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.
Last reviewed
The short version
- State law does not limit the amount of a security deposit.
- The landlord has 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives back possession to return the deposit or send a written list of deductions with any balance.
- Every deduction must be itemized in a written notice, and the tenant should give a forwarding address in writing to keep the right to damages.
- When a tenant stays six months or more, the landlord pays 5 percent yearly interest on the part of the deposit above one month's rent or 50 dollars, whichever is greater.
- A landlord who wrongfully keeps deposit money owes the amount withheld plus an equal amount in damages and reasonable attorney fees.
Ohio does not cap deposits, but it gives landlords 30 days to return them with a written list of deductions. Large deposits held for six months or more also earn interest for the tenant under Revised Code 5321.16.
Ohio security deposits at a glance
| Rule | Ohio | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | State law does not limit the amount of a security deposit. | Revised Code section 5321.16 |
| Deadline to return the deposit | The landlord has 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives back possession to return the deposit or send a written list of deductions with any balance. | Revised Code section 5321.16 |
| Itemized deductions | Every deduction must be itemized in a written notice, and the tenant should give a forwarding address in writing to keep the right to damages. | Revised Code section 5321.16 |
| Interest on deposits | When a tenant stays six months or more, the landlord pays 5 percent yearly interest on the part of the deposit above one month's rent or 50 dollars, whichever is greater. | Revised Code section 5321.16 |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | A landlord who wrongfully keeps deposit money owes the amount withheld plus an equal amount in damages and reasonable attorney fees. | Revised Code section 5321.16 |
How much you can collect
Deposit limit. State law does not limit the amount of a security deposit. (Revised Code section 5321.16)
Holding the deposit
Interest on deposits. When a tenant stays six months or more, the landlord pays 5 percent yearly interest on the part of the deposit above one month's rent or 50 dollars, whichever is greater. (Revised Code section 5321.16)
Deductions and normal wear and tear
A deposit can cover unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Everyday aging, such as faded paint, small nail holes or light carpet wear, is not damage.
Itemized deductions. Every deduction must be itemized in a written notice, and the tenant should give a forwarding address in writing to keep the right to damages. (Revised Code section 5321.16)
Returning the deposit
Deadline to return the deposit. The landlord has 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives back possession to return the deposit or send a written list of deductions with any balance. (Revised Code section 5321.16)
Penalties for wrongful withholding
Penalty for wrongful withholding. A landlord who wrongfully keeps deposit money owes the amount withheld plus an equal amount in damages and reasonable attorney fees. (Revised Code section 5321.16)
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping a dated move-in condition report with photos, then having nothing to compare against at move out.
- Charging for normal wear and tear.
- Missing the return deadline, even by a few days.
- Not asking for a forwarding address before the tenant leaves.
- Losing track of deposit money by mixing it with operating funds without a ledger.
Keep the Ohio security deposits summary on file
Free, no sign up. The file downloads straight away.
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 5321.16
Official sources
Ohio forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Asked by landlords in this state.
Is there a limit on security deposits in Ohio?
State law does not limit the amount of a security deposit. Source: Revised Code section 5321.16.
How long does a Ohio landlord have to return a deposit?
The landlord has 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives back possession to return the deposit or send a written list of deductions with any balance. Source: Revised Code section 5321.16.
Do Ohio landlords have to pay interest on deposits?
When a tenant stays six months or more, the landlord pays 5 percent yearly interest on the part of the deposit above one month's rent or 50 dollars, whichever is greater. Source: Revised Code section 5321.16.
What happens if a Ohio landlord keeps a deposit wrongly?
A landlord who wrongfully keeps deposit money owes the amount withheld plus an equal amount in damages and reasonable attorney fees. Source: Revised Code section 5321.16.