Ohio Security Deposit Laws 2026
Here's what Ohio law says about security deposit returns, deadlines, and penalties. All information is sourced from Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16.
Return Deadline
30 calendar days
from move-out date to return your deposit
Penalty for Violations
Actual damages sustained
Itemization Requirements
- Itemized statement required: Yes
- Itemization deadline: 30 days
- Receipts required: No
Interest Requirements
Your landlord must pay 5% annual interest on your deposit.
Statute of Limitations
- Written lease: 6 years
- Oral lease: 6 years
Small Claims Court
Maximum claim: $6,000
Attorney fee shifting available — you may recover attorney fees if you win.
Primary Statute
Important Exceptions & Edge Cases
Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(A): If deposit exceeds $50 and tenancy lasts 6+ months, landlord must pay 5% annual interest. Interest accrues from date of deposit. Landlord may deduct interest owed from the security deposit at termination.
Think your landlord violated Ohio law?
Generate a demand letter that cites Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 and puts your landlord on notice.
This is not legal advice. Reclaim provides legal information and document generation tools. The information on this page is sourced from Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 and is current as of January 1, 2021. For specific legal questions, consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.