Ohio security deposit law
The state rules a landlord in Ohio has to follow for a residential security deposit, from Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16.
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory limit.
- Deadline to return it
- 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession.
- Itemized deductions
- Written notice itemizing and identifying each deduction, delivered with the amount due.
- Interest on the deposit
- Yes: 5% a year on the part of the deposit above $50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater), if the tenant stays six months or more, paid annually.
- Penalty for wrongful withholding
- Tenant may recover the money due plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld and attorney fees.
Before you keep any part of a deposit
- Compare the unit with the move-in inspection and photos. Normal wear and tear is generally not chargeable.
- Keep receipts or written estimates for every deduction.
- Send the return or the itemized list within the deadline above, to the tenant's forwarding address, and keep proof of mailing.
Working out the last month's rent? The prorated rent calculator does the partial-month math.
Source
Verification status: verified summary. Research date: November 5, 2026. Statute: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16. Source: codes.ohio.gov.
General information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add stricter rules, and laws change. Check the current statute or a local attorney before you act.
Other states: North Dakota · Oklahoma · all states
Last updated November 5, 2026.