Over the past 5.5 years of evaluations, Stout learned from Legal Aid attorneys and representatives from Cleveland community organizations that Cleveland’s rental stock, particularly for renters with low incomes, has significant defective housing conditions. These issues include but are not limited to: inadequate or inoperable toilets, sinks, and showers; inadequate or inoperable heat during winter months; mold and mildew; holes in walls, roofs, and floors; rodent infestations; leaks and flooding during rain; broken or missing doors and windows; exposed electrical wiring; and lead paint.
In 2025, approximately 76% of all Right to Counsel clients indicated they had defective conditions in their homes.
The prevalence of these defective housing issues may influence 43% of Right to Counsel clients who indicated they did not want to stay in their home.