Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Ohio lets tenants pay their rent to the court clerk instead of the landlord when serious repairs go unfixed after written notice (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.07). There is no deposit cap, but any amount above $50 or one month’s rent earns 5% interest for tenancies of six months or more.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Ohio?
An Ohio landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned to refund the deposit with an itemized list of deductions.
| Maximum Deposit | No statutory limit |
| Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Interest Required | 5% on the amount above $50 or one month’s rent, for tenancies of 6+ months |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Ohio?
Ohio has no rent control and no cap on increases; a month-to-month change needs 30 days’ notice.
| Late Fee Limit | Must be reasonable |
| Rent Control Status | No rent control |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days for month-to-month |
| Statute Reference | Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Ohio
An Ohio eviction starts with a 3-day notice to leave the premises; other lease violations generally need a 30-day notice to remedy.
| Non-Payment Notice | 3 days’ notice to leave |
| Lease Violation Notice | 30 days |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Illegal Activity | 3 days for drug activity |
| Statute Reference | Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1923.04, 5321.11, 5321.17 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Ohio?
No. Ohio requires at least 24 hours’ notice and entry at reasonable times, except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 24 hours |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04(A)(8) |
What Must a Ohio Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Name and address of the owner and any agent (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.18)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Ohio?
Ohio landlords must comply with housing codes and keep the unit fit and habitable; after 30 days’ written notice a tenant can deposit rent with the court clerk.
What Ohio landlords must maintain
- • Comply with building, housing, health and safety codes
- • Make all repairs needed to keep the premises fit and habitable
- • Keep common areas safe and sanitary
- • Maintain supplied electrical, plumbing, heating and appliances
What a Ohio tenant can do
- • Pay rent to the clerk of court after 30 days’ written notice
- • Ask the court for a rent reduction or repair order
| Repair & Deduct | Not provided; rent escrow instead |
| Statute Reference | Ohio Rev. Code §§ 5321.04, 5321.07 |