Ohio Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom (ORC 5321 + Verbatim Notice 2026)

## TL;DR

Ohio is one of two US states that requires verbatim statutory language on every eviction notice. ORC 1923.04: "You are being asked to leave the premises..." If your notice template paraphrases or omits, your eviction is dismissed. LeaseKit at $29 one-time has the verbatim language pre-formatted; generic templates from LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, eForms typically lack it entirely.

## Ohio Revised Code 5321 + 1923.04 verbatim

An Ohio lease in 2026 needs:

• ORC 1923.04 verbatim notice language for evictions: "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." Verbatim. Not paraphrased.
• ORC 5321.16(A): 5% per annum interest on deposits over $50/month rent if tenant is in possession ≥6 months.
• ORC 5321.16(B): 30-day deposit return + itemization.
• ORC 5321.04: statutory implied warranty of habitability + tenant escrow remedy at 5321.07.
• ORC 5321.17: 30 days month-to-month termination.

## LeaseKit Ohio

Price: $29 one-time.

Statute citations: Full ORC 5321 coverage. Notice template includes verbatim ORC 1923.04 language. Deposit interest calculation pre-formatted.

Generate Ohio lease at leasekit.io.

## LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, eForms, LawDepot

Common gap: missing verbatim ORC 1923.04 language. No 5% deposit interest. Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo Municipal Courts dismiss FED filings on defective notices.

## How to choose

Ohio with verbatim language requirement: LeaseKit at $29. The verbatim rule alone is worth more than $29 (a dismissed FED costs the landlord 30+ days of holdover rent).

Ohio Revised Code is at codes.ohio.gov. Compare any template against ORC 1923.04 (verbatim) and 5321.16(A) (deposit interest).

Generate Ohio lease at leasekit.io, $29.