Ohio · Step-by-step guide

How to sign a compliant Ohio lease.

A practical walkthrough of the six things a Ohio landlord must get right, in order, before and after signing.

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1. Confirm the deposit cap

No statutory cap. Statutory cite: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16.

2. Set late-fee terms correctly

Must be in lease and reasonable

3. Plan entry notice

Give at least 24 hours' notice before entering the unit outside an emergency.

4. Give correct termination notice

30 days (month-to-month) for a month-to-month tenancy.

5. Attach every required disclosure

Lead-based paint, Landlord/owner contact.

6. Return the deposit on time

30 days. Statutory cite: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16.

Ohio guide FAQs

What order should a Ohio landlord follow before signing a lease?
Confirm the deposit cap, set a compliant late fee, plan entry-notice language, set the correct termination notice, attach every required disclosure, and confirm the deposit-return timeline — in that order.
Where can I find the full list of Ohio required disclosures?
See the full disclosure list on the Ohio state page, or browse disclosure requirements by topic across all states.

Related Ohio resources