Ohio Tenant Law: Security Deposits, Late Fees & Landlord Entry (2026)

What Ohio law says about the clauses that matter most in a residential lease. Data as of 2026-10-18.

Main statute: Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law (Ohio Rev. Code ch. 5321) (Ohio Rev. Code ch. 5321)

Security deposits

Max: No statutory cap.
Return deadline days: 30 days
Itemization required: Yes
Interest required: If the deposit exceeds $50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater), the excess earns 5% yearly interest when the tenant stays 6+ months.

Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16

Calculate your Ohio deposit return deadline

Late fees

Rule: No statutory cap; must be reasonable.

Check if your Ohio late fee is legal

Landlord entry

Notice: 24 hours' notice and reasonable times, except emergencies.

Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.04(A)(8)

Ending a month-to-month tenancy

Tenant: 30 days
Landlord: 30 days

Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17

Rent increases

Rule: No statutory notice period beyond ending a periodic tenancy.
Statewide rent control: No.

Repairs & habitability

Rule: Landlord must keep the premises fit and habitable. After 30 days' written notice, a current tenant may pay rent to the court (rent escrow).

Source: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 5321.04, 5321.07

Retaliation

Rule: Landlord may not raise rent, cut services or evict because a tenant complained to authorities or the landlord or joined a tenant union.

Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.02

Clauses often unenforceable in Ohio

Waiver of tenant rights under chapter 5321, confession of judgment, landlord exempt from liability, or tenant agreeing to pay the landlord's attorney fees (Ohio Rev. Code 5321.13)

Notes

Tenant must give a forwarding address in writing to get the itemized deposit statement.

Signing a lease in Ohio?

Scan it free and see which clauses break these rules.

Scan my Ohio lease

Common lease red flags, explained

General information only, not legal advice. Laws change — verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.