State law guide · Checked November 14, 2026

Ohio landlord rules: late fees, deposits and rent increases

Ohio's landlord and tenant chapter is short. It says nothing on late fees and rent increase amounts, and it is specific about deposit interest and returns. Here is what the Ohio Revised Code says, with the section for each rule.

Late fees in Ohio

Limit

None in the statute. Ohio Rev. Code ch. 5321

Grace period

None in the statute. Ohio Rev. Code ch. 5321

Other conditions

None specific to late fees. A court can refuse to enforce a lease term it finds unconscionable. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.14

Security deposits in Ohio

Maximum deposit

The statute sets no limit. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16

Return deadline

30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)

Itemized deductions

Required, in writing, within the same 30 days. A tenant who doesn't give a forwarding address in writing can't recover the extra damages and attorney's fees below. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)

Interest

5% a year on the part of the deposit above $50 or one month's rent, whichever is greater. It applies when the tenant stays six months or more, and is paid to the tenant each year. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(A)

How it's held

No special account or bond in the statute. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16

Penalty

The amount wrongly kept, plus damages equal to that amount, plus reasonable attorney's fees. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(C)

Rent increases in Ohio

Notice to raise rent

No statute sets a notice period for a rent increase. The closest rule covers ending a month-to-month tenancy: notice at least 30 days before the periodic rental date. Check your lease for its own notice term. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17(B)

Statewide cap

None in the statute. Ohio Rev. Code ch. 5321

City rent control

Not allowed. No political subdivision may adopt or enforce rent control or rent stabilization. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.19

This page covers Ohio state law for ordinary residential rentals. Cities and counties can add their own rules, and subsidized housing and mobile home lots follow different ones.

Questions landlords ask

Free templates you can use in Ohio

These are plain templates that aren’t tied to one state. Fill in the numbers your statute and lease call for.

• Rent increase letter kit: increase notice, renewal offer, pricing worksheet and delivery log.
• Late rent notice kit: friendly reminder, past-due notice, payment plan and delivery log.
• Security deposit return kit: itemized return letter, wear-and-tear guide and move-out checklist.
• Move-in kit: inspection checklist and deposit receipt, signed by the tenant.
• Rent ledger: running tenant balances and printable statements.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. It summarizes state statutes as read on November 14, 2026; laws change and courts interpret them. Check the current statute (Ohio Revised Code, chapter 5321) or talk to a local attorney before you act.