Ohio Landlord-Tenant Laws

This overview summarizes common Ohio landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (Ohio Revised Code 5321). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.

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Ohio at a glance: Security deposit limit: No statutory limit. Return deadline: 30 days. Month-to-month notice: 30 days. Source: Ohio Revised Code 5321.

Security deposit

Maximum deposit
No statutory limit
Return deadline
30 days
Interest required
Yes

The rule: No statewide deposit limit. Within 30 days after the lease ends and possession is delivered, the landlord must deliver the balance with a written itemized list of deductions. The part of the deposit above $50 or one month's rent, whichever is greater, earns 5% yearly interest if the tenant stays 6 months or more. A tenant who gave no written forwarding address cannot recover double damages or attorney fees (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16).

Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.

Source read · Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16

Eviction notice

Nonpayment of rent
3 days notice
Lease violation
30 days notice

Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.

Notice to vacate

Month-to-month lease
30 days notice
Fixed-term lease
No notice required if lease ends

Late rent fees

Grace period
No statutory requirement
Maximum late fee
No limit

Additional regulations

Rent control
No statewide rent control
Landlord entry notice
24 hours

Primary statute reference: Ohio Revised Code 5321

Sources

When to use Ohio document templates

Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Ohio landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Ohio documents.

Common mistakes in Ohio

  • Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
  • Missing the security deposit return deadline (30 days)
  • Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts

Ohio documents

Frequently asked questions

  • Ohio sets no statewide security deposit limit. The return deadline is 30 days. No statewide deposit limit. Within 30 days after the lease ends and possession is delivered, the landlord must deliver the balance with a written itemized list of deductions. The part of the deposit above $50 or one month's rent, whichever is greater, earns 5% yearly interest if the tenant stays 6 months or more. A tenant who gave no written forwarding address cannot recover double damages or attorney fees (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16).

    Confirm current rules in Ohio Revised Code 5321.

  • Ohio month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.

  • Use our Ohio lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
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Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official Ohio sources before relying on this information.

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