Ohio Lease Agreements

Key Takeaways

• 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. 
• In Ohio, security deposits are not capped by law. They must be returned within 30 days. 
• Eviction notices require at least three days’ notice for non-payment of rent. 
• Landlords must give 24 hours’ notice before entering the property, except for emergencies. 
• Required disclosures include information about lead-based paint and any known hazards.

Lease Agreements by Type

Ohio Residential Lease

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.

Use Residential Lease Agreement Ohio

The Ohio residential lease agreement template delineates the terms and conditions governing the rental of a residential property in accordance with state laws.

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.

Ohio Month-to-Month Lease

Use this template when establishing a month-to-month rental agreement for residential or commercial properties in Ohio.

Commercial Lease Agreement

Utilize this template when leasing a commercial property in Ohio to establish the terms and conditions of the rental agreement between a landlord and a tenant for business purposes.

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 Sublease Agreement

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.

Use Sublease Agreement Ohio

The Ohio sublease agreement template allows a tenant (the sublessor) to rent out all or part of their leased premises to another party (the sublessee), specifying terms such as rent, duration, and responsibilities, contingent upon the original lease’s terms and landlord consent, in accordance with Ohio state laws.

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.