Ohio landlord-tenant law.
Quick-reference on Ohio residential landlord-tenant rules, primary statute ORC Chapter 5321, ORC 1923. Below are every LeaseKit tool that applies to Ohio: calculators, templates, free checklist PDF, blog guides, and frequently asked questions.
ORC 1923.04(A) requires verbatim 'you are being asked to leave' language or notice is void
Ohio rules at a glance.
- Deposit cap
- No statewide cap
- Return deadline
- 30 days with itemization (5321.16)
- Late fee cap
- No statewide cap
- Pay-or-quit notice
- 3 days (ORC 1923.04, verbatim 'you are being asked to leave')
- Month-to-month termination
- 30 days (5321.17)
- Rent cap
- None
Ohio documents.
Answer questions for free before the PDF.
Written for Ohio landlords.
- Ohio Lease Template, LeaseKit vs LegalZoom (ORC 5321 + Verbatim Notice 2026)โ
- Columbus Ohio Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (ORC 5321)โ
- Cincinnati Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (ORC 5321)โ
- Cleveland Landlord Laws, the 2026 Quick Guide (ORC 5321)โ
- Ohio 3-Day Notice, the 'You Are Being Asked to Leave' Verbatim Rule (ORC 1923.04)โ
Ohio landlord FAQ.
- What must a Ohio residential lease include?โ
- Can a Ohio landlord raise rent during a fixed-term lease?โ
- How much can a Ohio landlord charge as a security deposit?โ
- Does a Ohio lease require a lead-paint disclosure?โ
- Can a Ohio lease end early?โ
- Does a Ohio lease need to be in writing?โ
- Does a Ohio lease automatically renew?โ
- Can a Ohio tenant sublet without permission?โ
Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Akron. Local ordinances in major cities can add stricter rules (especially rent control, just-cause eviction, and inspection requirements). Always check the city code in addition to the state statute.
This is a quick reference, not legal advice. Ohio landlord-tenant law changes year to year. Always verify the current statute text and any local ordinances before relying on this page for a specific dispute. For contested cases, consult a Ohio-licensed attorney.
What landlords ask about OH
- What is the security deposit cap in Ohio?
- Ohio does not have a statewide statutory cap on the security deposit amount. Local ordinances in specific cities may impose caps. Reference: Ohio Rev. Code Ch. 5321.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Ohio?
- Ohio requires the landlord to return the security deposit (or an itemized statement of deductions) within 30 days of the tenant vacating. Reference: Ohio Rev. Code Ch. 5321. Missing the deadline can forfeit the landlord's right to withhold any portion of the deposit and, in some states, expose the landlord to double or treble damages.
- How much notice is required for a rent increase in Ohio?
- Ohio requires 30 days of advance written notice for a rent increase. Reference: Ohio Rev. Code Ch. 5321.
- What is the late fee cap in Ohio?
- Ohio does not impose a specific statutory percentage cap on late fees. Courts generally require the fee to be reasonable and tied to the landlord's actual damages. Reference: Ohio Rev. Code Ch. 5321.
- How many days is the pay-or-quit notice in Ohio?
- Ohio requires a 3-day pay-or-quit notice before an unlawful detainer or eviction filing can be initiated for non-payment of rent. Reference: Ohio Rev. Code Ch. 5321.
- How much notice terminates a month-to-month tenancy in Ohio?
- Ohio requires 30 days of written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. Reference: Ohio Rev. Code Ch. 5321.
- What mandatory disclosures does Ohio require in a lease?
- Ohio leases must include these disclosures: Federal lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 units); Security deposit interest disclosure if held over six months (Ohio Rev. Code ยง 5321.16); Written owner or agent contact required (Ohio Rev. Code ยง 5321.18). Missing a required disclosure can invalidate the lease's enforceability on that point and sometimes on the lease as a whole. Reference: Ohio Rev. Code Ch. 5321.
- Which Ohio statute governs landlord-tenant law?
- Ohio requires 5 percent annual interest on security deposits held over six months when the deposit exceeds one month of rent. No statewide rent control. The primary citation used across LeaseKit templates for this state is: Ohio Rev. Code Ch. 5321.