Landlord & Tenant Laws in Ohio.

A tenant should provide a forwarding address because Ohio’s deposit-return and itemized-notice rule is tied to the landlord sending the accounting and any remaining balance to that address.

In Ohio, a landlord generally must return the security deposit, less any lawful deductions, within 30 days after the tenant moves out and delivers possession, together with an itemized written notice of any deductions mailed to the tenant’s forwarding address.

If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit, Ohio law may allow the tenant to recover the money due, reasonable attorney’s fees, and statutory damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld. Ohio also generally requires annual 5% interest on any portion of a deposit over $50 or one month’s rent if held for at least six months.