Ohio landlord-tenant law is one of the important things you should know before you move to Ohio. Understanding the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law can be tricky, but both landlords and tenants need to know their rights and responsibilities.
The Ohio landlord-tenant law covers everything from handling leases to resolving disagreements. Whether you have a written lease or just a verbal agreement, these laws are there to protect you. Let’s break it down into easy-to-understand sections.
Table of contents
What is the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law?
The Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law has been in place since 1974. It’s a set of rules that govern how landlords and tenants should interact. Whether you’re renting a place or you’re the one renting it out, these Ohio landlord-tenant laws apply to you.
They cover everything from how a lease should be handled to what happens if there’s a disagreement. The Ohio landlord-tenant law doesn’t allow landlords or tenants to make any changes as well. So, whether you have a written lease or just a verbal agreement, these laws are there to protect you.
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Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants
Landlords have several duties to make sure that the rental property is safe. For example, they must make sure the building follows health and safety codes, make necessary repairs, and provide essential services like heat and water. They also need to keep common areas clean and safe and give tenants reasonable notice before entering their apartments. Landlords are also required to give tenants written information about who they are and how to contact them.
Tenants, on the other hand, have their own set of duties. They need to keep the property clean and avoid causing any damage. It’s important to use the plumbing and electrical fixtures properly and to follow health and safety issues. Tenants must also allow landlords to enter the apartment for necessary inspections or repairs as well. Also, tenants should not disturb their neighbours or do activities that might harm the property. By following these rules, tenants help maintain a good relationship with their landlords
What is Retaliatory Eviction in Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law?
Retaliatory eviction is when a landlord tries to evict a tenant or make their life harder because the tenant complained about something. For example, if a tenant reports a safety issue to the authorities, the landlord cannot raise the rent, cut services, or evict the tenant just because of that complaint.
If a landlord does that, the tenant has the right to fight back in court. Landlords can still make tenants leave if they have a good reason, like if the rent isn’t paid. So, tenants need to know what’s allowed and what’s not. Understanding this can help tenants avoid problems and stay on the right side of the rules.
What Can Tenants Do If the Landlord Doesn’t Fix Problems?
If a landlord doesn’t fix serious problems that affect health and safety, tenants have some options. First, they should notify the landlord in writing, asking for repairs. If nothing happens within 30 days, tenants can take further steps like depositing their rent with the court until the issue is resolved, or even ending the lease.
These actions come with rules, and they don’t apply to small landlords with fewer than three rental units.
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Eviction Process in Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law
Eviction is a legal process where a landlord asks a tenant to leave the property, usually because the tenant broke the lease rules, like not paying rent. The landlord must give the tenant at least a thirty-day notice before starting the eviction process. This notice must be given in person or left at the tenant’s residence.
If the tenant doesn’t leave after the notice, the landlord can file for eviction in court. Tenants can also counter the notice in court if the landlord is wrong.
Security Deposits
When a tenant moves out of an apartment, the landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit. If the landlord keeps any part of the deposit, they must provide a written explanation of how that money was used. The security deposit can be used to cover any damages the tenant caused to the apartment or to pay any rent that was not paid.
If the landlord doesn’t return the deposit within 30 days, the tenant can take legal action. Also, if the landlord asks for a security deposit higher than fifty dollars or one month’s rent and the tenant stays for more than six months, the landlord must pay 5% interest per year on the extra amount.
FAQS on the Ohio Landlord Tenant Law
Renters in Ohio must follow several rules to maintain their tenancy. They are required to keep the property clean, avoid causing damage, and comply with health and safety standards. Renters should also pay their rent on time and use the property for its intended purpose.
Typically, a tenant cannot sublet the property without first getting written permission from the landlord.
Tenants in Ohio generally cannot refuse reasonable entry to their landlord, especially if the landlord provides proper notice, usually 24 hours. This entry is allowed for necessary inspections and repairs, or to show the property to prospective tenants or buyers..
Ohio is often considered a landlord-friendly state due to its relatively straightforward eviction process and reasonable regulations on rent control.
In Ohio, if a landlord wishes to evict a tenant, they must first provide a thirty-day notice to vacate the property. This notice is required for evictions due to non-payment of rent or lease violations.
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