Cincinnati Tenants’ Guide
Provides information on: Rent and Utility Assistance, Legal Information, Repairs and Conditions, Rent Escrow, Security Deposits and Moving, Leases and Fees, Evictions, Terminations and Discriminations.

Provided by City of Cincinnati.

Homeowners in Hamilton County who are outside of the City of Cincinnati, have it easier than ever to make essential repairs with the launch of the new Revive + Thrive Home Repair Loan Program powered by LISC Greater Cincinnati. This loan program is expected to be available for Cincinnati residents in the coming months but for now, it is for participating jurisdictions within Hamilton County except Cincinnati (see list of participating communities here).

Applicants with incomes at or below 80% of the Area Median Income may be eligible for the program that has a below-market 2% interest rate. This translates to $75,500 for a family of three and $58,700 for a single person. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000, providing the flexibility to address a wide range of repair needs, including electrical repairs, furnace, roof, siding, plumbing, door and window replacement, and similar projects.

APPLY – https://www.hamiltoncountyhome.org/

CALL – 211 United Way Helpline

INFO – Frequently Asked Questions

The HomeSafe Property Tax Relief Program (“HomeSafe”) is a program run by the City of Cincinnati in partnership with the Hamilton County Treasurer’s Office, that provides property tax relief of up to $10,000.00 to low-to-moderate income homeowners who are currently delinquent on their property taxes. There is currently $1,000,000 available to this program.

The Hamilton County Auditor is required by Ohio Law to value properties twice during a six-year cycle. Within the cycle the county must reappraise and perform revaluations of all properties. Due to the recent revaluations, property owners have seen an unexpected increase in their property taxes. This increase in property taxes has created a unique crisis and burden on low-to moderate income homeowners. Homeownership is often a pathway to housing stability and generational wealth building and HomeSafe aims to help keep qualified residents in their homes.

This program helps:
Homeowners within City Limits (up to a 4-unit owner-occupied building)
Individuals who are at 80% or below Area Median Income* (“AMI”)

VISIT HomeSafe Property Tax Relief Program | ChooseCin

The Hamilton County Home Improvement Program (HIP) is a low interest loan program offered in partnership with Northside Bank.

HIP is not an income qualified program. Property owners must be current in their property taxes and properties must be assessed at less than $350,000 by the County Auditor to be eligible. Northside Bank has typically home equity loan requirements around income, equity and credit scores.

VISIT – https://www.hamiltoncountyohio.gov/community/home_improvement_program_hip.php

The Hamilton County HVAC Repair and Replacement Program has limited funding to provide repair or replacement of HVAC units for qualified, eligible individuals.

Eligibility Criteria

This program is open to the following individuals:

• Homeowner age 18+
• Reside within a participating jurisdiction in Hamilton County. (Excludes City of Cincinnati, Indian Hill, Blue Ash, Terrace Park and Evendale)
• Meet program income limits as noted below
• This program is funded by a grant from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Services are restricted to persons who earn 80% or less than the area median income.

For more information

If you have questions, please call Council On Aging at (513) 743-9000 or visit Hamilton County HVAC Repair and Replacement Program (help4seniors.org)

VISIT – Hamilton County HVAC Repair and Replacement Program

CALL – (513) 743-9000

The Hamilton County Landbank’s Home Repair Program offers funding for resident homeowners to make repairs to address exterior code violations and critical repairs.

Who is Eligible:

• Homeowners current on real estate taxes or currently in a payment plan
• Income at or below 80% AMI
• Located in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati (location changes annually)
• Owner-occupied
• Active code violation order(s) or critical repairs

How to Apply:

VISIT – https://www.cincinnatiport.org/our-work/neighborhood-residential-commercial-revitalization-2/reach-home-rehab/home-repair-program/

EMAIL – homerepair@cincinnatiport.org

CALL – (513) 621-3000

Hamilton County Commissioners developed a Senior Utility Assistance and Home Repair Program to help eligible older adults with utility bills and home repairs. The program is open to Hamilton County residents age 60 and older, who do not qualify for other assistance programs. Visit Council on Aging’s website for more information.

Who is Eligible:

• Hamilton County residents ages 60 and over
• Older adult or other family member in the household currently paying the utility bill
• Ineligible for other assistance programs
• Household income 175%-300% of poverty

The Aging in Place Program is dedicated to assisting older homeowners make their home a safe and comfortable place to live. The program serves homeowners aged 60 and older and focuses on accessibility improvements, mobility modifications, and critical home repairs.

