Tenant-Landlord Law
Ohio tenant-landlord law, effective November 4, 1974, applies to most landlord-tenant relationships and governs most rental agreements, whether they are verbal or in writing. None of the rights, remedies, or obligations which the tenant or landlord have under this law may be taken away by any oral or written agreement.
Tenant-landlord law varies from state to state. City ordinances may add to local tenant-landlord legislation. Contact HOME or your local fair housing agency for specific information about tenant-landlord law as it applies to you.
Among the documents available through HOME is a booklet called “Ohio Tenant-Landlord Law General Guidelines.” This information is specific only to State Law and does not include different city ordinances that may add local tenant-landlord legislation. To read or download a copy of this booklet, click here.
SMALL CLAIMS
Small Claims provides an easy way for people to resolve claims ONLY for money--specifically over damages under $3,000.
EXAMPLE: Your landlord did not return your security deposit? File a small claim. If you can prove that you gave proper notice before leaving and left a forwarding address and, 30 days after moving the landlord has not returned your deposit or provided an itemized statement of damages to you, you can ask for double damages.
1
Tenant can NOT withhold rent, even when the landlord is not doing repairs.
Tenant must call the Health or Building department or put rent into the escrow process until repairs are complete.
2
The State of Ohio has NO rent control.
This means the landlord can raise the rent on a month-to-month tenant each month. The only time the rent cannot be raised is when the tenant is subsidized or on a year lease.
3
If the court rules in the landlord’s favor at the eviction hearing, the tenant must be out of the property within 10 days.
If the tenant is not out in 10 days, the court will authorize a bailiff or sheriff to remove the tenant’s possessions and place them on the street.
4
Security deposits are used ONLY for damages done in the unit at the end of tenancy.
Tenants cannot use the security deposit for current rent payments.
5
If the landlord has reasonable cause to believe drug activity is occuring and a valid search warrant has been issued, an eviction action will be started whether or not the tenant is charge with a criminal offense
This includes children or house guests.