Security deposit rules in Ohio
The deadline for the itemized statement, what can be deducted, and the documents to keep — with links to the statute.
Itemized statement due within
30 days
Within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession, deliver a written notice itemizing and identifying each deduction, together with the amount due (§ 5321.16(B)).
If it's missed: If the landlord does not comply, the tenant may recover the money due plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney's fees (§ 5321.16(C)).
What the statement must cover
- Deductions may cover past-due rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 5321.05 or the rental agreement.
- Itemize and identify each deduction in the written notice.
- Deliver the notice together with the amount due within 30 days.
- Do not deduct for normal wear and tear.
Receipts and documentation
- Itemize and identify each deduction in a written notice, delivered with the amount due, within 30 days.
- Ohio does not require receipts to be attached, but keep the invoices behind each deduction.
Gray areas to review carefully
Wrongful withholding
If the landlord does not comply, the tenant may recover the money due plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney's fees (§ 5321.16(C)).
Written forwarding address
Record whether and when the tenant gave a forwarding address in writing.
Normal wear and tear vs. damage
Only damage beyond normal wear and tear is deductible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Ohio?
Within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession, deliver a written notice itemizing and identifying each deduction, together with the amount due (§ 5321.16(B)). Source: Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.16 (checked October 2026). This is a general rule — verify your specific situation and any local ordinances.
Is an itemized statement required in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio requires a written itemized list of deductions. Deductions may cover past-due rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 5321.05 or the rental agreement.
Can a landlord deduct for "normal wear and tear" in Ohio?
Generally no. Deductions are for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear — such as stains, burns, large holes, or breakage — not for the normal aging of a unit. Compare move-in and move-out photos for each item, and check Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.16 for the exact rule.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline in Ohio?
If the landlord does not comply, the tenant may recover the money due plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney's fees (§ 5321.16(C)). This is a summary of the statute, not legal advice.
Does MoveOutGuard support Ohio?
Yes. Pick Ohio when you open a packet: the deadline estimate (30 days after the lease ends and possession is delivered), the itemization checklist and the statute reference (Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.16) come with it. You upload photos and receipts, review every line, and export the packet.
Build your Ohio statement packet
Upload photos and receipts, draft and review each deduction, and track the Ohio deadline — free. $29 unlocks the itemized statement and PDF for that packet.
MoveOutGuard is a document preparation and evidence organization tool. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Drafts, checklists, and deadline estimates require your review and are not a guarantee of compliance or outcomes. For legal questions, consult a licensed attorney.