How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Ohio?

Ohio sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount. The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16).

Is there a limit on late fees in Ohio?

Ohio sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Ohio?

Landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04)

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Ohio?

Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Ohio?

Tenant has 3 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04) The case is filed as a forcible entry and detainer in Municipal or County Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Ohio?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Ohio tenancies are governed by the Ohio Landlords and Tenants Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Ohio with the statutory citations printed in it.

Ohio Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Ohio has to respect the Ohio Landlords and Tenants Act: no statutory ceiling on the security deposit, accounted for within 30 days of move-out, and no statutory ceiling on late fees. Below is every number that governs a Ohio tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Ohio rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Ohio lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Ohio landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Ohio	Citation
Security deposit limit	No statutory limitOhio sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount.	No statute on point
Deposit return deadline	30 daysLandlord must return the deposit or an itemized list of deductions within 30 days after termination.	Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16
Interest on deposits	RequiredOhio requires 5% annual interest on the portion of a deposit exceeding $50 or one month's rent, where the tenancy exceeds six months.	Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16
Late fee limit	No statutory limitOhio sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.	No statute on point
Grace period before rent is late	No statutory grace periodOhio sets no statutory grace period for rent.	No statute on point
Notice to pay or quit	3 daysTenant has 3 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession.	Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04
Time to cure a lease violation	30 daysTenant generally has 30 days to remedy a curable lease violation.	Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.11
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	30 days' noticeEither party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.	Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17
Notice before landlord entry	24 hoursLandlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in an emergency.	Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04

Disclosures a Ohio lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978

If things go wrong in Ohio

Where eviction is filed

Municipal or County Court, as a forcible entry and detainer.

Governing law

Ohio Landlords and Tenants Act, cited from the Ohio Revised Code.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Ohio lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Ohio?: Ohio sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount. The deposit must be accounted for within 30 days after the tenancy ends (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16).
Is there a limit on late fees in Ohio?: Ohio sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Ohio?: Landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04)
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Ohio?: Either party must give at least 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Ohio?: Tenant has 3 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for possession. (Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04) The case is filed as a forcible entry and detainer in Municipal or County Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Ohio?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. Ohio tenancies are governed by the Ohio Landlords and Tenants Act, and a written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Ohio with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Ohio lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Ohio lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Ohio law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Ohio attorney review your lease before you rely on it.