's a synagogue a few miles from here. You might want to try that area.
- You do go to church, don't you?
- The rental deposit for male tenants is a little higher because they don't keep the place as neat.
- We'd like to keep it "male only" because we don't want any "trouble".
- What income do you have besides child support and alimony?
- I might have a vacancy - how badly do you want it, honey?
- We don't allow children on the second floor.
- I'm sorry, we only rent to working people.
- Your income has to be four times the rent.
- We can't allow you to widen any doorways to accommodate your wheelchair.
- You will have to wait for the first available parking place, and we can't guarantee you the space outside your unit.
From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Fair Housing
Last updated: 03/02/2015 - 12:28pm
Q889
What can I do if I suspect I am a victim of housing discrimination?
- Call the City of Cleveland Fair Housing Board at 216-664-2018 and make an intake appointment.
- Gather paperwork: lease, mortgage, written correspondence, names/phone numbers of witnesses.
- Keep your investigator informed of changes in your address or phone number during the investigation.
- Work cooperatively with your investigator - the burden of proof of discrimination is yours.
From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Fair Housing
Last updated: 03/25/2015 - 11:42am
Q890
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.
From:
Office of Fair Housing & Consumer Affairs
Category:
Consumer Rights
Last updated: 04/08/2015 - 6:23pm
Q966
