Ohio security deposit law
Return deadline
30 days
Small claims limit
$6,000
What you need to know
- • Deposit + itemized deductions due within 30 days of move-out.
- • Give your forwarding address in writing — it’s required to collect double damages.
- • Wrongfully withheld amounts are doubled, and the landlord pays your attorney’s fees.
Itemization: Itemized statement of deductions required within 30 days; you must supply a forwarding address in writing.
Interest: 5% interest on the portion exceeding $50 or one month’s rent, for tenancies of 6+ months.
Deposit cap: No statutory cap.
If they wrongfully withhold: Wrongful withholding: double the amount wrongfully withheld + attorney’s fees.
Statute: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and details vary by city and situation — verify current law or consult a local attorney or tenant’s rights organization before acting.