Renter Resources
Who to Contact
All the agencies below work with rental properties or govern how rental properties can operate. Feel free to contact the following agencies with any questions you have about your rental property and any issues you may encounter with it.
For information regarding unlawful eviction, review the information from Cornell.
Law School
Local Agencies
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BGSU Student Legal Services
For General Legal Services: Student Legal Services is available to help any BGSU student with legal problems that m ight affect their education. SLS aims to help students resolve problems where it would be difficult or impossible to afford legal services otherwise.
Click here to find a variety of sample letters and brochures provided by SLS to help form complaints, terminate lease, or sub-let a unit.
Information:
- 419-372-2951
- https://www.bgsu.edu/student-legal-services.html
- 14 College Park Office Building, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio 43403
Bowling Green Fire Division
For Common Area Inspection Criteria and General Safety Information:
See the Bowling Green Fire Department for matters related to fire safety, checking egresses and windows, as well as putting together fire plans for apartment complexes.
Information:
- 419-352-3016
- https://www.bgohio.org/287/Fire-Division
- 552 E Court Street Bowling Green, Ohio 43402
Planning Department
Code Enforcement, Zoning, City Planning, Rental Assistance Programs:
Description: The Planning Department is able to help in many matters such as over-occupancy concerns, illegal signage, and illegal construction. They also have many resources available on their website page.
Information:
- 419-354-6218
- https://www.bgohio.org/260/Planning
- 304 N Church Street Bowling Green, OH 43402
Rental Assistance Agencies
For Financial Assistance: Residents behind or late on rent or struggling to pay rent may be eligible for financial assistance from the agencies below.
Information:
- BG Ohio website the offers a variety of resources and information that could help for assistance regarding rent payment should you fall behind
Additional Resources to call:
- 1-800-755-9767: Great Lakes Community Action Partnership
- 1-888-282-1118: Wood County Jobs and Family Serves
- 419-352-1322: Wood County Area Ministries
Wood County Health Department
For Environmental Health: Contact the Wood County Health Department for any issues regarding unsanitary conditions or health-related structural issues such as mold, peeling paint, or broken windows.
Information:
- 419-354-2702
- https://woodcountyhealth.org
- 18340 East Gypsy Lane Road Bowling Green, OH 43402
Disability Resources
Disability Resources
Unfortunately, disability discrimination is a big issue when it comes to housing. This section contains some basic information and helpful resources so that you can effectively advocate for yourself.
Reasonable Accommodations
As someone with a disability, you have the right to request reasonable accommodations to a property so that you can live safely and comfortably. This can include anything from having a ramp installed to allowing a service animal in a pet-free property. A request is generally only denied if:
- it isn't considered reasonable
- it alters the nature of the property owner's operations within the property
- it has an extremely high cost either financially or administratively for the owner
Reasonable modifications can be made to a property as well upon request. However, these structural changes are generally made at the expense of the renter, not the property owner, so keep this in mind when inspecting a property and talking with your landlord.
A useful resource for how to handle these types of requests (and advocate for yourself should they be rejected by a property owner) is the Fair Housing Foundation. Click this link to visit their website. The links below also provide basic information on reasonable accommodations, reasonable modifications, and service animals as detailed by the Fair Housing Center of Southeast and mid-Michigan.
Common Acts of Disability Discrimination
- refusal to rent/sell the property based on disability
- refusal to make or allow reasonable property modifications
- refusal to reasonably accommodate rules/policies/procedures regarding the property
- increase in rent or charges/decrease in services
If any of the above has happened to you, contact the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Click here for more information. The H.U.D. website is also a valuable resource for a variety of information regarding your rights and we highly recommend you visit their website.
Additional Disability Resources
Covey - For general information on common housing challenges for people with disabilities and resources for how to manage them.
Disability Rights Ohio - For information on housing accommodations and modifications as well as the relevant laws protecting your rights as a tenant. This link provides you with their list of self-advocacy resources as well.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development - For general information about your rights and for filing a complaint if you've been discriminated against.