Renter's Vault
Ohio Security Deposit Law: How to Get Your Deposit Back
If you rent in Ohio, the law gives you specific rights when you move out — a deadline for your landlord to return your deposit, rules on deductions, and a path to push back if they don't. Here's exactly how it works, and how to protect yourself.
Ohio-specific rules to know
Refund clock starts only after tenant gives written forwarding address. Deposits earn 5% annual interest on any amount above \$50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater) once the tenancy reaches six months. Bad-faith withholding: 2× the wrongfully withheld amount + reasonable attorney fees.
What Ohio law requires your landlord to do
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16, a Ohio landlord generally must return your deposit within 30 days and provide a written, itemized list of any amounts withheld. They may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear — only for damage beyond normal use, unpaid rent, or other charges the lease and statute allow.
What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit in Ohio
1. Know your deadline
In Ohio, the return window is 30 days (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16). Mark the date you moved out and count forward.
2. Send a written demand
Email and mail a dated letter requesting your full deposit, referencing the 30-day deadline under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16. Keep proof of delivery. Renter's Vault generates a Ohio-specific letter with the right statute citation filled in.
3. Gather your evidence
Move-in and move-out photos with timestamps and location are the difference between your word and theirs. Attach your photo record and any move-in checklist.
4. Escalate to small claims
If the landlord misses the deadline or won't respond, you can file in small claims court. Bring your dated demand letter and photo evidence.
Free Ohio dispute-letter guide
A clear, statute-cited demand letter resolves most deposit disputes without ever going to court. Renter's Vault builds a Ohio letter for you — pre-filled with Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16, your deadline, and your deductions — in three escalating versions (first request, formal demand, and notice of intent to file).
Get the Ohio letter in the appDocument your rental the day you move in — timestamped, GPS-tagged, hash-verified photos stored in your own Google Drive. The strongest deposit defense is evidence you captured before anything went wrong.
Get Renter's Vault on Google PlayFree to start. Lease Pass $9.99/yr (manual renewal, never auto-charged) or Lifetime Pro $29.99 once — all state law packs included.
Ohio security deposit FAQ
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Ohio?
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16, a Ohio landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days after you move out, along with an itemized statement of any deductions.
What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Ohio?
Send a written demand letter that cites Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 and the deadline, keep copies of all communication and your move-in/move-out photos, and if that fails you can file in small claims court. Many states allow extra damages when a landlord withholds a deposit in bad faith.
Is there a limit on how much a landlord can charge for a deposit in Ohio?
In Ohio, the statutory deposit limit is: No statutory limit. Always confirm against the current statute, since limits and exceptions change.
Are there any special deposit rules in Ohio?
Yes. Notable Ohio rules: Refund clock starts only after tenant gives written forwarding address. Deposits earn 5% annual interest on any amount above \$50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater) once the tenancy reaches six months. Bad-faith withholding: 2× the wrongfully withheld amount + reasonable attorney fees.
This page is general information for tenants, not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm the current text of Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 or consult a local attorney or tenants' rights organization for your situation. Last reviewed May 2026.