Ohio Security Deposit Law
Ohio Revised Code section 5321.16 generally requires the landlord to return the amount due or send itemized deductions within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession.
The short version
Ohio's main deposit rule has three core parts: the rental agreement must be terminated, the tenant must deliver possession, and the tenant should provide a forwarding or new address in writing.
After termination and delivery of possession, the landlord generally has 30 days to deliver an itemized written notice of deductions together with any amount due.
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.
What the landlord can deduct
Ohio permits deductions for past due rent and damages caused by tenant noncompliance with Ohio landlord-tenant law or the rental agreement.
Ordinary wear and tear should not be treated as damage. A deduction should be specific enough for the tenant to understand what was kept and why.
A vague line like "repairs" or "cleaning" is weaker than a written notice that identifies the actual deduction and connects it to past due rent or tenant-caused damage.
Forwarding address matters
Give your landlord a forwarding or new address in writing. Keep proof that you sent it.
Ohio's damages and attorney-fee remedy depends on that address record. If the tenant does not provide the address, the strongest statutory remedies may not be available.
Keep a copy, screenshot, certified-mail receipt, email, or other proof showing what address you gave and when.
Interest on larger deposits
Ohio does not make every deposit earn interest. If the security deposit is more than $50 or more than one month's periodic rent, whichever is greater, the excess earns 5% annual interest if the tenant remains in possession for six months or more.
The interest applies to the excess portion, not necessarily the entire deposit.
Related Ohio guides
Official sources
Source reviewed: April 2026.
The free guide explains the Ohio rule. The paid system gives you Ohio letters organized around forwarding-address proof, the 30-day deadline, itemized deductions, qualifying interest, and final demand.
Get the Deposit Recovery SystemImportant: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.