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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 These summaries may be incomplete or out of date, laws change often, and every property and tenancy has specifics a summary can't capture — so treat this as a starting point for your own research, not as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
  • No rent control — no statutory cap on rent increases
  • Ohio statutes do not specify a mandatory notice period before a landlord may raise rent.
  • Ohio law does not set a maximum security deposit amount. However, any deposit exceeding $50 or one month's periodic rent (whichever is greater) must earn interest at 5% per...
5 rules summarized · Each linked to the law it cites

Security Deposit Limits

Security Deposit Limits

What is the security deposit limit in Ohio?

Ohio law does not set a maximum security deposit amount. However, any deposit exceeding $50 or one month's periodic rent (whichever is greater) must earn interest at 5% per annum if the tenant occupies the unit for six months or more. Interest is computed and paid annually. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the rental agreement terminates and possession is delivered, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Tenants must provide a forwarding address in writing to receive the return. Failure to comply entitles tenants to the wrongfully withheld amount plus damages equal to that amount, plus reasonable attorney fees.

Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16

Eviction Notice Requirements

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

Rent Increase Notice Periods

Rent Increase Notice Periods

How much notice is required for rent increases in Ohio?

Ohio statutes do not specify a mandatory notice period before a landlord may raise rent. Rent cannot be increased during a fixed-term lease. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords typically give 30 days' written notice before the next periodic rental date, consistent with the general tenancy termination notice period under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17. For week-to-week tenancies, 7 days' notice is customary. The notice should state the new rent amount and the effective date. Landlords may not increase rent in retaliation for a tenant exercising legal rights under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.02.

Ohio Rev. Code §§ 5321.02, 5321.17

Rent Control / Rent Increase Caps

Rent Control / Rent Increase Caps

Is there rent control in Ohio?

Ohio has no rent control or rent stabilization. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.19, enacted through HB 430 signed by Governor DeWine on June 24, 2022, explicitly prohibits political subdivisions (cities, counties, townships) from enacting, adopting, or enforcing any ordinance or measure that imposes rent control or rent stabilization on private residential properties. Landlords may raise rent by any amount upon lease renewal or with appropriate notice for month-to-month tenancies. The only exception is that landlords cannot raise rent during an active fixed-term lease, and retaliatory rent increases are prohibited under § 5321.02.

Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.19

Move-Out & Lease Termination Notice

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

Local Jurisdictions with Additional Rules

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