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
- There is no statewide cap on rent increases.
- A landlord may not raise rent, reduce services or threaten eviction because a tenant complained to a government agency or the landlord, or joined a tenant group.
- 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.
No Ohio statute sets a separate notice period for raising rent. A fixed term lease controls during its term, and a month to month increase in practice follows the 30 day notice used to change or end the tenancy.
Ohio rent increase notice at a glance
| Rule | Ohio | Law |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide cap on rent increases. | Revised Code section 5321.19 |
| Retaliation protection | A landlord may not raise rent, reduce services or threaten eviction because a tenant complained to a government agency or the landlord, or joined a tenant group. | Revised Code section 5321.02 |
How much notice to give
Give the notice in writing, keep a copy and record how and when it was delivered.
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))
Fixed-term leases
During a fixed-term lease, rent usually stays as written until the term ends unless the lease itself allows an increase. Plan increases for the renewal.
Caps that limit the increase
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide cap on rent increases. (Revised Code section 5321.19)
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)
Timing and retaliation
Retaliation protection. A landlord may not raise rent, reduce services or threaten eviction because a tenant complained to a government agency or the landlord, or joined a tenant group. (Revised Code section 5321.02)
Mistakes to avoid
- Raising rent during a fixed term without a clause that allows it.
- Sending the notice by text or email when the lease or the law calls for written delivery another way.
- Increasing rent right after a repair request or complaint.
- Not keeping proof of when the notice was delivered.
Keep the Ohio rent increase notice summary on file
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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
- Ohio Revised Code chapter 5321 (no rent increase statute)
- Revised Code section 5321.19
- Revised Code section 5321.02
Official sources
Ohio forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
- Notice of Rent Increase · PDF or Word
- Rent Increase Letter · PDF or Word
- Lease Renewal Letter · PDF or Word
Asked by landlords in this state.
How much notice is needed to raise rent in Ohio?
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. Source: Ohio Revised Code chapter 5321 (no rent increase statute).
Is there a cap on rent increases in Ohio?
There is no statewide cap on rent increases. Source: Revised Code section 5321.19.
Can a rent increase count as retaliation in Ohio?
A landlord may not raise rent, reduce services or threaten eviction because a tenant complained to a government agency or the landlord, or joined a tenant group. Source: Revised Code section 5321.02.