Types of repairs include: Modifications or repair to improve mobility, accessibility, and safety, such as grab bars, wheelchair ramps and widened doorways; Other projects as budget allows, possibly including fixing broken windows, repairing water leaks, electrical repairs and other work that fits within the guidelines of the AIP program.

Eligibility:

• At or below 80% AMI.
• 60 years old or older
• Home must be a owner-occupied single-family house or condominium unit (not a mobile home)
• Applicant must be current on all property taxes, mortgage(s) and have homeowner’s insurance

Completed applications can be submitted by mail to:

Habitat for Humanity Greater Cincinnati
4910 Para Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Attention: Veteran Repair Program

VISIT – https://www.habitatcincinnati.org/repair

DOWNLOAD – Aging in Place Program Application

APPLY – Request application via mail

EMAIL – repair@habitatcincinnati.org

Habitat’s Critical Home Repair program is an extension of our mission to build strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter. It helps families maintain and stay in their homes, and contributes to neighborhood stabilization and revitalization.

Repairs can be interior or exterior work performed to alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or code violations, including a change to or repair of materials or components; a reconfiguration of space, a modification for accessibility; installation or extension of plumbing, mechanical or electrical systems on an existing structure.

Must be owner-occupied; Housing costs for applicants must be below 30% of their income; the household must invest 16 hours in the project; mobile homes are not eligible.

VISIT – https://www.habitatcincinnati.org/repair

EMAIL – repair@habitatcincinnati.org

Hamilton County Public Health was awarded $2 million from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program. Funding is available to reduce lead paint hazards in homes built before 1978 and address healthy housing issues such as ventilation and moisture control. This program is available for low-income families who have a child under the age of 6 years old, a pregnant woman, or where a child under 6 years old spends time. There are no fees or out of pocket expenses in most cases to participate in this program.

Eligibility

Open to residents of Hamilton County, excluding residents of the cities of Cincinnati, Norwood, and Springdale. Households must:

• include a child under the age of 6, a pregnant woman, or a child under the age of 6 regularly visits
• reside in a single family or multi-family property with four units or less (at least one bedroom per unit) that was built before 1978
• have an income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI)
• be current on payments for property taxes and mortgage payments (if applicable)
• have connected and functional utilities, including water and electricity

VISIT – https://hamiltoncountyhealth.org/services/lead/

CALL – (513) 366-4697

EMAIL – cinlead@pwchomerepairs.org

Hamilton County Commissioners have launched the Lead Safe Hamilton County after receiving $5.3 million in state funding as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to make more of Ohio’s older homes safer for children who have been potentially exposed to lead hazards. Through this FREE program, funds are available for various repairs that can proactively prevent and mitigate these lead hazards, even if a child doesn’t live in the home.

Homeowners in Hamilton County with homes built before 1978 may be eligible for the program. Households with incomes at or below 80% of Area Median Income will be prioritized. This translates to $72,850 for a family of three and $56,650 for a single person living alone. Households above 80% AMI may be eligible if they meet eligibility requirements. Qualified lead-safe renovations will depend on your property’s specific needs and the home’s condition, which will be evaluated as part of the award process. The Lead Safe Hamilton County program does not require a child to live in the home.

Homeowners can call WIN at (513) 514-0819 to determine their eligibility for the program or email homerepair@wincincy.org.

VISIT – http://leadsafehamiltoncounty.org/

INFO – Lead Safe Hamilton County Press Release

FAQS – Lead Safe Hamilton County FAQs

CALL – (513) 514-0819

EMAIL – homerepair@wincincy.org

People Working Cooperatively (PWC) is a non-profit agency that began in 1975 as a way to help very low-income elderly, disabled, and other residents of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky maintain their homes with critical home repairs and energy conservation services.

PWC provides critical – not cosmetic – home repair services to its clients. This type of home maintenance is performed by PWC’s trained, licensed and bonded staff of skilled tradespeople, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and HVAC technicians.

Services Available:

• Emergency Home Repairs – broken water lines, lack of heat, electrical hazards, roof leaks, etc.
• Critical Home Repairs – roof replacements, plumbing repairs, electrical service repairs, furnace replacements, accessibility modifications, etc.
• Home Modifications for Mobility – handicapped-accessible ramps, grab bars, bathroom modifications, kitchen modifications, etc.
• Weatherization – carbon monoxide check, energy efficiencies, etc.
• Electric Partnership Program – reduce the need for electricity, make your money count, help you reduce growth of PIPP arrearage

Call at (513) 351-7921 to start an application over the phone. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm.

