Ohio

Ohio Landlord-Tenant Laws

Security deposit limits, eviction notices, rent control, and more for Ohio.

How we research these summaries

Every rule on this page is drawn from state statutes and municipal codes and summarized with AI assistance. Each one cites the statute it's based on and links to a published text of that law so you can read it firsthand. Where a page says a city or county has no local rule on a topic, that means none was found for the topics covered here — not that none exists. Local governments also regulate rental housing in ways these pages don't track, including registration, licensing, inspections and habitability standards. These summaries may be incomplete or out of date, laws change often, and every property and tenancy has specifics a summary can't capture — so treat this as a starting point for your own research, not as legal advice, and check with the local jurisdiction and a qualified attorney before acting on your particular situation.

What to Know in Ohio

Sources last checked July 2026

Ohio sets no cap on security deposits, but a deposit exceeding $50 or one month's rent must earn 5% annual interest once a tenant has stayed six months or more, and must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of deductions. Rent control is banned statewide (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.19, 2022), so no municipality may cap rent increases, and state law sets no minimum notice period for raising rent either. Eviction for nonpayment requires a 3-day written notice, and Ohio does not require just cause to evict.

3-day notice required before eviction for nonpayment of rent
30-day move-out notice required for month-to-month tenancies

2 rules summarized · Each linked to the law it cites

Eviction Notice Requirements

What are the eviction notice requirements in Ohio?

Before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent, Ohio landlords must serve a 3-day written notice to vacate under Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04. All eviction notices must include the statutory warning language: 'You are being asked to leave the premises. If you do not leave, an eviction action may be initiated against you. If you are in doubt regarding your legal rights and obligations as a tenant, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance.' For lease violations other than nonpayment, a 30-day notice is typically required. Termination of a week-to-week tenancy requires at least 7 days' notice; termination of a month-to-month tenancy requires at least 30 days' notice. Ohio does not require just cause for eviction or lease non-renewal.

Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1923.04, 5321.17

Last checked Jul 2026

Move-Out & Lease Termination Notice

What is the move-out notice requirement in Ohio?

Under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17, either a landlord or tenant may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by giving the other party at least 30 days' written notice prior to the periodic rental date. For week-to-week tenancies, at least 7 days' notice is required prior to the termination date. Fixed-term leases expire at the end of the lease term without requiring a separate notice of intent to vacate, unless the lease agreement specifies otherwise. In cases involving documented drug-related activity on the premises, a landlord may terminate any tenancy type with just 3 days' notice under § 5321.17(C). Tenants should always review their lease for any contractual notice requirements that may exceed the statutory minimums.

Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17

Last checked Jul 2026

Local Jurisdictions with Additional Rules

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