How Section 8 Housing Works in Cleveland, Ohio

What Section 8 is and how it works in Cuyahoga County

Section 8 is a federal rent subsidy program that pays part of your rent directly to your landlord. In Cleveland and surrounding areas, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) administers the program. CMHA issues a voucher that covers the difference between what you pay (usually 30 percent of your income) and what the program pays the landlord, up to a local payment standard.

The voucher is not cash to you — it is a promise to your landlord that CMHA will send them a check each month. You find your own apartment in the private rental market, the landlord agrees to accept Section 8, and CMHA inspects the unit and signs a lease addendum with both of you. The landlord cannot refuse to rent to you because you have a voucher, though they can still reject you for other reasons like credit or income.

In Cleveland, the payment standard — the maximum rent CMHA will cover — varies by unit size. A one-bedroom in Cleveland proper is lower than a one-bedroom in outer suburbs. CMHA publishes these amounts each year, and they determine how much rent you can afford while staying within the program.

Key Takeaways

• CMHA (Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority) runs Section 8 in Cleveland and manages the waiting list, which is currently closed to new applicants.
• You pay roughly 30 percent of your income toward rent, and CMHA pays the landlord the rest, up to the local payment standard for your unit size.
• You must find your own apartment and convince the landlord to accept Section 8, then CMHA inspects the unit before the lease begins.
• Payment standards in Cleveland vary by neighborhood and unit size, so a two-bedroom in one zip code may have a different maximum than the same unit type elsewhere.
• If CMHA's waiting list is closed, you can contact them to ask when it may reopen or explore other affordable housing programs through the City of Cleveland's housing office.

CMHA's waiting list and how to get on it

CMHA's Section 8 waiting list is currently closed. When it is open, applicants must explore in person at CMHA's office in downtown Cleveland, bring proof of income and identity, and wait to be selected by lottery. The wait time when the list is open can be several years, depending on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers CMHA receives each year.

To learn about the list has reopened, contact CMHA directly at their main office: 216-514-8000. They can tell you the current status and what documents you will need to bring when you explore. Some people also call the City of Cleveland's housing office (216-664-2000) to ask about other programs while waiting.

CMHA also runs a public housing program separate from Section 8. Public housing is owned by CMHA itself, while Section 8 lets you rent from a private landlord. Both have waiting lists, and both are currently closed. If you are interested in either program, call CMHA to ask when applications may reopen.

Finding an apartment that accepts Section 8

Once you have a voucher, you have a limited time (usually 60 to 120 days, depending on your circumstances) to find an apartment. Not all landlords accept Section 8, and some neighborhoods have fewer participating units than others. Online listing sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Craigslist let you search, but you will need to call or email each landlord to ask whether they accept vouchers.

Some landlords refuse Section 8 tenants outright, which is illegal in Ohio. If a landlord tells you they do not accept vouchers, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (614-466-2785). However, many landlords straightforward do not advertise that they accept Section 8, so calling to ask is often faster than filing a complaint.

CMHA maintains a list of landlords who have participated in the program before. Call CMHA's housing search line or visit their office to ask for referrals. Some community organizations in Cleveland, like the Cleveland Housing Network, also help voucher holders find units.

The inspection and lease process

Once you and a landlord agree on an apartment, CMHA must inspect it before you can move in. The inspection checks that the unit meets housing quality standards — things like working heat, safe electrical wiring, no lead paint hazards, and adequate light and ventilation. If the unit fails, the landlord must make repairs before CMHA will approve the lease.

You, the landlord, and CMHA all sign a lease addendum that spells out the terms of the Section 8 subsidy. The addendum states the rent amount, how much you pay, how much CMHA pays, and what happens if either party breaks the lease. Once everyone signs, CMHA begins sending the landlord their portion of the rent each month.

The inspection process usually takes one to two weeks. During that time, you cannot move in, so plan accordingly. If the landlord is slow to schedule the inspection or make repairs, contact CMHA to push the timeline forward.

Your responsibilities as a Section 8 tenant

You must pay your portion of the rent on time each month. If you fall behind, the landlord can evict you, and CMHA may take back your voucher. You are also responsible for keeping the apartment in good condition and following the lease terms, just as you would in any rental.

CMHA conducts annual inspections of your unit to make sure it still meets housing quality standards. If the landlord fails an inspection, they must make repairs or you may need to move. If you cause damage beyond normal wear and tear, you may be charged for repairs.

You must report changes in your household income to CMHA. If your income rises, your rent contribution may increase. If it falls, your contribution may decrease. CMHA recertifies your income annually, and you will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of earnings.

Payment standards and rent limits in Cleveland

CMHA sets a payment standard for each unit size in different areas of Cuyahoga County. In 2024, the payment standard for a one-bedroom in Cleveland is lower than in some suburbs, reflecting local market rents. A two-bedroom standard is higher than a one-bedroom, and so on. These amounts change each year.

If you find an apartment that rents for more than the payment standard, you can still rent it — but you will have to pay the difference yourself. For example, if the payment standard for a one-bedroom is $900 and the apartment rents for $1,000, CMHA pays $900 and you pay $100 plus your 30 percent income share. This can make higher-rent units unaffordable.

To see the current payment standards, visit CMHA's website or call them at 216-514-8000. Knowing the standards before you search helps you focus on apartments you can actually afford.

Other affordable housing options in Cleveland if Section 8 is not available

While you wait for CMHA's Section 8 list to reopen, other programs may help. The City of Cleveland runs a Housing Trust Fund that provides down payment help for homebuyers and rental help for people with very low incomes. The Cleveland Housing Network offers case management and rental search help. Catholic Charities and the Greater Cleveland Homeless Services Board both run emergency rental information and transitional housing programs.

Some Cleveland neighborhoods have community development corporations that own or manage affordable apartments. The Slavic Village Development Corporation, the Ohio City Incorporated, and others sometimes have units available or can point you toward landlords who accept lower-income tenants. These organizations are often easier to reach than CMHA and can move faster.

If you are facing eviction or homelessness, call 211 (a free referral line) or the Greater Cleveland Homeless Services Board at 216-696-7427. They can tell you what emergency help is available right now, which changes based on funding and the time of year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Section 8 voucher outside of Cuyahoga County?

Yes, but only in areas where CMHA has a lease-up agreement with another housing authority. Most vouchers can be used in surrounding counties like Summit and Lorain, but you must get CMHA's permission first and the receiving authority must have capacity. Call CMHA's portability line to ask whether your destination is covered.

What happens to my voucher if I lose my job?

You keep your voucher as long as you report the income change to CMHA. Your rent contribution will likely drop because your income is lower. However, if you cannot pay even your reduced share, you risk eviction. Contact CMHA when ready to recertify your income and explore whether you are now may be able to access for emergency rental help.

Can a landlord charge me a higher deposit because I have Section 8?

No. Ohio law prohibits landlords from charging higher deposits or fees based on your source of income, including Section 8. If a landlord tries, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or contact a legal aid organization like the Cleveland Bar Association's Community Law Center.

How long does it take from explore to getting a voucher?

When CMHA's waiting list is open, you explore and are placed on the list by lottery. The wait time depends on how many people are ahead of you and how many vouchers CMHA receives each year — this can range from one to five years or longer. Once your number is called, you have a limited time to find an apartment and complete the lease process.

What if my landlord wants to raise the rent after I move in?

Rent increases are allowed, but the landlord must give you notice (usually 30 days in Ohio) and the new rent cannot exceed the payment standard. If the new rent is above the standard, you would have to pay the difference yourself or move. Contact CMHA if you have questions about whether a proposed increase is allowed.