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Ohio security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit
No statutory cap
Return deadline
30 days
Interest
Required in some cases

No cap. The part above the greater of $50 or one month's rent earns 5%/yr interest, paid annually, if the tenant stays 6+ months. Return within thirty days after the agreement ends; wrongful withholding means the amount withheld plus equal damages and attorney fees.

Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

No statutory cap
Ohio's statute sets no maximum: the amount is whatever the lease says. We show no « maximum » we would have to invent.
Return deadline
30 days
Within 30 days after the lease ends and possession is delivered: an itemized written notice and the amount due. The tenant should give a forwarding address in writing.
Interest required
Yes
In some situations — see the note
Ohio: No cap. The part above the greater of $50 or one month's rent earns 5%/yr interest, paid annually, if the tenant stays 6+ months. Return within thirty days after the agreement ends; wrongful withholding means the amount withheld plus equal damages and attorney fees.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 · read on 2026-11-09

Ohio: common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Ohio?

Ohio's statute sets no maximum. No cap. The part above the greater of $50 or one month's rent earns 5%/yr interest, paid annually, if the tenant stays 6+ months. Return within thirty days after the agreement ends; wrongful withholding means the amount withheld plus equal damages and attorney fees.

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

30 days. Within 30 days after the lease ends and possession is delivered: an itemized written notice and the amount due. The tenant should give a forwarding address in writing.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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