Ohio security deposit laws
In Ohio, your landlord has 30 days to return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Here is what the law requires, what they can and cannot keep, and how to get your money back.
Return deadline
30 days
After you hand back the keys
Penalty for wrongful withholding
Up to 2x
You can recover the amount wrongfully withheld plus an equal amount in damages (effectively 2x), plus reasonable attorney's fees
Small claims limit
$6,000
Covers most deposit disputes
Itemized statement
Required
For any deductions the landlord takes
Related states
Compare nearby security deposit rules and deadlines.
What your Ohio landlord must do
Return the deposit on time
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16, the landlord generally must return your deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions within 30 days after you move out. Missing that deadline often weakens or forfeits their right to keep any of it.
Justify every deduction
An itemized statement of the deductions is required, and vague or unsupported charges do not meet the standard. Normal wear and tear is never deductible.
Common Ohio deposit disputes
Pick the situation that matches yours for the Ohio-specific rules and a ready-to-send demand letter.
Ohio security deposit questions
How long does a landlord in Ohio have to return a security deposit?
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16, a Ohio landlord generally has 30 days after you move out to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions.
What can a Ohio landlord deduct from a security deposit?
Only actual damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and Ohio law allow. An itemized statement of the deductions is required. Ordinary wear from normal use is not deductible.
What happens if my Ohio landlord keeps my deposit unfairly?
You can recover the amount wrongfully withheld plus an equal amount in damages (effectively 2x), plus reasonable attorney's fees A demand letter that cites Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 and the missed deadline is the standard first step before small claims.
Can I sue my landlord in Ohio small claims court over a deposit?
Yes. Ohio small claims court handles deposit disputes for amounts up to $6,000, which covers most deposits plus the statutory penalty. You do not need a lawyer.
Not legal advice
RentBack is jurisdiction-accurate legal research and drafting support for renters, not a law firm and not a substitute for a licensed attorney.