General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- Before filing, the landlord serves a written notice at least three days in advance that includes the statutory statement asking the tenant to leave and suggesting legal help.
- A month to month tenancy can be ended by either side with written notice at least 30 days before the next rent period begins, and a week to week tenancy with 7 days.
- Eviction cases are filed as forcible entry and detainer actions in the municipal court or county court that covers the property.
- For a breach of the tenant's statutory duties, the landlord generally gives a written notice allowing 30 days to fix the problem, then the three day notice if it is not fixed.
- The court sets a hearing date and the summons is generally served at least a week before it; the tenant usually responds by appearing at the hearing.
Ohio calls an eviction a forcible entry and detainer case, and it is heard in the municipal or county court for the area. A landlord serves a three day notice with wording the Revised Code prescribes, files if the tenant stays, and only a court officer can carry out the move out order.
Ohio eviction process at a glance
| Rule | Ohio | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Notice for unpaid rent | Before filing, the landlord serves a written notice at least three days in advance that includes the statutory statement asking the tenant to leave and suggesting legal help. | Revised Code section 1923.04 |
| Notice for a lease violation | For a breach of the tenant's statutory duties, the landlord generally gives a written notice allowing 30 days to fix the problem, then the three day notice if it is not fixed. | Ohio Revised Code chapter 5321 |
| Ending a tenancy without cause | A month to month tenancy can be ended by either side with written notice at least 30 days before the next rent period begins, and a week to week tenancy with 7 days. | Revised Code section 5321.17 |
| Where the case is filed | Eviction cases are filed as forcible entry and detainer actions in the municipal court or county court that covers the property. | Revised Code chapter 1923 |
| Tenant response time | The court sets a hearing date and the summons is generally served at least a week before it; the tenant usually responds by appearing at the hearing. | Ohio Revised Code chapter 1923 |
| Removal after judgment | If the landlord wins, the court can issue a writ of restitution, and a bailiff or sheriff carries out the move out. | Ohio Revised Code chapter 1923 |
| Typical overall timeline | An uncontested case often runs about three to six weeks from notice to move out, depending on the court's calendar. | Court practice (estimate) |
Notices before an eviction in Ohio
The notice is the foundation of the whole case. It has to fit the reason for ending the tenancy, give the full period the law requires and be delivered in a way the court will accept.
Notice for unpaid rent. Before filing, the landlord serves a written notice at least three days in advance that includes the statutory statement asking the tenant to leave and suggesting legal help. (Revised Code section 1923.04)
Notice for a lease violation. For a breach of the tenant's statutory duties, the landlord generally gives a written notice allowing 30 days to fix the problem, then the three day notice if it is not fixed. (Ohio Revised Code chapter 5321)
Ending a tenancy without cause. A month to month tenancy can be ended by either side with written notice at least 30 days before the next rent period begins, and a week to week tenancy with 7 days. (Revised Code section 5321.17)
Filing the case
If the notice period runs out and the tenant has neither fixed the problem nor moved out, the next step is a court filing. Bring the lease, the notice, proof of how it was delivered and a ledger of what is owed.
Where the case is filed. Eviction cases are filed as forcible entry and detainer actions in the municipal court or county court that covers the property. (Revised Code chapter 1923)
Filing costs. Filing and service fees vary by municipal or county court. (Local court fee schedules)
The response and the hearing
Courts look closely at the paperwork. Expect to show the notice, the proof of service and the rent ledger, and to answer any defense the tenant raises.
Tenant response time. The court sets a hearing date and the summons is generally served at least a week before it; the tenant usually responds by appearing at the hearing. (Ohio Revised Code chapter 1923)
Judgment and getting possession back
Removal after judgment. If the landlord wins, the court can issue a writ of restitution, and a bailiff or sheriff carries out the move out. (Ohio Revised Code chapter 1923)
What a landlord must not do
Until a court orders otherwise, the tenant keeps the right to live in the home, even after the notice runs out.
Self-help eviction. A landlord may not cut off utilities, change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings to force them out without a court order. (Revised Code section 5321.15)
Timeline at a glance
| Step | Typical time | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Notice period for unpaid rent | 3 days | Revised Code section 1923.04 |
| Notice period for a lease violation | 30 days | Ohio Revised Code chapter 5321 |
| Tenant response after the case is served | Set by the court | Ohio Revised Code chapter 1923 |
| From judgment to removal | Short waiting period | Ohio Revised Code chapter 1923 |
| Whole case, uncontested | A few weeks | Court practice (estimate) |
Real cases often take longer: holidays, a contested hearing or an appeal can add weeks.
Mistakes to avoid
- Demanding more than the rent actually owed in a notice for unpaid rent, for example by adding late fees or utilities.
- Counting the notice period wrong and filing a day too early.
- Taking partial rent after serving a notice without knowing how it affects the case.
- Keeping no proof of service. Write down who delivered the notice, how and when, and keep a copy.
- Trying to speed things up with a lockout, a utility shutoff or by moving belongings out.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Ohio rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Ohio attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Revised Code section 1923.04
- Ohio Revised Code chapter 5321
- Revised Code section 5321.17
- Revised Code chapter 1923
- Ohio Revised Code chapter 1923
- Revised Code section 5321.15
Official sources
Ohio forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Asked by landlords in this state.
How much notice does a Ohio landlord give for unpaid rent?
Before filing, the landlord serves a written notice at least three days in advance that includes the statutory statement asking the tenant to leave and suggesting legal help. Source: Revised Code section 1923.04.
How long does a tenant in Ohio have to respond to an eviction case?
The court sets a hearing date and the summons is generally served at least a week before it; the tenant usually responds by appearing at the hearing. Source: Ohio Revised Code chapter 1923.
Can a Ohio landlord change the locks instead of going to court?
A landlord may not cut off utilities, change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings to force them out without a court order. Source: Revised Code section 5321.15.
How long does an eviction take in Ohio?
An uncontested case often runs about three to six weeks from notice to move out, depending on the court's calendar. Source: Court practice (estimate).
Which court hears eviction cases in Ohio?
Eviction cases are filed as forcible entry and detainer actions in the municipal court or county court that covers the property. Source: Revised Code chapter 1923.