I checked the lease, and there is nothing in there at all about bicycles. It talks about cars, but not bikes. Interestingly enough there is this clause:
There have been no verbal agreements between [The Apartment] and the Resident Manager, or Lessee. Lessor will not be bound by any agreements or promises made by it's representative unless the agreement is in writing.
So, if the landlord
had told my friend about the sticker, that's still completely beside the point: It wasn't in writing.
Digital_Cowboy: The landlord doesn't require a sticker for cars, but she does take down their registration information. There is specific language about being able to store up to two vehicles at the apartment.
My biggest problem is that I've been scouring Ohio laws for hours now and I can't find any laws that deal with abandoned property, which is (I'm sure) what the landlord considered my bike.