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1. I have a disability and need to modify the inside of my apartment to make it accessible for my wheelchair. Can my landlord charge me a double security deposit before I can make these modifications?

No. Federal fair housing law and regulations prohibit a landlord from charging a double security deposit when a reasonable modification is made by a tenant. However, the tenant may have to bear the cost of any modifications. The tenant is responsible for restoring changes he or she made to the interior only if, upon termination, the changes would interfere with the use of the apartment by future tenants. The Ohio and Shaker Heights Fair Housing Acts have similar requirements.

2. I recently responded to a newspaper advertisement for a one-bedroom apartment and I was told it had already been rented. How can I verify if discrimination was practiced against me?

You can contact the city’s Fair Housing office, and the city can undertake “testing” to find out if the landlord treats persons of other races differently.

3. I'm a single mother with two children. I'm a Section 8 certificate holder and I’m presently looking for an apartment. Do the fair housing laws protect me?

Yes! The city’s fair housing law, as well as State and federal law apply, to all apartments - conventional or subsidized.