Ohio security deposit law

30 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap.

The deposit and an itemized statement are due within 30 days of move-out and delivery of a forwarding address. There is no statutory cap on the deposit amount.

What this means for you: Bad-faith retention can cost the landlord double the wrongfully withheld amount plus your attorney's fees.

Your next step: Provide a forwarding address in writing; send a demand if 30 days pass.

Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16. Reviewed 2026-06-16 (needs local verification).

More Ohio rights: Ohio eviction · Ohio repairs · Ohio entry notice · Ohio rent increase.

Security deposit in nearby states: Michigan (30 days to return the deposit; cap 1.5 months' rent) · Indiana (45 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · Kentucky (60 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · West Virginia (60 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · Pennsylvania (30 days to return the deposit; cap 2 months' rent).

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality; consult a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.

Updated July 2026