Ohio Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Ohio
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Ohio's Landlord-Tenant Act (ORC § 5321 et seq.) has no deposit cap, but deposits exceeding one month's rent accrue annual interest. Landlords must give 24 hours notice before entry. Rent control is banned statewide. Tenants may deposit rent with the court under ORC § 5321.07 and obtain an order compelling repairs.
Security Deposit Max
No cap
Deposit Return
30 days
Entry Notice Required
24 hours
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Allowed
Detailed Protections
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Security Deposit Limit
No cap; interest owed if deposit > 1 month's rent (ORC § 5321.16)
Limited Protection
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Deposit Return Period
30 days after move-out with itemized statement
Protection Exists
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Entry Notice Required
24 hours except emergencies (ORC § 5321.04)
Protection Exists
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Rent Control
Banned statewide (ORC § 4521.02)
No Protection
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Repair & Deduct
Rent escrow via court for serious defects (§ 5321.07)
Protection Exists
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Just Cause Eviction
Not required
No Protection
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Retaliation Protection
Prohibited — ORC § 5321.02
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
🔍 Ohio tenant rights🔍 Ohio security deposit law🔍 Ohio eviction process🔍 Ohio landlord entry notice