Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16: Ohio security deposit rules in plain English
What Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 says about Ohio security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Give your forwarding address in writing to get the itemized statement.
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory cap.
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- 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.
What Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
No statutory cap.
Interest
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.
Full citation: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 Read the official text
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FAQ: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16?
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16, a Ohio landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Give your forwarding address in writing to get the itemized statement.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Ohio?
No statutory cap.
Does Ohio require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16.
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in Ohio?
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.
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Scan my Ohio leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.