Ohio renter guide
Ohio gives landlords 30 days.
After the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession, an Ohio landlord generally has 30 days to itemize each deposit deduction in writing and send any balance due.
Reviewed September 26, 2026 · Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16
Check your deadline ↗Give your new address in writing
Ohio law says the tenant must provide a forwarding or new address in writing for the statutory damages and attorney fees remedy in this section. Keep a copy of the address notice and proof it was delivered.
What must the landlord send?
The landlord must itemize and identify each deduction in written notice delivered with the amount due. The 30-day period begins after both termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession. These events may not happen on the same date, so count from the later date.
What if money was wrongfully withheld?
Ohio law allows recovery of the money due plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, as well as reasonable attorney fees. Recoup’s conditional illustration assumes the entire amount entered as withheld qualifies. A court determines the amount, and the written address requirement applies.
Check your dates
Use the later of the rental agreement end date and the date possession was delivered. The result is general legal information; it does not determine whether a deduction is supported or predict what a court will award.
Check your Ohio deposit ↗This page gives general legal information, not legal advice. Specific facts and local rules may change your options. Consider contacting an Ohio attorney or tenant resource for advice.