Fair Housing Act Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968( Fair Housing Act) as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status( including children under the age of 18 living with the parents of legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap(disability).
The Board of County Commissioners is committed to open housing and equal housing opportunity for all citizens in Cuyahoga County. Local governments are encouraged to work cooperatively in affirmatively furthering fair housing throughout the County.
The County’s Fair Housing Office takes the lead in developing and coordinating measures to affirmatively further fair housing in all programs and activities administered by the Department of Development. Communities participating in the County’s Municipal Grant Program are strongly encouraged to promote local fair housing programs. The Fair Housing Office coordinates these activities and is responsible for assessing Federal and State fair housing laws and policies and their impact on participating communities. The Fair Housing Office works with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to assist persons with disabilities, and communities in coordinating activities as it relates to the disabled.
Educational outreach is important for a successful Fair Housing Program. The County conducts and sponsors workshops, training seminars and conferences. The Department also contracts with private non-profit agencies to provide the following services:
- Discrimination Complaint
- Insurance Audits
- Landlord/Tenant Counseling
- Monitors Lending and Local Real Estate Practices
- Diversity Opportunity Purchases
- Predatory Lending Prevention
The County’s Department of Development has taken the lead in coordinating a countywide fair housing planning effort. The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice is a comprehensive review of each community’s laws, regulations, and practices. It requires an assessment of the location, availability and accessibility of housing, and an assessment of conditions affecting fair housing choice. The Analysis is expected to target specific locations and initiatives that should be undertaken to affirm fair housing choice.
The County is one of four sponsors of the Greater Cleveland Residential Mortgage Credit Project which has a mission to identify discrimination in the home buying process.
Contact Information
Angela Henderson
The Department of Development
Housing Division
112 Hamilton Court, 4th Floor
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 443-8162
ahenderson1@cuyahogacounty.us