Question 1

Who is Jarvis Housing?

Accepted Answer

Jarvis Housing is an owner-operated rental company providing single-family homes across Greater Cleveland. We own and manage our properties directly — no third-party property management, no outsourced call centers. The team that owns the home is the same team that answers your call.

Question 2

Where do you operate?

Accepted Answer

We focus on seven zip codes in Greater Cleveland: 44118 (Cleveland Heights), 44121 (South Euclid), 44122 (Shaker Heights / Beachwood), 44128 (Lee–Harvard / Warrensville Heights), 44125 (Garfield Heights), 44134 (Parma), and 44137 (Maple Heights). You can browse all our currently available homes on our listings page.

Question 3

How many homes do you manage?

Accepted Answer

Our portfolio is growing. Rather than chasing volume, we focus on quality — every home is hand-picked, renovated to a real standard, and maintained for the long term.

Question 4

How can I contact you?

Accepted Answer

Call or text us at 216-516-0000, or email leasing@jarvishousing.com. We respond same-day during business hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm), with an after-hours line for emergencies.

Question 5

How do I apply for a Jarvis Housing home?

Accepted Answer

Browse our available homes, find one you like, and submit an application through our site. We'll review it and follow up within 1–2 business days.

Question 6

What do you look for in an applicant?

Accepted Answer

We look for applicants who can demonstrate the ability to pay rent on time, take care of the home, and be respectful neighbors. Our review covers income or voucher documentation, rental history, and a basic background check. We treat every applicant fairly and individually — context matters, and one tough chapter in your past doesn't automatically disqualify you.

Question 7

Do I need to pay an application fee?

Accepted Answer

Application fee details are listed on each home's page. Reach out before applying if you have questions about the fee or any part of the application process.

Question 8

Can I tour a home before applying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We do in-person showings by appointment — reach out and we'll find a time that works. There's no pressure; come walk through the home, ask questions, and decide if it's the right fit before you apply.

Question 9

What documents do I need to apply?

Accepted Answer

For voucher holders: your voucher paperwork from your housing authority, photo ID, and recent proof of any additional income. For non-voucher applicants: photo ID, recent pay stubs or other income documentation, and your two most recent landlord references.

Question 10

How long does the application process take?

Accepted Answer

We respond to every application within one business day. Our goal is to have an approved tenant lined up within 2–3 weeks of listing a home, so apply as soon as you can. For voucher applicants, the move-in date depends on the housing authority's inspection schedule — once they pass the home and the paperwork is signed, you're in. Non-voucher applicants can often be signed and moved in within a week of approval.

Question 11

What if I have an eviction or low credit score?

Accepted Answer

We review every applicant individually. An old eviction or low credit doesn't automatically disqualify you — context matters. Be upfront, and we'll have an honest conversation about whether one of our homes is a good fit.

Question 12

Do you accept Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Jarvis Housing home accepts Housing Choice Vouchers. Whether your voucher is through CMHA (Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority), EDEN, Inc., or any other public housing authority, we want to hear from you.

Question 13

Which housing authorities do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with both CMHA (Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority), which serves Cuyahoga County, and EDEN, Inc., which administers vouchers for permanent supportive housing programs in the Cleveland area. We also accept vouchers from other public housing authorities — let us know which one issued your voucher and we'll work through their paperwork.

Question 14

I just got my voucher. What do I do next?

Accepted Answer

Congratulations — that's the hardest part done. The next step is finding a home where the landlord accepts vouchers and the rent fits your voucher amount. Browse our listings, identify a home that matches your bedroom size, and apply. We'll guide you through the housing authority paperwork from there.

Question 15

How does the voucher process work with Jarvis Housing?

Accepted Answer

Once your application is approved, you submit a Request for Tenancy Approval (RTA) to your housing authority, listing us as the landlord. The housing authority schedules an HQS inspection of the home. Once the home passes inspection and the rent is approved, we sign a lease and a HAP contract with the housing authority, and you move in.

Question 16

How long does the voucher process take?

Accepted Answer

We move fast on our end — our goal is to find an approved tenant within 2–3 weeks of listing a home. The actual move-in date depends on the housing authority and when they can schedule the HQS inspection, which is outside our control. Once they pass the inspection and the paperwork is signed, you're in.

Question 17

What rent amount can I afford with my voucher?

Accepted Answer

Your voucher covers a portion of the rent based on your income and the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area. The exact split depends on your specific voucher and the home you choose. We can walk through the numbers with you for any home you're interested in.

Question 18

Do I have to pay a security deposit if I have a voucher?

Accepted Answer

Yes — security deposit policies are the same for voucher holders and non-voucher tenants. Our standard deposit is one month's rent, which is the maximum allowed under Ohio law. In some cases, depending on the strength of the overall application, we may be able to work with you on the deposit amount or payment schedule. Ask us when you apply.

