Ohio Deposit Itemization Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16 — Security Deposits
Itemization Requirement
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession.
Allowable Deductions
Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and costs to restore the unit. Landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
Normal Wear & Tear
Deterioration that occurs from the ordinary use and occupancy of the premises.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees under Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16(C).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: No statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $6,000
- Interest on deposit: Required by statute
Additional Protections
- Deposits over $50 or 1 month rent must earn interest at 5% per year
- Interest must be paid annually to tenant
- Double damages for wrongful withholding
What Your Ohio Dispute Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Ohio's actual statute — not a generic template.
Itemization Requirements
Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the specific rules they must follow.
Disputed Deductions
Each disputed charge identified with your specific reasons, tied to Ohio law.
Wear & Tear Standard
Deterioration that occurs from the ordinary use and occupancy of the premises...
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting with penalty warning. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
Ohio Deposit Itemization FAQ
What are the security deposit itemization requirements in Ohio?
Under Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16, your landlord is required to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession. The itemization must list each deduction, the amount, and the reason.
What deductions can my Ohio landlord legally take from my deposit?
In Ohio, allowable deductions are limited to: Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and costs to restore the unit. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear in Ohio?
In Ohio: Deterioration that occurs from the ordinary use and occupancy of the premises. Examples include minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet from foot traffic, faded paint, and small nail holes.
What happens if my Ohio landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees under Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16(C). You can pursue this in small claims court.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio small claims court handles cases up to $6,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute deposit deductions in Ohio?
No. A dispute letter is a formal written challenge, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Ohio-specific dispute letter citing Ohio Rev. Code §5321.16 and your state's itemization requirements so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Deposit Itemization Dispute Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.