Can a Ohio landlord raise rent during a fixed-term lease?
Generally no. A fixed-term lease in Ohio locks the rent amount for the lease term. A landlord cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease without the tenant's written agreement, regardless of whether the market rent has changed. On a month-to-month tenancy or after the fixed term expires, the landlord may increase rent with the required advance notice. Ohio has no statewide advance notice specific to rent increases. ORC 5321.17 sets 30 days as the month-to-month termination default, treated as the default for rent changes. No state rent cap.
Source: ORC 5321.17 (30-day month-to-month termination default)
This is an informational answer based on ORC 5321.17 (30-day month-to-month termination default) as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a Ohio-licensed attorney.