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How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Ohio?
Short answer
At a glance: 30 days
Within 30 days after the lease ends and possession is returned: return the deposit with an itemized written list of deductions
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession, deliver a written notice itemizing any deductions (past-due rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance) together with the amount due.
"Any deduction from the security deposit shall be itemized and identified by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant together with the amount due, within thirty days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession." codes.ohio.gov
"The tenant shall provide the landlord in writing with a forwarding address or new address to which the written notice and amount due from the landlord may be sent." codes.ohio.gov
Within 30 days after the lease ends and possession is returned: return the deposit with an itemized written list of deductions Verified
Deadline: Within 30 days after move-out
Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession, deliver a written notice itemizing any deductions (past-due rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance) together with the amount due.
Applies to: any number of units, when you hold a security deposit · Layer: Ohio · Topic: Security deposit return
Who it covers: The tenant must give a forwarding address in writing; without it the tenant cannot recover damages or attorney fees. Wrongful withholding: the amount withheld plus an equal amount in damages, plus attorney fees.
"Any deduction from the security deposit shall be itemized and identified by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant together with the amount due, within thirty days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession." codes.ohio.gov
"The tenant shall provide the landlord in writing with a forwarding address or new address to which the written notice and amount due from the landlord may be sent." codes.ohio.gov
Notes: Ohio Revised Code 5321.16(B), (C).
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction