Ohio Eviction Notice Law
Ohio's notice period for unpaid rent is 3 days (3-day notice to leave the premises). For a lease violation it is 30 days, and the tenant gets a chance to fix the problem.
Last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed
Not legal advice. A defective notice can restart an eviction case; ask a Ohio attorney or court self-help center before serving one. See our disclaimer.
Ohio eviction notice rules at a glance
| Notice for unpaid rent | 3 days (3-day notice to leave the premises)Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04(A), Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.02(A) |
|---|---|
| Notice for a lease violation | 30 days (chance to cure)Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.11, Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.02(A)(8)-(9) |
| Ending a month-to-month tenancy (no-fault) | 30 days (either side)Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17(B) |
What Ohio law says
What notice must an Ohio landlord give before filing an eviction for unpaid rent?
Before filing an eviction for unpaid rent, serve a written 3-day notice to leave the premises containing the statutory warning language, by hand, at the residence, or by certified mail (R.C. 1923.04(A)) (Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04(A)).
How much notice is required for a lease violation in Ohio?
For a tenant's breach of statutory duties affecting health and safety, give a written notice naming the problem and a termination date at least 30 days out; if not remedied, the lease ends and the 3-day notice to leave follows (R.C. 5321.11; 1923.02(A)(8)) (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.11).
How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Ohio?
Either side may end a month-to-month tenancy with notice given at least 30 days before a rent due date, or 7 days before the termination date for week-to-week (R.C. 5321.17(A)-(B)) (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17(B)).
How Ohio compares
No verified jurisdiction uses a shorter unpaid-rent notice.
None of Ohio's 5 neighbors follows the same rule.
| Unpaid rent · lease violation | States |
|---|---|
| 3 days · 30 days, with cure | Ohio |
| Being verified | Indiana |
| No statewide rule · no statewide rule | Kentucky, West Virginia |
| 7 days · no statewide rule | Michigan |
| 10 days · 15 days | Pennsylvania |
Local rules in Ohio
Ohio cities have home-rule powers but R.C. 5321.19 (2022 HB 430) bars local rent control/stabilization and any local measure that conflicts with or regulates rights and obligations already regulated by Chapter 5321. Several cities still have tenant ordinances whose enforceability against 5321.19 is unsettled, e.g. Columbus (2021 source-of-income protection, deposit installment payments and cash receipts; 2023 pay-to-stay and third-party rent payment; Dec. 2024 Ordinance 3525-2024 requiring advance notice of rent increases) and pay-to-stay / source-of-income ordinances in Cleveland, Toledo and other cities. Check the local code.
Recent changes in Ohio
- Don't name minor tenants as eviction defendants (effective ): A forcible entry and detainer complaint may not list a minor (non-emancipated, under 18) tenant as a defendant if a parent or adult guardian is also named. The court must dismiss such a case without prejudice and order the filer to pay the minor's reasonable attorney's fees. Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1923.01(C)(15), 1923.05(B)-(C), SB 237 (135th G.A.) status: signed 1-8-2025, effective 4-9-2025
Other Ohio rules
| Security deposit limit | No state capOhio Rev. Code § 5321.16 |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after move-outOhio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B) |
| Late-fee cap | No statutory cap; a late fee must be a reasonable liquidated-damages amount (not a penalty) and courts may limit unconscionable fees under R.C. 5321.14.Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.14 (unconscionable clauses), Drake Townhomes, LLC v. Woodberry, 2017-Ohio-6968 (1st Dist.) |
| Entry notice | 24 hours' noticeOhio Rev. Code § 5321.04(A)(8), Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.05(B) |
| Rent-increase notice | No state ruleOhio Rev. Code Chapter 5321 (silent on rent increases), Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17(B) |