1. what can you say in a reference?  There's nothing in either FH or Ohio Landlord Tenant Laws governing references.  A good rule of thumb is to give information about objective facts and avoid opinions and emotions.

2. Landlord changed terms for Security Deposit after credit report.  Not a violation of the fair housing act unless there is a difference in treatment based on a protected class.  Challenging a denial based on a credit report can help you figure out what is really going on.  Ask for specifics-what are your standards for evaluating credit?  what part of the credit report presented a problem?

3. Can a loandlord make a denial based on smoking?  Smoking is not a protected class, but landlord is advised to make a list of criteria BEFORE INTERVIEWING and then hold all applicants to the same criteria.  Don't wait til a smoker shows up to decide you don't want smokers.

4. Is there a cap on rent increases?  In Ohio there is no cap on rent or a rent increase, but a rent increase that is unexpected or seems like it is not based on "market" may raise some red flags.  If a tenant moves because of a rent increase and later finds that the property is being offered at a lower rate-maybe there's grounds for a fair housing complaint.

5. What is a landlord makes an intrusive entry.   Lisa from Shaker Heights described a recent case where single women were subjected to intrusive inspections and male headed households were not.  There are also protections in the Ohio Landlord Tenant Law for inspections that "have the effect of harassment."

6. Can a landlord restrict water use-eg. no car washing.  As long as the provision is part of the rental agreement and is not "unconscionable."

7. Is there a  statute of limitations on bringing a claim for wrongful wthholding? The answer will differ based on many factors, such as whether lease was written or oral, and other issues like when to start counting?  Legal advice based on the specific facts of the case is recommended.