Question 19

What if my voucher amount is less than the rent?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your housing authority's rules. Most authorities cap your portion of the rent at 30–40% of your monthly income. If a home's rent is too high for your voucher, we'll help you understand whether it's a fit before you apply.

Question 20

Will I be discriminated against because I have a voucher?

Accepted Answer

Not at Jarvis Housing. Source-of-income discrimination — turning down voucher holders — is illegal in many areas and against everything we stand for. We treat every applicant fairly, voucher or not.

Question 21

How long is your standard lease?

Accepted Answer

Our standard lease is 12 months — but we hope you stay much longer than that. We're built around long-term tenants, and we'd much rather renew with you year after year than turn the home over. After the first year, we work with you on renewal terms that fit your situation.

Question 22

How much is the security deposit?

Accepted Answer

One month's rent. That's the maximum allowed under Ohio law, and it's our standard for all tenants — voucher or not. The deposit is fully refundable at move-out, less any documented damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Question 23

What's included in the rent?

Accepted Answer

Tenants are responsible for all utilities — gas, electric, water/sewer, and trash — as well as lawn care and snow removal. Anything related to the structure of the home (roof, plumbing systems, major appliances we provided, etc.) is on us.

Question 24

Can I have pets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with some limits. We allow dogs under 35 lbs and cats. We don't allow aggressive breeds (including but not limited to pit bulls, rottweilers, dobermans, German shepherds, and chow chows). There's a $300 refundable pet deposit per pet plus $25/month pet rent. Service animals and emotional support animals are not pets and are exempt from these restrictions and fees as required by federal Fair Housing law — just provide your documentation when you apply.

Question 25

Can I smoke in the home?

Accepted Answer

All Jarvis Housing homes are non-smoking. This includes cigarettes, vaping, and marijuana — anywhere inside the home or on the porch.

Question 26

Do I need renters insurance?

Accepted Answer

It's not required, but we strongly recommend it. Renters insurance is usually $10–20/month and covers your belongings (which our insurance doesn't), plus liability if something happens. It's one of the cheapest ways to protect yourself, and a few months of premiums could save you thousands if there's ever a fire, theft, or water damage.

Question 27

What happens at move-in?

Accepted Answer

Before you move in, we walk through the home with you and document its condition together. You'll get the keys, your move-in paperwork, and contact info for maintenance. From day one, we're a phone call away if anything's wrong.

Question 28

How do I submit a maintenance request?

Accepted Answer

Call or text us at 216-516-0000, or email leasing@jarvishousing.com. We acknowledge requests same-day during business hours and dispatch repairs based on priority — emergencies go first.

Question 29

What counts as an emergency?

Accepted Answer

No heat in winter, no water, active plumbing leaks, electrical hazards, broken locks on exterior doors, or anything that makes the home unsafe or uninhabitable. For emergencies after hours, call our after-hours line.

Question 30

How fast do you handle repairs?

Accepted Answer

Emergencies: same day. Urgent issues (broken appliance, plumbing problem that's not flooding): within 1–3 business days. Routine fixes: within a week. We communicate the timeline up front so you're not waiting in the dark.

Question 31

How do I pay rent?

Accepted Answer

Rent is paid through our online tenant portal. After move-in, we'll send you the link to set up your account. The portal lets you pay via bank transfer or card, see your payment history, and submit maintenance requests.

Question 32

When is rent due?

Accepted Answer

Rent is due on the 1st of each month, with a 3-day grace period. If your portion isn't received by the end of the 3rd, a one-time late fee applies — calculated as the lesser of 5% of the total rent or 25% of your tenant portion (whichever is smaller). For voucher holders, the late fee only ever applies to your portion — never to delays caused by the housing authority's HAP payment.

Question 33

Can I renew my lease?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and we hope you do. Long-term tenants are exactly what we're looking for. We reach out before your lease ends to discuss renewal.

Question 34

What if I need to move out before my lease ends?

Accepted Answer

Reach out as soon as you know. Early termination terms are spelled out in your lease, and we'll walk through your options with you.

Question 35

Will my rent go up at renewal?

Accepted Answer

We aim to keep rent increases reasonable and predictable. We don't push aggressive rent hikes — long-term tenants are an asset, not a target.

Question 36

What if I have a problem with a neighbor or noise issue?

Accepted Answer

Reach out and let us know. We can't control the neighborhood, but we can document issues, communicate with adjacent properties we own, and help you figure out the right resource — whether that's a local non-emergency line, the city, or just a heads-up to the right person.

Got questions? Good — we have answers.

About Jarvis Housing

Applying & Qualifying

Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Leasing & Move-In

Living in a Jarvis Housing Home

Still have questions?