Ohio security deposit law
Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 · Checked against the statute
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory limit.
- Return deadline
- 30 days after the tenancy terminates
- If the landlord keeps it wrongly
- If the landlord does not comply, the tenant recovers the money due plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees (§ 5321.16(C)).
Calculate your Ohio deadline
Choose your state and move-out date to see when your landlord must return the deposit.
When the deposit must be returned
- Deliver the amount due and a written, itemized notice of any deductions within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession.
The tenant must give the landlord a forwarding or new address in writing. A tenant who does not is not entitled to the extra damages or attorney's fees under § 5321.16(C).
Itemized list of deductions
Required: Yes. Every deduction must be itemized and identified in a written notice delivered with the amount due.
What can and can't be deducted
The statute does not use the phrase. The landlord may deduct only past-due rent and damages caused by the tenant's failure to meet the duties in § 5321.05 or the rental agreement.
Nonrefundable fees
The statute does not address nonrefundable deposits or fees.
Interest, bank account and move-in inspection
- Interest required: Yes. If the tenant stays 6 months or more, the part of the deposit above $50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater) earns 5% interest per year, computed and paid annually by the landlord.
- Separate account required: No. The statute does not require a separate or escrow account.
- Move-in inspection required: No. The statute does not require a move-in inspection or condition report.
Penalties and bad faith
If the landlord does not comply, the tenant recovers the money due plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees (§ 5321.16(C)).
No bad-faith showing is required. The penalty applies when the landlord fails to return the deposit or itemize as required, as long as the tenant gave a written forwarding address.
Getting your deposit back in court
Small claims divisions of municipal and county courts hear money claims up to $6,000, not counting interest and costs (Ohio Rev. Code § 1925.02). Court information
Before filing, many tenants send a written demand first. Write a Ohio demand letter →
Also good to know
- § 5321.16 has not been amended since it took effect on November 4, 1974.
Sources
- Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 (security deposits) Retrieved October 11, 2026.
- Ohio Rev. Code § 1925.02 (small claims jurisdiction) Retrieved October 11, 2026.
Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 11, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; see our methodology.