Ohio Renters’ Rights When Elevators Stop Working

If you live in a high-rise in Ohio and depend on an elevator, an outage can disrupt daily life. Knowing your rights—and the steps you can take—can help ensure your home remains accessible and safe. This article explains what Ohio law says about elevator outages, disability accommodations, and what forms or official processes may help.

Understanding Your Rights to Accessible Housing in Ohio

Under Ohio law, landlords must keep rental units and common areas, like elevators, in safe and working order. If you (or someone in your household) have a disability, you also have rights under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA), both enforced in Ohio.

• Landlords are responsible for repairing and maintaining essential services, including elevators, as per the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act.
• Tenants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations if an elevator outage affects access to their unit.

What Is a "Reasonable Accommodation"?

This means your landlord may need to take extra steps—like offering a temporary ground-floor unit or arranging in-building assistance—if you can’t safely access your home while the elevator is down.

Steps to Take If Your Elevator Goes Out

If you’re affected by an elevator outage, follow these steps to protect your rights and safety:

• Report the outage immediately: Notify your landlord or property manager in writing (email or letter is best). Save a copy of your request.
• Request a specific accommodation: If you have a disability, outline what you need so your landlord can address the barrier—such as temporary relocation or in-person assistance.
• Document everything: Keep all communication, photos, and notes about the outage and how it affects you.
• If no action is taken within a reasonable time, consider filing a complaint or taking further legal steps (described below).

Filing Complaints or Requests: Forms and Processes

If repairs are not made or accommodations are denied, you may use formal complaint forms or legal processes:

• Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) Housing Discrimination Complaint Form: Use this if you believe the lack of accommodation violates your disability rights.
  OCRC Complaint Form
  For example, use this form if your landlord refuses a ground-level transfer despite a documented mobility issue.
• Ohio Tenant's 30-Day Notice to Remedy: Official written request for the landlord to fix a condition violating health or safety.
  Read about Tenant's Notice Rights (Ohio Revised Code 5321.07)
  For example, use this notice if repeated elevator outages make your building unsafe or inaccessible.

For detailed steps, refer to the Ohio Judicial System’s Landlord/Tenant resource.

Which Agency Handles Housing Disputes in Ohio?

Most Ohio rental disputes are overseen by the local Municipal or County Court. Housing discrimination concerns go to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

Summary: What Ohio Law Says

Landlords must maintain elevators, and renters with disabilities have extra rights to request accommodations. The key law is the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act [Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321]. For more, visit OCRC’s official process guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my elevator is out and I can’t use the stairs because of a disability?
   Contact your landlord in writing right away, explain your needs, and request a reasonable accommodation. If you don’t get help, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
2. Can I withhold rent if my building’s elevator is broken?
   You must follow formal notice procedures under Ohio law before withholding rent. Use a 30-day written notice first. Seek legal advice or check Ohio’s official resources before taking this step.
3. Which official form do I use to report disability-related housing discrimination?
   File the Housing Discrimination Complaint Form with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission if a landlord refuses reasonable accommodations.
4. Who handles legal cases about elevator outages in Ohio rentals?
   Most disputes go to your County or Municipal Court for landlord-tenant cases, or the Ohio Civil Rights Commission for discrimination claims.

Key Takeaways for Ohio Renters

• Ohio law requires landlords to keep elevators in safe working order.
• Tenants with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations under federal and state laws.
• If issues aren’t addressed, use formal notices and consider filing with the appropriate agency.

Staying informed, keeping documentation, and using official complaint processes can help you protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Civil Rights Commission – File discrimination or accommodation complaints, get forms, and ask questions.
• Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (Chapter 5321) – Full legal text on rental rights and responsibilities.
• Ohio Judicial System: Landlord/Tenant Dispute Resources – How to file, court contacts, and help with forms.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Fair Housing Information

---

1. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321: Landlord-Tenant Act
2. Ohio Civil Rights Commission – Complaint Filing Process
3. Fair Housing Act (HUD Official Site)

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations