Ohio Standard Rental Lease Agreement Templates

An Ohio rental lease agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the rental terms rental period, rent amount, payment terms, security deposit, property rules, and responsibilities of both parties. Free template available in PDF and Word formats.

Last updated January 13th, 2025

An Ohio rental lease agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the rental terms rental period, rent amount, payment terms, security deposit, property rules, and responsibilities of both parties. Free template available in PDF and Word formats.

  1. Home »
  2. Lease »
  3. Ohio

What the form covers?

This Ohio Lease Agreement includes Ohio landlord-tenant laws. Landlords must maintain properties and keep up with local housing codes, return security deposits, and give advance notice to tenants before entry.

This agreement form includes the following:

Ohio Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

The Ohio Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, in Chapter 5321 of the Ohio Revised Code, outlines the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. [1]

Security Deposit Law

 

  • 30 Days – Landlords must return the deposit to tenants within 30 days of the lease end date.[2]
  • Itemized List – Deductions must be itemized by the landlord and shared with the tenant.
  • Maximum  – The maximum amount is equal to the total amount of three (3) months’ rent.
  • Interest on Security Deposits – Landlords are not required to collect or pay interest on security deposits.

Lease Termination

 Both landlords and tenants can terminate a lease under the following conditions:

  • Landlord’s Ability to Terminate
    • 3-day notice for nonpayment of rent.
    • 7-day notice to correct lease violations.
  • Tenant’s Ability to Terminate
    • Tenants may terminate for reasons such as habitability issues after proper notice to the landlord.
    • 30-day notice required for month-to-month leases.[3]

Landlord’s Access to Property

 Landlords must provide 24-hours’ notice before entering a rental property unless it’s an emergency.[4]

Due Dates / Late Fees

 Rent due dates and late fees should be written in the lease agreement.[5]
  • Grace Period – Three-day grace period. If rent isn’t paid, a five-day notice to quit can be issued.
  • Maximum Late Fee – The landlord can charge up to 5% of the monthly rent.
  • NSF Fee – $25 per bounced check.
  • Withholding Rent – If the landlord doesn’t maintain the property, tenants can make repairs and deduct up to one (1) month’s rent.

Eviction Procedures

 Evictions must follow a legal process, beginning with proper notice to the tenant and followed by court filings.[6]

Property Maintenance

 Landlords are required to maintain the property in a habitable condition and respond promptly to repair requests.[7]

Tenant Rights

 Ohio tenants have legal rights, including:

  • Right to Privacy – Tenants are entitled to privacy in their rental unit.
  • Right to Habitable Housing – The property must meet health and safety standards.[8]

Rent Control

 Ohio does not have rent control laws, allowing landlords to set rents according to the market.

Discrimination Protections

 The Fair Housing Act (FHA) prevents landlords from discriminating against tenants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or familial status (having children under 18, including pregnancy).

Habitability Standards

 Rental properties must meet basic habitability standards, including:

  • Functional plumbing, heating, and electrical systems.
  • Safe and sanitary living conditions.

Utilities and Services

 Landlords cover basic utilities unless stated otherwise in the lease.

Required Disclosure Forms (1)

 The following are required by the landlord to disclose to tenants:

  1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure & EPA Pamphlet – If the property was built before 1978, the landlord must inform the tenant about lead paint and provide an EPA pamphlet.


Sample Ohio Rental Lease Template