Ohio Requirements for Landlords

By Law & Legal & Attorney Last updated Monday, May/06/2024

Ohio rental law covers rental homes as well as apartments.apartment for rent image by dead_account from Fotolia.com

Renting a home or apartment can be a risky enterprise, with tenants dependent on the landlord to provide and maintain a safe and comfortable place to live. To protect both parties, each state has laws specifying the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. In Ohio, the requirements for landlords cover a wide range of issues and give tenants an added measure of security.

Maintenance

Under Ohio's laws, the landlord is required to make all necessary repairs to keep the property in good condition. This includes repairs made to satisfy local building and safety codes. The landlord must maintain all of the property's plumbing, its electrical system and any installed heating or air conditioning.

Because Ohio landlords are required to provide maintenance, they are permitted to enter the rental property after giving 24 hours' notice to the tenant, except in cases of emergency. Landlords are prohibited from abusing the right to enter the property.

Ohio landlords who rent properties that include more than four rental unite are required to handle trash collection. This includes providing trash bins or a Dumpster, and also providing for recycling if it is enforced under local provisions.

There is also a series of state laws restricting the terms that a landlord can incorporate into a rental agreement. Landlords cannot require tenants to give up their right to be notified if they are being sued by the landlord. Likewise, a landlord can't ask a tenant to waive the right to be evicted through a court process. The landlord must also allow the tenant to retain the right to sue in cases of injury occurring on the property. Beyond these provisions, landlords can't include "unfair or unenforceable" terms in a rental agreement.

In cases where a landlord requires a security deposit from a tenant, the landlord must return the deposit, or give a written explanation of why the deposit has been withheld, within 30 days after the tenant has given notice to terminate the rental agreement, provided that the tenant is allowed to do so.