Ohio · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026
Ohio security deposit law
In Ohio, your landlord has 30 days to return your deposit.
Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026
Short answer
In Ohio, the deposit limit is: No statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 30 days after the lease ends and you give back possession, the landlord must deliver the refund and a written list of any deductions.
- deposit limit
- No statewide limit
- to return a deposit
- 30 days
- deposit penalty
- Up to 2×
Get your deposit back, step by step
- Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
- Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Ohio: You must give the landlord your forwarding address in writing.
- Wait for the deadline: Within 30 days after the lease ends and you give back possession, the landlord must deliver the refund and a written list of any deductions.
- If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
- If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $6,000. Small claims court in Ohio on RobinClaim
Deposit return calculator for Ohio
Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.
Security deposit demand letter for Ohio
A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.
Security deposit in Ohio
- Limit
- No statewide limit.
- Deadline to return it
- Within 30 days after the lease ends and you give back possession, the landlord must deliver the refund and a written list of any deductions. You must give the landlord your forwarding address in writing. If you don't, you lose the right to the extra damages and attorney fees.
- Itemized list
- Every deduction must be itemized and explained in a written notice sent with the money owed, within 30 days. Receipts are not required by the law.
- What may be deducted
- Past-due rent and damage the landlord suffered because you did not meet your duties under the law or the lease (for example, damage beyond normal use, failing to keep the unit clean and safe).
- Interest
- In some cases. If you stay 6 months or more, the landlord must pay 5% a year on the part of the deposit that is more than $50 or one month's rent, whichever is greater. It is paid every year.
- If the landlord keeps it wrongly
- The money wrongly kept, plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld (so up to twice that amount in total), plus reasonable attorney fees. Only if you gave a forwarding address in writing.
Small claims court in Ohio
Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $6,000.
More for Ohio renters
- All Ohio tenant rights
- Repairs: Ohio
- Eviction: Ohio
- Security deposit laws by state (2026)
- Guide: how to get your security deposit back
Security deposit in nearby states
Sources
- Ohio Rev. Code 5321.16
- Ohio Rev. Code 5321.04 Landlord obligations
- Ohio Rev. Code 5321.07 Tenant remedies (rent escrow)
- Ohio Rev. Code 5321.15 Prohibited landlord acts
- Ohio Rev. Code 1923.04 Notice to leave
- Ohio Rev. Code 5321.19 Preemption of rent control
- Ohio Legal Help: Eviction
Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026