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
- Cities and counties may not adopt rent limits for private housing; exceptions cover units the local government owns and voluntary incentive programs.
- There is no statewide cap on rent increases.
- No statute sets a notice period for rent increases; the lease controls during a fixed term, and a month to month increase generally follows the 30 day periodic notice.
Ohio does not allow local rent control. A state law bars cities and counties from setting rent limits on private housing, apart from narrow exceptions such as publicly owned units and voluntary incentive programs.
Ohio rent control at a glance
| Rule | Ohio | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rent control status | Cities and counties may not adopt rent limits for private housing; exceptions cover units the local government owns and voluntary incentive programs. | Revised Code section 5321.19 |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide cap on rent increases. | Revised Code section 5321.19 |
| Notice before a rent increase | No statute sets a notice period for rent increases; the lease controls during a fixed term, and a month to month increase generally follows the 30 day periodic notice. | Ohio Revised Code chapter 5321 (no rent increase statute) |
Does Ohio have rent control?
Rent control status. Cities and counties may not adopt rent limits for private housing; exceptions cover units the local government owns and voluntary incentive programs. (Revised Code section 5321.19)
Limits on increases
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide cap on rent increases. (Revised Code section 5321.19)
City and county rules
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Notice before an increase
Notice before a rent increase. No statute sets a notice period for rent increases; the lease controls during a fixed term, and a month to month increase generally follows the 30 day periodic notice. (Ohio Revised Code chapter 5321 (no rent increase statute))
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a unit is exempt without checking the exemption rules and any notice the exemption requires.
- Following state rules and missing a stricter city ordinance.
- Raising rent in the middle of a fixed term when the lease does not allow it.
- Giving less notice than the increase requires.
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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 5321.19
- Ohio Revised Code chapter 5321 (no rent increase statute)
Official sources
Ohio forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Where landlords trip up.
Does Ohio have rent control?
Cities and counties may not adopt rent limits for private housing; exceptions cover units the local government owns and voluntary incentive programs. Source: Revised Code section 5321.19.
How much can rent go up in a year in Ohio?
There is no statewide cap on rent increases. Source: Revised Code section 5321.19.