VISIT – https://www.pwchomerepairs.org/home-repairs

CALL – (513) 351-7921

The Veteran Repair Program helps veterans and surviving spouses thrive by creating healthier, safer home environments by completing needed critical repairs and home improvements. This program assists military connected individuals of any age across the tri-state region.

Repairs must be interior or exterior work performed to alleviate critical health, life and safety issues or code violations, such as: Modifications for accessibility such as tub to shower conversions, ramps, and grab bars; Exterior repairs such as roofs, gutter, and siding repair; Limited interior repairs such as furnace, hot water heater, electric, and plumbing repair

Eligibility:

• At or below 80% AMI.
• Applicant must have served or is currently serving in the military or is the surviving spouse of a veteran who has served in the United States military and received an honorable or general discharge.
• Home must be a owner-occupied single-family house or condominium unit (not a mobile home)
• Applicant must be current on all property taxes, mortgage(s) and have homeowner’s insurance

Completed applications can be submitted by mail to:

Habitat for Humanity Greater Cincinnati
4910 Para Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45237
Attention: Veteran Repair Program

VISIT – https://www.habitatcincinnati.org/repair

DOWNLOAD – Veteran Repair Program Application

APPLY – Request application via mail

EMAIL – repair@habitatcincinnati.org

Repairs are intended to remediate code violations received by the City of Cincinnati; citizens who are eligible to receive funding from other programs, yet still cannot abate all code violations could supplement such funding with the new program; Homeowners will only be able to receive assistance from HARBOR one time for one property.

Must be referred by Cincinnati Buildings and Inspections Department after receiving a property code violation. Call (513) 352-1911 for more information.

Eligibility:

• Must be owner-occupied
• City of Cincinnati only
• Repair amount up to $15k completed by PWC

CALL – (513) 421-0602

Housing Repair Services Program provides home repairs and accessibility modifications to low-income homeowners, particularly elderly and/or disabled owners. The services allow owner-occupants to remain in their dwelling units and help maintain the quality of housing stock in the City.

HRS offers the following type of repairs to qualified households:

Emergency Repairs – up to $5,000 and limited to two per household per year, examples include:
Broken water lines where water is pouring, not dripping, out of the line; Client’s only accessible toilet is stopped up or otherwise unusable; Presence of gas fumes; No heat; AC not working in  heat emergency where a member of the household is vulnerable due to health conditions. An electrical condition that poses a fire threat.

Immediate Repairs – up to $10,000 and can include:
modifications and accessibility improvements for physically disabled individuals like wheelchair ramps, electric lifts, grab bars/handrails.

Critical Repairs – up to $20,000 and can include:
Defects affecting the integrity of the structure or shell of the house like leaking roofs and gutters, decayed and/or damaged siding, failing foundations, damaged or failed support beams.

Call at (513) 351-7921 to start an application over the phone. Open Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm.

Eligibility:

Visit the Housing Repair Services (HRS) Program homepage for eligibility requirements.

VISIT – https://choosecincy.com/homeowner-renter-assistance/housing-repair-programs/

CALL – (513) 351-7921

If you’re in the market to purchase a home and need help with a down payment and closing costs, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) can help. OHFA offers 30-year, fixed-rate conventional, FHA, VA and USDA-RD government loans with generous income and purchase price limits, designed especially for homebuyers with low- and moderate-incomes.

• 30-year fixed rate conventional loans

• Assistance equal to 3% or 3.5% of the purchase price

• Forgiven after 7 years if you continue to live in the home

Apply Here

For Ohioans who work in public service

Apply Here

For recent college graduates who have earned a degree in the last 18 months

Apply Here

The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority offers the Communities First – Down Payment Assistance program, providing first mortgage financing and down payment / closing cost assistance grants to eligible homebuyers.

Apply Here

The Welcome Home Program offers grants of up to $20,000 to assist with down payment and closing costs for income eligible homebuyers through the Welcome Home Program (WHP). Homebuyers must apply and qualify for a mortgage loan with one of our Member financial institutions to utilize the grant.

Apply Here

The American Dream Downpayment Initiative (“ADDI”) is a program that provides down payment assistance of up to $14,000 to lower- to middle-income first-time homebuyers buying a single-family property in Cincinnati, through funding from the United States Department of Housing & Urban Development (“HUD”)

Apply Here

First-time homebuyers have another reason to consider purchasing in the Uptown area, thanks to the new “2to4k Uptown Incentive” Down Payment Assistance Program from Uptown Consortium, Inc. (UCI) and the Home Ownership Center of Greater Cincinnati.  The incentivized program offers $2,000 to $4,000 down payment assistance grants to those purchasing a home in Mt. Auburn, Clifton, Corryville, Avondale or Clifton Heights/University Heights/Fairview Heights (CUF). Homebuyers who have not owned a home in Cincinnati in the last three years are eligible to apply, and must live in the home for five years as an owner-occupant. 

