Deposit laws by state · Ohio
Ohio security deposit laws.
Ohio gives landlords 30 days to itemize and refund. Tenants must provide a forwarding address — without it, the deadline doesn't run. Deposits over $50 held more than six months must accrue 5% annual interest payable to the tenant.
Key rules
What Ohio landlords need to do.
- 1.
30-day deadline to refund deposit + itemized statement after move-out and receipt of forwarding address.
- 2.
Deposits over $50 held more than 6 months: 5% annual interest accrues to the tenant.
- 3.
No statutory cap on deposit amount.
- 4.
Itemization must include the specific items, the cost, and the deduction; vague descriptions are insufficient.
- 5.
Wrongful withholding triggers double damages plus attorney fees.
Common pitfalls
Where Ohio landlords lose deposit cases.
Forgetting the 5% interest on deposits held over 6 months — common oversight that becomes a counterclaim.
Sending vague deduction descriptions like 'cleaning and damage' — Ohio courts require specifics.
Not requesting the forwarding address in writing — without it, no statutory deadline.
Statute
Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16
Read the statute on the Ohio legislature site →This page is a landlord-oriented summary, not legal advice. Local ordinances may impose stricter rules than state law. Consult a Ohio attorney before acting on a contested deposit dispute.
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Start your first report →Or use the free templateCommon questions
Ohio deposit FAQ.
- How long does a landlord have to return the security deposit in Ohio?
- 30 days after move-out, per Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16. The clock typically starts when the tenant gives a forwarding address; check the statute for state-specific triggers.
- What's the maximum security deposit allowed in Ohio?
- No statutory limit. Courts can still strike down unconscionably high deposits, so reasonableness still matters.
- What's the penalty for wrongfully withholding a deposit in Ohio?
- Double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney fees.
- Does Ohio require an itemized deduction statement?
- Yes. Ohio requires an itemized written statement listing each deduction with its cost. Sending a refund without itemization (when claiming any deductions) commonly triggers the wrongful-withholding penalty.
- Does Ohio require a pre-move-out inspection?
- Ohio does not require a pre-move-out inspection. Offering one anyway is good practice — it reduces dispute risk by giving the tenant a chance to remedy issues.