AKRON, Ohio — If your landlord is not making necessary repairs to your home, you may be able to place your rent in escrow, a legal arrangement where the clerk of courts holds your rent until your landlord makes the necessary repairs to your rental property.
When you place your rent in escrow, you’re still required to make full, on-time rent payments to the clerk of courts. If you are not up to date on your rent or if you have received a letter or notice asking you to vacate the property, you may not be eligible to take this step.
To learn more about how to place your rent in escrow, visit Fair Housing Contact Service or call 330-376-6191 to talk to a Fair Housing Contact Service housing counselor.
You can request that your rental property be inspected for Environmental Health Housing Code violations. To request an inspection, call the City of Akron Housing Division at 330-375-2366.
If you are facing rodent or pest infestations, structural issues like unstable porches, walls, stairs or ceilings, electrical, plumbing or fire safety concerns, you can call Summit County Public Health at 330-926-5600 or email hhv@schd.org to submit a complaint.
This “Home in Akron” resource guide from The Devil Strip is part of a local media collaborative informed by a series of 2019 town hall meetings across Akron.
Throughout 2021, we are continuing to explore the complex issues confronting Akron’s housing and rental markets and the impact on citizens and the city’s goal of growing its population.
Project partners include the Akron Beacon Journal, The Devil Strip, WKSU, Your Voice Ohio, News Channel 5 and Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting.
Want to get involved?
Our reporters are convening small-group conversations in the coming months about housing issues in Akron. Individuals who participate will receive a $50 gift card.
To join the conversation, sign up here: https://forms.gle/QMDaFUGF46rEqodb7