Apply Here

Community Development Corporations in Cincinnati to provide down payment assistance funds for properties developed by CDCs.

Learn More

UWGC provides an extensive index of resources available in Hamilton County and the Tri State area for a wide range of needs. Visit their website, https://www.211uwgc.org/ or call 211.

VISIT – https://www.211uwgc.org/

CALL – 211

Can provide assistance with housing, utilities, rapid rehousing, food and clothing.

VISIT – https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/greater-cincinnati/overcome-poverty/

CALL – (513) 762-5660

Provides a range of assistance including food, clothing, furniture, rent, utilities, or beds.

VISIT – https://www.svdpcincinnati.org/get-help/

CALL – (513) 421-0602

PRC is designed to help Hamilton County families overcome immediate employment-related hardships. The goal is to help individuals achieve or maintain self-sufficiency.

PRC Program Eligibility

PRC Applicants must:

• Be at least 18-year-old
• Have at least one dependent child under the age of 18 in the household – or be at least six months pregnant.
• Meet income requirements.
• Be employed or have an employment offer sufficient to meet ongoing needs.

PRC Application Requirements

Documentation of financial eligibility must be submitted with the application. If documentation is not received with the application, it cannot be processed.

• Pay stubs or similar proof of household income received within the last 30 days
• Employment verification letter
• Employment offer letter

Documentation of need must be submitted with the application. If documentation is not received with the application, it cannot be processed.

• Rent: Eviction notice, landlord statement of amount owed, Vendor Registration for completed by the landlord.
• Deposit: verification of coming out of homeless as documented by a referral partner or natural disaster or infestation and a Vendor Registration form completed by the new landlord.
• Utilities: Current bill(s).  Note: Assistance with gas/electric bills is not available during the Winter Heating Season from 10/15/2023 – 03/01/2024.
• Baby Items: Birth verification of a child under 18 months of age or pregnancy statement documenting pregnancy of at least six months.
• School Supplies: Verification of school enrollment.
• Work Uniforms/Scrubs: verification of employment related uniform requirement
• Beds and Bedding: Verification of coming out of homelessness, natural disaster or infestation.
• Gas cards/bus passes: Documentation of employment or a job offer.

Application

APPLY – Prevention, Retention and Contingency Program Application.

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) – The Home Weatherization Assistance Program provides eligible Ohioans with assistance to improve energy efficiency of homes and reduce energy costs. Eligible clients are those at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Priority is given to Ohioans who are older than the age of 60, those with disabilities, those with children in the home, and households with high energy usage and/or burden.

VISIT – https://development.ohio.gov/individual/energy-assistance/6-home-weatherization-assistance-program

Winter brings colder weather, which can bring higher energy bills. To help prepare customers for higher energy prices this year, Duke Energy has created a comprehensive Winter Bill Fact Sheet. It explains why energy bills are increasing, includes helpful energy-saving tips and lists a wide variety of programs that are available to assist customers that are in need.

VISIT – http://www.duke-energy.com/winterbills

INFO – Winter Bill Fact Sheet

Greater Cincinnati Water Works is announcing a new, quick and easy way to set up payment plans for past due charges on water and utility bills! Customers can access PromisePay to enroll by mobile phone or computer. PromisePay offers automatic payments (via e-check, credit/debit, and cash apps such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Venmo) and text reminders. Customers will not be charged transaction fees for this service.

VISIT – https://gcww.promise-pay.com/

INFO – Promise Pay Flyer (Español)

Metropolitan Sewer District of Great Cincinnati offers a Customer Assistance Program (CAP) to help low-income senior citizens pay their sewer bills.
Eligible applicants receive a 25% discount on their monthly sewer bill (including both the minimum base charge and the commodity charge). The estimated savings is $120 or more per year.

Eligibility

A sewer discount can only be offered to low-income seniors who meet specific eligibility requirements related to age, income, and home ownership. The eligibility requirements for the CAP are:

• 65 years of age or older
• Own and live in the residence for which they are paying the MSD sewer bill
• Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) of no more than $34,600 for tax year 2021. MAGI is Ohio Adjusted Gross Income plus any business income that has been deducted in computing the Ohio Adjusted Gross Income (OAGI). This applies to the combined income of the applicant and their spouse.

