Ohio Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney fees under Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16(C).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: no statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $6,000
- Interest on deposit: If deposit exceeds $50 and tenancy lasts 6+ months, landlord must pay 5% annual interest
Additional Protections
- Landlord must provide itemized list of deductions within 30 days
- Interest required on deposits over $50 held for 6+ months
- Double damages for bad faith withholding
What Your Ohio Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Ohio's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
30 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney fees — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Ohio Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Ohio?
Under Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16, your landlord has 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my Ohio landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney fees under Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16(C). You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in Ohio?
Under Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16, the maximum security deposit in Ohio is no statutory limit.
Does my Ohio landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. Ohio law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio small claims court handles cases up to $6,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in Ohio?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Ohio-specific demand letter citing Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.