Ohio Lease Agreements

Elevate your leasing experience in Ohio with our free Lease Agreement templates, designed to comply with the state’s leasing regulations. Experience the convenience of customizable templates, allowing you to create legally binding agreements that suit your leasing requirements.

Ohio Lease Agreements

A lease agreement for Ohio is the ideal document to govern your lease in this state. This agreement outlines the responsibility of both the landlord and tenant, as well as other important terms related to rental payments, termination of the agreement, and more. By having this information in writing, the tenant and landlord can avoid miscommunications and foster a more harmonious rental relationship.

Lease Agreements by Type


Ohio Residential Lease

Residential Lease Agreement Ohio

Residential Lease Agreement Ohio

Used 4,872 times

Create a legally binding contract to rent out your property in Ohio with this lease agreement template for Ohio.

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Ohio Sublease Agreement

Sublease Agreement Ohio

Sublease Agreement Ohio

Used 4,872 times

If you’re thinking of subletting a property in Ohio, make sure you start off on the right foot by using our sublease agreement OH template to define the contract.

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Ohio Lease to Purchase 

The agreement serves as a comprehensive legal document that combines leasing and the option to purchase a property, offering a structured framework for real estate transactions within the state.

Ohio Room Rental

The agreement outlines the specific terms and conditions for renting out a room in a residential property.

Ohio Apartment Lease 

The agreement is a detailed and legally binding document specifying the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of both landlord and tenant for renting an apartment in accordance with Ohio state regulations.

Understanding Ohio Rental Laws

Ohio doesn’t have a large renter’s market. However, that makes it quite an easy state when it comes to a lease agreement template for Ohio. The reason for this is that the state doesn’t impose too many rental laws, leaving the majority of the decisions regarding terms and conditions with the landlord. That being said, there are still a few regulations that you must be aware of.

Rent and Payment Terms in Ohio

Rent Control Policies

  • Ohio does not currently impose any rent control policies.
  • Landlords are free to set rents as they see fit.
  • It is advisable to check for policy updates regularly, as changes may occur.

Rent Increases and Late Fees

  • Ohio lacks specific regulations for governing rent increases or late fees.
  • Landlords can increase rent at any time without providing written notice.
  • Late payments and associated fees are not governed by state regulations.

Bounced-Back Checks

  • While Ohio does not regulate late fees, local laws limit bounced-back check fees to a maximum of 10% of the check’s value.

Security Deposit Regulations in Ohio

Requirement and Limitations

  • Ohio does not mandate landlords to ask for a security deposit, and there are no limitations on the amount requested.
  • The decision to request a security deposit is at the landlord’s discretion.

Common Practice

  • Many landlords in Ohio choose to request a security deposit for potential damages or overdue rent.
  • While one month’s rent is a common practice, the amount is ultimately at the landlord’s discretion.

Deposit Return

  • State law requires landlords to return the deposit, minus any damages, within 30 days.
  • In the case of damages, landlords must provide tenants with an itemized list of the repairs.

Duration of the Lease in Ohio

There are no rental laws governing the duration of leases within the state. As such, the lease duration is up to the landlord. If the tenant wishes to terminate the agreement at the end of the term, they need to notify the landlord in writing. Weekly leases require at least seven days’ notice, whereas monthly agreements require 30 days’ notice.

Maintenance and Repairs

The state requires that landlords provide a rental property that’s safe and habitable. Also, the landlord is responsible for maintaining the property for the duration of the lease agreement. Part of this includes ensuring that the property meets all local housing and building codes.

Additional Clauses 

Another clause to consider in your lease agreement for the state is the eviction process. State laws allow landlords to evict tenants if they don’t pay rent, violate the terms of the agreement, or conduct illegal activities. The process starts by sending the tenant a notice demanding possession of the property. If there’s no response, the landlord may proceed to send a three-day notice to move out.

Legal Considerations and Compliance in Ohio 

Ohio doesn’t place too much legal restraint on leasing agreements. However, this only means that the landlord and signed lease agreement carry more weight when it comes to legal proceedings. Despite this, there are a few local laws under Ohio Revised Code you still need to be aware of to ensure your agreement is compliant.

Laws NameDescription
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321Landlords and TenantsGoverns the landlord-tenant relationship in Ohio, covering general provisions, rent payment, and obligations of both landlords and tenants.
Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.16Security DepositsRegulates the collection, handling, and return of security deposits, including allowable deductions and the timeframe for returning deposits.
Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.04Landlord’s Obligation to Maintain Fit PremisesOutlines the landlord’s duty to maintain the premises in fit and habitable condition, including compliance with building and housing codes.
Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.05Tenant’s Right to Notice of ForeclosureProvides tenants with notice rights in the event of foreclosure on the property they are renting.
Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.07Termination of Rental AgreementEstablishes notice requirements for terminating lease agreements, both for landlords and tenants.
Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.08Access to Rental PremisesSpecifies conditions under which landlords may enter rental units, protecting tenant privacy rights.
Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.15Prohibited PracticesEnumerates specific landlord actions that are considered prohibited practices, including retaliation and unfair practices.
Ohio Revised Code Section 1923.04Retaliatory Action ProhibitedProhibits landlords from retaliating against tenants exercising their legal rights, such as filing complaints or organizing tenant organizations.
Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.03Rental Agreements for Mobile HomesAddresses specific regulations for rental agreements related to mobile homes, including disclosures and tenant rights.
Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.14Termination of Lease by Domestic Violence VictimProvides provisions for early termination of a lease by a domestic violence victim, requiring certain documentation from the tenant.

Residential Lease Agreement Ohio

Residential Lease Agreement Ohio
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