Free Ohio Residential Lease & Rental Agreement Template
Ohio does not cap the security deposit — it prices it. Anything above fifty dollars or one month’s rent earns the tenant five per cent a year once they have stayed six months, and the landlord has thirty days to itemise after they leave. Each rule below is quoted from its Revised Code section.
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Ohio rules landlords must follow
- Security deposit cap Uncapped, but the excess earns 5%
“Any security deposit in excess of fifty dollars or one month’s periodic rent, whichever is greater, shall bear interest on the excess at the rate of five per cent per annum if the tenant remains in possession of the premises for six months or more, and shall be computed and paid annually by the landlord to the tenant.” Ohio sets no ceiling on the amount — it makes the large deposit expensive to hold.
- Deposit return deadline 30 days, itemised — and give a forwarding address
Any deduction “shall be itemized and identified by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant together with the amount due, within thirty days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession.” The duty runs both ways: the tenant must give the landlord a forwarding or new address in writing, and a tenant who fails to “shall not be entitled to damages or attorneys fees” under division (C).
- Ending a month-to-month tenancy 30 days · 7 days week-to-week
Either the landlord or the tenant “may terminate or fail to renew a month-to-month tenancy by notice given the other at least thirty days prior to the periodic rental date,” and a week-to-week tenancy by seven days’ notice. The section does not govern a termination for breach of the lease or of a duty imposed by law.
- Notice to enter 24 hours presumed reasonable
Except in an emergency or where it is impracticable, the landlord must “give the tenant reasonable notice of the landlord’s intent to enter and enter only at reasonable times. Twenty-four hours is presumed to be a reasonable notice in the absence of evidence to the contrary.” A landlord who enters in breach, enters lawfully but unreasonably, or makes repeated harassing demands to enter can be sued for damages, an injunction and attorney’s fees — or the tenant may terminate the rental agreement.
Required disclosures
- Lead-based paint (federal)
- For any housing built before 1978, federal law requires the landlord to disclose known lead-based paint and hazards, give the EPA pamphlet “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home,” and include a lead warning in the lease. 42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 CFR Part 35 / 40 CFR Part 745
Generate a Ohio-ready lease
The generator pre-selects Ohio and defers to these rules for deposits, notice and entry — answer a few questions and download Word & PDF, generated on your device.
FAQ
Ohio lease questions
- How much security deposit can a Ohio landlord charge?
- “Any security deposit in excess of fifty dollars or one month’s periodic rent, whichever is greater, shall bear interest on the excess at the rate of five per cent per annum if the tenant remains in possession of the premises for six months or more, and shall be computed and paid annually by the landlord to the tenant.” Ohio sets no ceiling on the amount — it makes the large deposit expensive to hold.
- How long does a Ohio landlord have to return the deposit?
- Any deduction “shall be itemized and identified by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant together with the amount due, within thirty days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession.” The duty runs both ways: the tenant must give the landlord a forwarding or new address in writing, and a tenant who fails to “shall not be entitled to damages or attorneys fees” under division (C).
- How much notice is required to end a month-to-month lease in Ohio?
- Either the landlord or the tenant “may terminate or fail to renew a month-to-month tenancy by notice given the other at least thirty days prior to the periodic rental date,” and a week-to-week tenancy by seven days’ notice. The section does not govern a termination for breach of the lease or of a duty imposed by law.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. Free Contract Generator provides self-help templates and general information, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Landlord-tenant law is state- and city-specific and changes; confirm the current rules and consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Rules on this page were checked against the official source cited beside each item on September 6, 2026. Laws change — confirm the current rule before you rely on it. This page is general information, not legal advice.