Ohio Security Deposit Statute Guide
Ohio Revised Code section 5321.16 is the main statewide Ohio statute for residential security deposit return, itemization, interest, and tenant remedies.
Ohio Rev. Code section 5321.16 in plain English
The landlord must deliver any itemized deductions and the amount due within 30 days after both events happen: the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession.
Delivery of possession means the landlord has the rental back, such as through key return, move-out, or another clear possession-return record.
Division B: return and itemization
Any deduction from the security deposit must be itemized and identified in a written notice delivered to the tenant together with the amount due.
The tenant should provide the landlord a forwarding or new address in writing. That address record matters for stronger statutory remedies.
Division A: interest
If the deposit is more than $50 or more than one month's periodic rent, whichever is greater, the excess bears 5% annual interest if the tenant remains in possession for six months or more.
This is a threshold rule. It does not mean every Ohio deposit earns interest.
Division C: remedy
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 practical record should show the deadline, forwarding-address proof, itemized-deduction problem, interest issue, and amount owed clearly before escalation.
Related Ohio guides
Official sources
Source reviewed: April 2026.
The statute guide explains the rule. The paid system gives you Ohio notices and demands that use the address record, deadline, itemization issue, interest facts, and amount owed in order.
Get the Deposit Recovery SystemImportant: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.