Home / States / Ohio

Ohio security deposit: 30 days to get it back

Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession, the landlord must return the deposit, less any deductions, with a written notice itemizing the deductions. The landlord may apply the deposit to past-due rent and to damages from the tenant's noncompliance with the rental agreement or statutory duties.

What the law requires

Itemized statement: Each deduction must be itemized and identified in a written notice delivered with the amount due. The statute sets no receipt or documentation threshold.
Forwarding address: The tenant must give the landlord a forwarding or new address in writing. If the tenant does not, the tenant is not entitled to the damages and attorney's fees under division (C).
If the landlord breaks the rules: If the landlord does not comply, the tenant may recover the property and money due, plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees. In effect the tenant can recover double the amount wrongfully withheld. Requires that the tenant gave a written forwarding address.
Deposit cap: Ohio sets no statutory cap on the deposit amount. A deposit above the greater of $50 or one month's rent earns 5% annual interest on the excess if the tenant stays six months or more.
Small claims limit: $6,000 in Small Claims Division of the municipal or county court
Statute: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16

If your landlord misses the deadline

Write down your dates and gather proof: move-out date, the date you gave your forwarding address, the deposit amount, and anything the landlord sent. Photos and receipts help.
Send a written demand by certified mail, keep the receipt, and cite Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16. Give a date to respond.
If you still aren't paid, file in Small Claims Division of the municipal or county court. Deposit claims up to $6,000 can be filed there, usually without a lawyer. Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

What a Ohio demand letter looks like

Re: Demand for return of security deposit / Rental address: [Street address, unit, city, state ZIP]

Dear [Landlord name]:

I rented the property above from you under a lease that began on [lease start date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount] on [date paid]. I moved out and returned possession on [move-out date].

My forwarding address is [forwarding address]. Please send my deposit and any required statement to that address.

[A.] I have not received my deposit or an itemized statement of deductions. Under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16, a landlord must return a tenant's security deposit, or send an itemized statement of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenant moves out. That deadline passed on [deadline date].

Preview of the first part of letter one. Yellow marks the parts you fill in.

Common questions

How long does a landlord in Ohio have to return a security deposit?

What happens if a Ohio landlord keeps the deposit wrongfully?

If the landlord does not comply, the tenant may recover the property and money due, plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees. In effect the tenant can recover double the amount wrongfully withheld. Requires that the tenant gave a written forwarding address.

Do I have to give my Ohio landlord a forwarding address?

The tenant must give the landlord a forwarding or new address in writing. If the tenant does not, the tenant is not entitled to the damages and attorney's fees under division (C).

Where do I sue for my deposit in Ohio?

Deposit claims up to $6,000 can be filed in Small Claims Division of the municipal or county court. Check the court's website for current filing fees and forms.

Other states

Rules reviewed October 2026. Laws change, so confirm with the statute before you rely on this page.