Ohio· Answer
What is the penalty for not returning a deposit in Ohio?
Short answer
Up to 2x the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees under ORC 5321.16(C) if the landlord acts in bad faith. The penalty is in addition to the wrongfully withheld deposit itself. Ohio courts routinely hear deposit disputes in small-claims court, where landlords who missed the 30-day deadline without written explanation face a presumption of bad faith.
Source: ORC 5321.16
Honest limits
This is an informational answer based on ORC 5321.16 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.
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