Eviction in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), Ohio
Where eviction cases are filed in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)
- Eviction court
- Cleveland Municipal Court - Housing Division (Cleveland Housing Court) for the City of Cleveland; suburban municipal courts elsewhere in the county — Municipal court (housing division) Court page
- Notice before filing (state law)
- 3-day written notice to leave the premises before filing an eviction (forcible entry and detainer) action. The residential notice must conspicuously state: "You are being asked to leave the premises. If you do not leave, an eviction action may be initiated against you. If you are in doubt regarding your legal rights and obligations as a tenant, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance." Ohio rules
- HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
- $1,279/month HUD
- Renter households
- 225,378 (41% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-22
Where eviction cases are filed in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)
Eviction cases in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) are heard by the Cleveland Municipal Court - Housing Division (Cleveland Housing Court) for the City of Cleveland; suburban municipal courts elsewhere in the county (Municipal court (housing division)).
- Cleveland Housing Court — The Justice Center, 1200 Ontario Street, 13B, Cleveland, OH 44113 · website
Court eviction page · E-filing · Search court records · Self-help center
Cleveland Housing Court hears evictions for property in the City of Cleveland; Housing Court Specialists (216-664-4295) help with forms. Evictions for suburban Cuyahoga properties are filed in the municipal court for that suburb (several separate courts) - confirm the correct court by address.
How eviction cases work locally
| Eviction filing by mail | Eviction papers can be filed by mail; include a self-addressed stamped envelope to receive the filing receipt and court date notice. Source: Official source |
|---|---|
| Housing Court Specialists | Housing Court Specialists assist with eviction forms and housing questions: (216) 664-4295. Source: Official source |
The Ohio eviction process
Ohio state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Cuyahoga County (Cleveland):
- Serve 3-day notice to leave the premises (§ 1923.04), after any required 30-day lease-violation or termination notice
- File forcible entry and detainer complaint in municipal or county court (§ 1923.01)
- Clerk serves summons by ordinary mail plus personal service/posting or certified mail at least 7 days before trial (§ 1923.06)
- Hearing no sooner than the 7th day after service is complete; judgment for restitution of premises
- Writ of execution issued; officer must execute within 10 days of receiving it (§ 1923.14)
- Removal by sheriff, police officer, constable or bailiff
Full Ohio eviction rules with sources →
Rent in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Cleveland, OH HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $933 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,058 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,279 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,646 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,760 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland): $1,060/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
HUD designates this area for Small Area FMRs (ZIP-code level) for Housing Choice Vouchers; figures shown are the metro-wide FY2026 FMRs.
County tenant ordinance
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; city rules (if any) live on city pages.
Eviction help in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)
Free legal help
- The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland — Linked by Cleveland Housing Court; free civil legal help for eligible low-income residents.
Right to counsel: Cleveland Housing Court FAQ: if the court determines you cannot afford an attorney (in matters where the right applies), the court will arrange appointed counsel at no cost; tell the judge at the start of the hearing. The City of Cleveland's eviction right-to-counsel program is a city program (see city page). Source
Rental assistance
- CHN Housing Partners — Housing assistance partner listed by Cleveland Housing Court
City rules in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)
Other Ohio counties
- Eviction in Franklin County (Columbus)
- Eviction in Hamilton County (Cincinnati)
- Eviction in Montgomery County (Dayton)
- Eviction in Summit County (Akron)
- Eviction in Lucas County (Toledo)
- Eviction in Stark County (Canton, Massillon, Alliance)
- Eviction in Butler County (Hamilton, Middletown, Fairfield)
- Eviction in Lorain County (Elyria, Lorain)
- Eviction in Mahoning County (Youngstown)
Related
- Ohio landlord-tenant law
- How long an eviction takes in Ohio
- Ohio eviction notice periods
- Notice deadline calculator
- How to evict a tenant in Ohio (landlords)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file an eviction in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)?
What is the fair market rent in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)?
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.