what rental bestie is

Rental Bestie is a free apartment hunting resource built specifically for Ohio renters. We make tools that run in your browser, write guides based on actual Ohio law, and break down what landlords are allowed to do (and what they're not).

Everything on this site is free. There's no sign-up required, no premium tier, and no sponsored content. We don't work with landlords, property management companies, or listing platforms.

why we built this

Apartment hunting in Ohio is harder than it should be. Renters sign leases without knowing their rights, pay security deposits they'll never get back, and move into units with problems they could have spotted ahead of time — if someone had just told them what to look for.

Most rental information online is written from the landlord's perspective, buried in legalese, or exists to get you to click a paid listing. We wanted something different: real information, written plainly, that actually helps renters make better decisions.

what we cover

  • Ohio renter law — security deposits, eviction timelines, habitability requirements, and what your landlord can and can't do under Ohio Revised Code.
  • City guides — real neighborhood breakdowns for Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Akron, Toledo, Dayton, Youngstown, and Canton, with average rents, neighborhood vibes, and red flags specific to each market.
  • Free tools — a rent approval calculator that runs the same math landlords use, and a security deposit checker built on Ohio law.
  • The blog — practical guides on negotiating rent, reading a lease, spotting red flags, and understanding the eviction process.

important disclaimer

Rental Bestie is for informational purposes only. Nothing on this site is legal advice. Ohio landlord-tenant law is complex and individual situations vary — if you're dealing with an eviction, a deposit dispute, or any legal matter, please consult with a licensed attorney or contact Ohio Legal Help for free resources.

contact

Have a question, spotted an error, or want to suggest something we should cover? We'd love to hear from you. Reach out via the blog or through our social channels.