What is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program?

The goal is to develop programs to build stronger neighborhoods by providing decent housing, proper living areas, and economic opportunities for those with low and modest incomes.

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.

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.

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.

Where can I find general resources on living in Cleveland?

There is a wealth of information in the Community section of the city's website here. Information on housing opportunities and options can be found on The Living in Cleveland Center website here.

Who do I contact about starting a Community Garden?

Contact the Ohio State University Extension Service at 216.429.8211 or the City of Cleveland Summer Sprout Program at 216.664.2025

How do I find my neighborhood community group?

Click here for a map of the CDC service areas, or call 216.928.8100 and speak with the Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition.

Where does the Department of Community Development get their funding?

The Department of Community Development is funded primarily by four grants from HUD:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) (more)
• HOME (more)
• Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) (more)
• Housing Opportunities for People with Aids (HOPWA) (more>

The Department also receives fund from the State of Ohio for the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) (more).

Does the City accept donations of produce from neighborhood gardens?

The city does not accept donations directly. We recommend that produce can be donated to the Cleveland Food Bank. They can be reached at 216.738.2265.

I heard that vacant land was available in Cleveland for as little as $1.00. Where can I find out more about this?

Call 216.664.2869 for the Division of Neighborhood Development. See the list of available properties here. Costs of the lots vary, depending on whether they are buildable or not. Non-buildable lots to be used for yard expansion can be sold to adjacent property owners for $1.00. Additional landbank information can be found at the Division of Real Estate's LandBank page here.

Can I check my property tax payment online?

Yes, there is an online app on the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer's website here.

Where can I find information on Real Estate tax?

See the Cuyahoga County Treasurer's Office.

Where can I find online information on property ownership and deed transfers?

General information on ownership is on the County Auditor's website or Cuyahoga County Recorder's Office website here.

Where can I find information on foreclosed properties?

See the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office.

Where can I find information on real estate tax abatement?

The City offers residential tax abatement through the Department of Community Development. Call the Development Office of this department at 216.664.4000, (Fax 216.664.4006) or see the City's online residential tax abatement information here.

How can I apply for tax exemptions on residential real property?

For city ordinance and property eligibility information, click here.