Eviction notices in Ohio

Before filing an eviction (forcible entry and detainer) case, the landlord must give a written notice to leave the premises at least 3 days before filing (Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04(A)). The notice must contain this warning in conspicuous print: "You are being asked to leave the premises. If you do not leave, an eviction action may be initiated against you. If you are in doubt regarding your legal rights and obligations as a tenant, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance." Ohio law does not give the tenant a right to cure by paying within the 3 days.

Can the tenant pay to stop it? No statutory right to stop the eviction by paying during the notice period; the notice is a notice to leave the premises.

Type:

Notice to vacate, no right to pay

Notice period:

3 days

Law:

Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04(A); § 1923.02(A)(9), (B)

For breach of a written rental agreement, the landlord may file after a 3-day notice to leave (Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.02(A)(9); § 1923.04). For breach of a tenant duty under § 5321.05 that materially affects health and safety, the landlord must first give written notice describing the problem and a termination date at least 30 days after the tenant receives it; if the tenant fixes it, the lease does not end (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.11; § 1923.02(A)(8)).

Chance to fix it: For most breaches of a written lease there is no statutory cure period. For a breach of the tenant duties in § 5321.05 that materially affects health and safety, the tenant gets a 30-day notice and can fix the problem.

Type:

Notice to vacate, no right to fix

Notice period:

3 days

Law:

Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.02(A)(8)-(9); § 5321.11; § 1923.04

For drug activity described in § 1923.02(A)(6)(a)(i), the landlord must give a notice that the tenancy ends 3 days after the notice is given; this applies whether or not anyone has been charged or convicted (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17(C)). This notice also satisfies the 3-day notice requirement of § 1923.04 (§ 1923.04(B)).

When it applies: Drug activity on or connected with the premises by the tenant, a household member or a guest (the landlord has actual knowledge or reasonable cause to believe it, e.g. after a search warrant found drugs).

Notice period:

3 days

Law:

Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17(C); § 1923.02(A)(6)

Ohio's general rule: exclude the first day and include the last day; if the last day is a Sunday or legal holiday, the act may be done on the next day that is not a Sunday or legal holiday (Ohio Rev. Code § 1.14). The eviction statute requires notice "three or more days before beginning the action" and does not exclude Saturdays or other weekdays (§ 1923.04(A)). No extra days are added for mailed notice by statute.

By certified mail, return receipt requested; by handing a written copy to the tenant in person; or by leaving it at the tenant's usual place of abode or at the premises (Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04(A)).

If the tenant stays, the landlord files a forcible entry and detainer (eviction) case in the municipal or county court. The summons must be served at least 7 days before the trial date (Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.06(A)); any defense may be raised at trial (§ 1923.061(A)). A landlord may not lock out the tenant, shut off utilities or remove belongings to recover possession except through the court process in Chapters 1923, 5303 and 5321 (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15).

• Ohio Legal Help: after the 3 days on a notice to leave expire, the landlord can file an eviction with the local court; the summons is usually sent by certified mail.
• In a nonpayment case, the tenant may counterclaim and the court may order the tenant to pay rent into court while the case is pending (Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.061(B)).

• Ohio notice to end a month-to-month tenancy (no-cause notice by tenant or landlord)
• Ohio security deposit law: deadlines after move-out
• Federal 30-day notice for covered properties (CARES Act)

• Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04 (notice; service) Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.02 (grounds for eviction) Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.06 (summons; service at least 7 days before trial) Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.061 (defenses; counterclaims) Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.11 (30-day notice for health and safety breaches) Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17 (termination; 3-day drug notice) Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15 (self-help eviction prohibited) Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Ohio Rev. Code § 1.14 (computation of time) Retrieved October 13, 2026.
• Ohio Legal Help: Eviction Retrieved October 13, 2026.

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 13, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; if you have an eviction case, contact your state's legal aid. See our methodology.