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Ohio security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Ohio, a landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16). Under Ohio law, a landlord who wrongfully keeps a deposit can owe up to twice the amount withheld.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

30

days for an Ohio landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

Within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant returns possession, the landlord must return the deposit or send an itemized notice of deductions with the balance.

What the landlord must send you

An itemized written notice of each deduction and the amount due.

Penalty for wrongful withholding

A tenant may recover the amount wrongfully withheld, plus damages equal to that amount and reasonable attorney's fees (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(C)).

Your forwarding address

Ohio requires the tenant to give the landlord a forwarding address in writing; without one, the tenant cannot recover damages or attorney's fees (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)). The letter includes yours.

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

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Did the landlord send you a written, itemized list of deductions?

Ohio security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Ohio?

Within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant returns possession, the landlord must return the deposit or send an itemized notice of deductions with the balance.

What must an Ohio landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

An itemized written notice of each deduction and the amount due.

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Ohio?

A tenant may recover the amount wrongfully withheld, plus damages equal to that amount and reasonable attorney's fees (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(C)).

Do I need to give my Ohio landlord a forwarding address?

Ohio requires the tenant to give the landlord a forwarding address in writing; without one, the tenant cannot recover damages or attorney's fees (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)). The letter includes yours.

How do I get my security deposit back in Ohio?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 30 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

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