APPLY – MSD Customer Assistance Program Application.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) helps eligible Ohioans manage their energy bills year-round, offering households affordable monthly payments that help maintain gas and electric services. If your home is heated with gas, you will have a monthly payment of 6% of your household income for your natural gas bill and 6% for your electric bill. If you heat with electric, your monthly payment is 10% of your household income. The state of Ohio subsidizes the balance of your utility bill. There is a minimum monthly payment of $10.00.

VISIT – https://www.cincy-caa.org/what-we-do/community-services/utility-assistance-programs/pipp-plus.html

CALL – (513) 685-4478

Hamilton County Commissioners developed a Senior Utility Assistance and Home Repair Program to help eligible older adults with utility bills and home repairs. The program is open to Hamilton County residents age 60 and older, who do not qualify for other assistance programs. Visit Council on Aging’s website for more information.

Who is Eligible:

• Hamilton County residents ages 60 and over
• Older adult or other family member in the household currently paying the utility bill
• Ineligible for other assistance programs
• Household income 175%-300% of poverty

The Help Center for Hamilton County Municipal Court in Ohio provides people with education, information, and limited legal advice. You can visit their website, call the number below, or you can visit in person located in room 113 of the Hamilton County Courthouse at 1000 Main Street.

VISIT – https://cincyhelpcenter.org/

CALL – (513) 946-5650

The Hamilton County Law Library provides legal research, reference, and library services to Hamilton County and to the municipal corporations, townships, and courts within the county. The Law Library is open to the public for self-help during its regular business hours. The information provided is not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney. For legal assistance, consider the following organizations listed on the Law Library’s website.

VISIT – https://libguides.hamilton-co.org/c.php?g=392898&p=2668922

INFO – Law Library Legal Resources Flyer

HOME’s mission is to eliminate unlawful discrimination in housing in the Greater Cincinnati area. HOME advocates and enforces housing regulations for all protected classes and promotes stable, integrated communities. They provide tenant advocacy and ensure fair housing compliance.

CONTACT – https://www.homecincy.org/contact

CALL – (513) 721-4663

Legal Aid represents low income people in evictions cases in seven counties in Southwest Ohio. Tenants needing assistance should call their main number (513) 241-9400 and ask for “housing intake.” Tenants who have court papers should call our intake line as soon as they are served. Tenants who do not yet have eviction court papers, but who need rental assistance due to COVID or other reasons, should first contact one of our community partners to apply for rental assistance.

VISIT – https://www.lascinti.org/get-help/ – Help and information

VISIT – https://lascinti.org/what-we-do/practice-groups/housing-consumer/ – Housing & consumer information

CALL – (513) 241-9400 (ask for “housing intake”)

Hamilton County Commissioners approved a $3 million expansion of the Shelter Diversion Program, which provides critical support to families who are at immediate risk of being homeless. Using American Rescue Plan funds, Commissioners are building upon their commitment to support the recovery of Hamilton County families from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The county is contracting with Strategies to End Homelessness, which will coordinate the expansion with partners including Bethany House, the Freestore Foodbank, Talbert House, and Found House Interfaith Housing Network.

Are you looking for homeless shelters near you? We’re here to help. First, call our CAP Line at (513) 381-SAFE (7233). The Central Access Point (CAP) is a centralized intake system for families and individuals who are currently experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless. Begin your journey, from shelter, to hope and stability. If you are currently homeless or experiencing a housing crisis, please call. Our Intake Specialists will gather information about your situation and help place you in a shelter or provide a referral to a partner agency for help.

VISIT – https://www.strategiestoendhomelessness.org/get-help/

EMAIL – info@end-homelessness.org

CALL – (513) 381-SAFE (7233), Central Access Point (CAP Line)

HER Cincinnati’s mission is to empower women to break the cycles of poverty, addiction, and human trafficking. We envision a community where all women have the skills and the confidence to thrive. Our program efforts are focused in three areas: Housing, Education, and Recovery Services.

VISIT – https://hercincinnati.org/

Provides limited financial aid for paying rent or utility or security deposits to families facing homelessness. Other support is provided too, such as furniture or referrals. Families facing eviction or homelessness should first call the CAP line at (513) 381-SAFE (7233) to complete an intake assessment.

CALL – (513) 381-SAFE (7233)

Easterseals Redwood Military & Veteran Services Community One Source Hotline provide emergency assistance for military and veterans. We offer assistance with utilities, groceries, and connecting to other veteran services organizations who can help with emergency needs. Contact us at (513) 240-6897 or vetsinfo@eastersealsredwood.org.

VISIT – https://www.eastersealsredwood.org/

CALL – (513) 240-6897

EMAIL – vetsinfo@eastersealsredwood.org