Ohio landlord tenant law

Learn about Ohio’s landlord-tenant laws to understand your rights and responsibilities.

Eviction

Can I be evicted if I am unable to pay rent?

Yes. But eviction is a process that can take 4 to 6 weeks. Your stuff won’t be set out on the curb right away. Landlords have to follow the eviction process in Ohio. Sometimes it’s worth fighting the eviction.

Can I be evicted for paying late?

Yes, usually, your landlord can evict you for paying late. If you know you’re going to be late paying rent, reach out to your landlord before your rent is due. It may be possible to negotiate with your landlord.

Also reach out to your local Community Action Agency to find out if rental assistance is available. If you’re a veteran, you may qualify for financial assistance. Reach out to your county’s Veteran Service Office.

Sometimes, you may have a good legal reason to fight an eviction, even when you paid rent late. For example, if your landlord always accepted your late payment but now refuses to accept it, you may be able to use that pattern as a reason you shouldn't be evicted. Learn more about how to fight an eviction.

If you’re in subsidized housing, your landlord must prove “good cause” to evict you. If you’re in a mobile home park, you may have more rights. Learn about eviction from a mobile home park.

Can I be evicted during the winter?

Yes, in Ohio, you can be evicted during the winter months. If you are struggling to pay rent and utilities, learn about utility bill assistance programs that may be able to help.

Can I get more time to move if I’m elderly or have a disability?

Maybe, if your landlord agrees to give you more time. If you’re elderly or you have a disability and you’re being evicted, you should negotiate with your landlord. But if your landlord has already taken you to court and proven their case, the court can’t give you more time than the law allows. 

Even if you are elderly or an individual with a disability, you could be evicted.

Where can I get help for my eviction?

It can be hard to fight an eviction on your own. If you are facing eviction, legal aid may be able to help you. To apply for legal aid, look up your local legal aid's contact information. Apply online or over the phone. If you have received an eviction notice or court papers, you should contact your local legal aid immediately.

Repairs

Does my landlord have to make repairs?

Yes, even if you are behind in rent, your landlord must continue to make repairs. Read about the types of repairs your landlord is required to make.

Can I withhold rent for repairs?

No, you can’t withhold your rent payments because your landlord doesn’t make repairs. In Ohio, you should use the rent escrow process instead. Learn about the rent escrow process in getting your landlord to make repairs.

Can I make repairs myself and pay less rent? 

No, usually you can’t make repairs yourself and then deduct the amount from your rent. For example, if you hire a plumber to fix a leak and the plumber charges you $200, you can’t take that out of your rent payment unless your landlord agrees and you have the landlord's agreement in writing.

You could be evicted if you make repairs without your landlord agreeing.

Does my landlord have to provide air conditioning?

No, landlords are not required to provide air conditioning in Ohio unless it’s part of your lease agreement. If the a/c came with your home, your landlord is responsible for repairing it if it breaks. Learn what to do if your landlord refuses to make repairs.

Rent payments

Can my landlord raise my rent?

Yes, your landlord usually can raise your rent, but they have to give you notice first. How much notice depends on your lease.

Does Ohio have rent control?

No, there is no statewide rent control in Ohio.

Can my landlord lock me out to force me out?

No, a landlord is not allowed to change your locks to force you out, even if you are behind in your rent. Read about what to do if your landlord locks you out of your home. If your landlord wants you out, they must follow the eviction timeline and process of the court.

Where can I get help with paying my rent?

Try to negotiate with your landlord to see if you can arrange a payment plan. Get any agreement in writing.

If you get federal help to pay your rent, like through a Section 8 housing choice voucher or live in public or subsidized housing, you should ask for an "interim recertification" to reduce your rent.

Some Community Action Agencies may still have rental assistance available. You can apply for rental assistance through your local Community Action Agency.

Utilities

Can my landlord turn off my utilities to force me out? 

No, a landlord is not allowed to shut off your utilities to force you out. In Ohio, it is illegal for a landlord to shut off your utilities as a way of forcing you to leave. It’s against the law for them to even threaten to do these things.

Can my utilities be shut off in the winter?

Yes, your utilities may be shut off if you don’t pay, even in the winter. If you have a low income and your heat is about to be shut off, the HEAP Winter Crisis Program may help you keep heat on in the winter. Contact your local energy assistance provider to apply for HEAP.

Where can I get help paying utilities?

If you can't pay your utility bill, reach out to your provider to ask for a payment plan. If you have a low income, you may qualify for utility bill assistance programs, like HEAP or PIPP. Contact your local Community Action Agency for help applying for these benefits.

Landlord rights and tenant responsibilities

What rights do landlords have in Ohio?

Landlords have the right to raise your rent, collect security deposits and evict you if you don’t pay rent on time or if you violate your lease agreement. 

Landlords do not have the right to discriminate against you because of your race, your religion or because you have kids. Learn about housing discrimination in Ohio.

Can my landlord enter my apartment?

Yes. Landlords have the right to enter your home if they give you at least 24 hours’ notice. You can waive the 24-hour notice requirement, like if you want your landlord to come in right away to make a repair.