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Ohio Landlord/Tenant Law

This guide provides an overview of landlord/tenant law in Ohio.

Rental Agreements

Some Relevant Statutes:

O.R.C. § 5321.06 - Terms and Conditions of Rental Agreement

O.R.C. § 5321.13 - Terms Prohibited in a Rental Agreement. 

O.R.C. § 5321.14 - Unconscionable Terms. 

Information:

An Introduction to Landlord-Tenant Law. - Ohio Legal Services

Security Deposits

Some Relevant Statutes:

O.R.C. § 5321.16 - Procedures for Security Deposits. 

Information:

Ohio Law Gives Tenants Security Deposit Rights - OSBA

Landlord Retaliation/Tenant's Rights

Some Relevant Statutes:

O.R.C. § 5321.02 - Retaliatory action by the landlord prohibited. 

O.R.C. § 5321.15 - Acts of landlord prohibited if residential property involved.

Information:

My Landlord Has Locked Me Out or Shut Off Utilities

Fair Housing/Discrimination

Some Relevant Statutes:

Fair Housing Act

O.R.C. 4112.02(H) -  Unlawful discriminatory practices (Ohio Fair Housing)

Information:

Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) Publications

 

Damages

Both landlords and tenants may be entitled to recover damges, whether associated with an eviction action or in a separate case. 

O.R.C. Chapter 5321 - (Provides multiple provisions about when damages may be collected)

O.R.C. § 1923.081 - Joinder of Claims

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: Hamilton County Law Library staff, as a service to its patrons, provides reference services and information, including these research guides. To protect the public interest, Ohio law requires that legal advice and services be rendered only by qualified attorneys who are subject to the guidelines of the courts. Library staff members do not interpret the law, provide legal advice, or explain court procedures. The information provided is not a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney.  None of our services shall be construed as giving legal advice.