If your Ohio security deposit was not returned, first check whether the rental agreement ended, possession was delivered, and you provided a forwarding or new address in writing. Ohio generally gives the landlord 30 days after termination and delivery of possession to send the amount due or an itemized written notice of deductions.
Your next step depends on what the landlord sent.
Start with the practical sequence: confirm the rental agreement ended, confirm possession was delivered, confirm the forwarding or new address was given in writing, count 30 days, then check whether the landlord sent a refund, itemized deductions, and any qualifying interest.
If nothing was sent
If the landlord sent no deposit refund and no itemized deductions within 30 days, your demand should point to Ohio Revised Code section 5321.16 and your written forwarding-address proof.
Ask for the amount due and any qualifying interest.
If the landlord wrongfully withholds your Ohio deposit after you gave the required forwarding address, you could win the amount due, equal damages, and reasonable attorney fees in court. That is leverage. The Recovery System helps you show the deadline, forwarding-address proof, itemized-deduction problem, interest issue, and amount owed clearly before you escalate.
If deductions were sent
Review whether the deductions are itemized and identified. Ohio permits deductions for past due rent and damages caused by tenant noncompliance with the rental agreement or Ohio landlord-tenant law.
Ordinary wear and tear should not be treated as damage.
Vague deductions are weaker. Ask the landlord to identify each charge and explain whether it is for past due rent or actual damage caused by tenant noncompliance.
If interest may apply
Ohio's interest rule applies only to the excess over $50 or one month's periodic rent, whichever is greater, and only if the tenant remained in possession for six months or more.
If your deposit was large enough and your tenancy was long enough, include the interest issue in your written demand.
What to do next
- Check the Ohio security deposit deadline
- Review Ohio security deposit deductions
- Organize Ohio security deposit evidence
- Write an Ohio security deposit demand letter
The free guide helps you choose the next step. The paid system is the shortcut if you want the Ohio letters staged around forwarding-address proof, deadline, itemization, interest, deduction challenge, and final demand.
Get the Deposit Recovery System
Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.