Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in Ohio

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in Ohio, mainly from the Ohio Revised Code chapters 5321 and 1923. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Deposit return deadline

30 days1Ohio Rev. Code 5321.16(B)

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out, the landlord must return the deposit, with a written itemized list of any deductions.

Interest on deposits

Required in some cases1Ohio Rev. Code 5321.16(A)

If the tenant stays six months or more, any part of the deposit above $50 or one month's rent, whichever is greater, earns 5% interest a year.

Late fees

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days2Ohio Rev. Code 5321.17(B)

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with notice given at least 30 days before the rent due date. Week-to-week tenancies need 7 days.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days2Ohio Rev. Code 5321.17(B)

A landlord must give the same notice, at least 30 days before the rent due date.

Notice of a rent increase

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Statewide rent limits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Landlord entry

24 hours3Ohio Rev. Code 5321.04(A)(8)

The landlord must give reasonable notice before entering, except in an emergency, and 24 hours is presumed reasonable.

Notice for unpaid rent

3 days4Ohio Rev. Code 1923.04(A)

The landlord must give written notice to leave at least three days before filing an eviction case, using wording set by law.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. Ohio Revised Code section 5321.16, Ohio Legislative Service Commissionofficial
  2. Ohio Revised Code section 5321.17, Ohio Legislative Service Commissionofficial
  3. Ohio Revised Code section 5321.04, Ohio Legislative Service Commissionofficial
  4. Ohio Revised Code section 1923.04, Ohio Legislative Service Commissionofficial

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.