Cleveland Water Bill Help 2026–27: Discount Rates, the Final Notice, and What Tenants Can Do
A Cleveland water bill is really two bills from two agencies. Cleveland Water (the City of Cleveland Division of Water) charges for the water, and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) charges for sewer and stormwater. Each has its own discount programs, so a household that only applies to one is often leaving money on the table.
This guide covers both, explains what Cleveland Water's final notice actually requires, and lays out the options for tenants whose landlord stopped paying, which is one of the most common water problems in Cleveland.
Last checked October 2026. Income limits and rates change each year. Confirm with the agency before you apply.
Start With One Phone Call
If you've fallen behind, Cleveland Water's FAQ says to call the Customer Service Call Center at 216-664-3130 to set up a manageable payment schedule and to ask whether you qualify for a discount program. Do this before a final notice if you can. Have your account number and your last bill in front of you.
Discount 1: Cleveland Water's Homestead Program (65+ or Disabled Owners)
Who it's for: customers who are 65 or older, or totally and permanently disabled, who own and live at the service address and meet the income guideline. The 2026 Homestead application lists an income eligibility limit of $43,500, counting the applicant's and spouse's income (Social Security, pensions, interest and dividends included).
What you get: a lower fixed charge and a lower consumption charge. For 2026, Cleveland Water lists the Homestead fixed charge at $6.25 for all meter sizes, and the Homestead consumption charge for the City of Cleveland at $15.81 per MCF (thousand cubic feet).
How to apply: fill out the 2026 Homestead application from Cleveland Water's discount programs page and mail it to Division of Water, Homestead Unit, P.O. Box 94687, Cleveland, OH 44101-4687. If you're under 65, a physician or psychologist must complete the disability certificate on the form. Questions: (216) 664-3130.
Keep it active: enrollment lasts three years, then you must renew. The application asks that renewals be returned by March 31.
Discount 2: The Water Affordability Program (Income-Based Owners)
Who it's for: Cleveland Water customers who own and occupy the home and have household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. No age requirement.
What you get: Cleveland Water says the program gives the same monthly fixed and consumption charges as Homestead. CHN Housing Partners, which runs it, describes this as a 40% monthly discount on the water rate for one year. You must reverify every year.
Income limits: CHN's 2026 application lists 200% of poverty as:
1 person: $31,920
3 people: $54,640
5 people: $77,360
(Cleveland Water's web page still shows slightly lower figures from the prior year's poverty guidelines. If you're close to the line, apply anyway and let CHN check.)
How to apply: applications are open year-round. Apply online through CHN Housing Partners or send the paper application with your current water bill and 30 days of income for every household member 18 and older. Return documents by email to water@chnhousingpartners.org or fax to 216-325-0578. Questions: 216-774-2349 (the number Cleveland Water lists for the program) or CHN's Community Resource Center at (216) 574-7100.
Discounts on the Sewer Side (NEORSD)
According to NEORSD, it runs three bill assistance programs directly:
Homestead: a 40% reduction on sewer and stormwater charges for customers 65 or older, or fully disabled under 65.
Affordability Program: a 40% reduction for households at or below 250% of the federal poverty level that are responsible for the bill. You can't be in both Homestead and Affordability at the same time.
Crisis Assistance: a one-time credit of half the sewer bill, up to $300, with the remaining balance put on a payment plan. NEORSD says it requires a hardship within the past six months and a disconnection notice, and that there is no income limit.
Apply through the links on NEORSD's programs page (neorsd.org/save). NEORSD's main number is 216-881-6600.
Caseworker tip: the sewer Affordability limit (250% of poverty) is higher than the water one (200%). A household that's slightly over for the water discount may still qualify on the sewer side.
When a Final Notice Arrives
Cleveland Water's sample final notice says three things you need to know:
The full past-due amount is due immediately to avoid termination. The notice gives a date on or after which service will be shut off.
If service is disconnected, the entire amount owed, including the current balance, is due before service is restored. That's more than the past-due amount.
If you pay online, also call 216-664-3130 so a representative can note the payment on your account.
You can still call 216-664-3130 to discuss payment options, but don't assume a plan is in place until a representative confirms it.
The Water Review Board. If the property is residential and you are the owner, or a resident with an approved Cleveland Water Tenant Agreement, and you dispute the shutoff, you may request a hearing before the Water Review Board. The request must be in writing within 10 days of receiving the notice, delivered in person or by mail to Water Review Board, 1201 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, or by fax to (216) 664-4007. Tenants must include proof of residency for the disputed period, such as an electric, gas or cable bill. Hearings can't be requested by phone.
Renting? Your Landlord May Be the One Who Owes
Cleveland Housing Court's 2026 tenant utility checklist explains that under Cleveland Ordinance 375.05, a landlord must pay for electric, gas and water unless the unit is separately metered, the lease clearly and unambiguously makes the tenant responsible, and the lease gives the tenant reasonable access to the meter. Ohio law (R.C. 5321.04(A)(6)) also requires landlords to supply running water.
If the landlord is responsible and the water is about to be shut off, the court's checklist lists these options:
1. Sign a Tenant Agreement. The final notice says a tenant with a lease whose landlord hasn't paid may sign a Tenant Agreement with Cleveland Water to take responsibility for future bills and avoid disconnection. A deposit may be required, and only one person can be billed for a meter. Call 216-664-3130 to request one. (Cleveland Ordinance 535.14(a) allows this.)
2. Rent deposit to keep water on (CCO 535.14(b)). City ordinance allows tenants to maintain water service if at least 50% of the tenants deposit rent with the Clerk of Court when due, apply to the court for an order to use that rent to pay the delinquency, and keep depositing until the delinquency is resolved.
3. Rent deposit under Ohio law (R.C. 5321.07). When a landlord fails duties under the lease or Ohio's landlord-tenant law, a tenant may deposit rent with the Cleveland Municipal Clerk of Court. There are strict requirements; talk to a Housing Court Housing Specialist before you stop paying the landlord directly.
4. Ask a court for an emergency order. The checklist also lists filing a complaint for injunctive relief (a TRO). Speak with an attorney first.
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland also has information on delinquent water bills; if your landlord's unpaid bill is threatening your home, call them.
A Short Plan
This week: call 216-664-3130 for a payment schedule. Ask whether a final notice is on the account and the shutoff date.
If you own your home: apply for Homestead (65+ or disabled) or the Water Affordability Program through CHN, and NEORSD's matching sewer program.
If you have a shutoff notice: apply for NEORSD Crisis Assistance for the sewer side, and file a written Water Review Board request within 10 days if you dispute the bill.
If you rent and the landlord owes: ask about a Tenant Agreement and contact Housing Court before you deposit rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do renters qualify for Cleveland's water discount programs?
Cleveland Water's Homestead and Water Affordability programs require you to own and live in the home. NEORSD's Affordability Program is for households responsible for the sewer bill, and Crisis Assistance has no income limit, so ask NEORSD.
What's the difference between Homestead and the Water Affordability Program?
Both give the same lower rates. Homestead is for owners 65+ or disabled with income up to $43,500 and lasts three years. Water Affordability is for owners of any age under 200% of poverty and must be renewed every year.
Will paying part of the past-due amount stop the shutoff?
The final notice asks for the full past-due amount. Call 216-664-3130 to ask about a payment schedule, and get the terms confirmed.
How long do I have to request a Water Review Board hearing?
Ten days from receiving the final notice, in writing, in person, by mail or by fax.
My landlord didn't pay the water bill. Am I responsible for their debt?
A Tenant Agreement makes you responsible for future bills, not the landlord's past-due balance. Talk to Housing Court or legal aid about your situation.
Comments