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Security deposit · Ohio

30 days after lease ends and you hand back possession.

By housr editorsStatute text checked 2026-10-05Legal review pending
A named legal reviewer hasn't signed this page yet. We read and quoted the statute ourselves on 2026-10-05. Until review, this page isn't indexed by search engines. This is information, not legal advice. See legal review.
The short answerOhio Rev. Code §5321.16(B)
Deadline30 calendar days
Before it appliesGive a written forwarding address
If kept in bad faithThe money due, plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney's fees

The rule

In Ohio, the clock starts when: lease ends and you hand back possession. The landlord then has 30 calendar days. The statute says:

“…within thirty days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession.”

Without a written forwarding address you lose the right to damages and attorney's fees (not the deposit itself).

For example, if you returned the keys on Oct 25, 2026, the date would be Nov 24, 2026. Use the Clock for your own dates.

What the landlord has to send

Deductions itemized and identified in a written notice delivered with the amount due.

Interest

5% a year on the part of the deposit over $50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater), if you stay six months or more.

“If the tenant fails to provide the landlord with the forwarding or new address as required, the tenant shall not be entitled to damages or attorneys fees under division (C) of this section.”
Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16(B)

Do this

On move-out day

Give your forwarding address in writing and keep proof of sending. Photograph every room before you return the keys.

Deductions and wear and tear

Ohio's statute limits what can be kept to the purposes it lists. We haven't summarised its wear-and-tear language yet; read the section linked above.

For a charge to replace something old, Fair Charge works out a prorated estimate from the item's age and useful life, and says where the useful life comes from. See also the item guides for carpet, paint and cleaning.

If the deadline passes

The money due, plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney's fees.

“…the tenant may recover the property and money due him, together with damages in an amount equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorneys fees.”
Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16(C)

The usual first step is a written demand that states the date the deposit was due and cites the statute. Our demand letter does that and carries any disputed deductions.

Ohio warnings

Your next steps

Sources

  1. Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16(B) · checked 2026-10-05

Information, not legal advice. Statutes are quoted from official legislature sites; summaries are ours. Spotted an error? Tell us.