Ohio Rental Lease Agreement Templates

Ohio Rental Lease Agreement Templates

An Ohio lease agreement is a formal contract between a landlord and tenant that sets out the terms and conditions of a rental. It covers the monthly rent, lease term, deposit requirements, maintenance obligations, and any restrictions on the property.

Ohio does not impose a statutory cap on security deposits but requires landlords to pay interest on any deposit exceeding one month’s rent or $50, whichever is greater, if the tenancy lasts longer than six months. Deposits must be returned within 30 days of the lease ending.

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Types (6)

Commercial (PDF)

For leasing property to be used for retail, office, industrial, or food-related purposes. Not for leasing residential property.

 

Lease-to-Own (PDF)

A contract for selling a rental property (usually a home) to tenants after a leasing period of 1 year or more. Tenants generally enter this agreement with the intention of buying the property.

 

Month-to-Month

A lease that renews each month automatically. Either party can legally end it with a 30-day notice.

 

Roommate (PDF)

Made between people sharing a single rental unit or common area. It covers rent, guests, rent-sharing, utilities, and more.

 

Standard (Residential)

For creating rental contracts, usually lasting 1 year (both parties can negotiate duration).

 

Sublease (PDF)

An agreement describing the conditions for a tenant to lease their part of a rental property to another tenant. Usually, the landlord’s consent is required beforehand.

 

Renting in Ohio

Most Common Rental Type Apartments
Average Rent $1,090/mo
Households That Rent 32.0%
Average Renter Household Size 2.0
Rental Vacancy Rate 5.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (2024)[7] & Housing Vacancy Survey (2024)[8]

What is an Ohio Lease Agreement?

An Ohio lease agreement is a written document that defines the rights and duties of both the landlord and tenant during a rental. It puts the essential terms in writing so that both parties can reference them throughout the tenancy.

Ohio’s landlord-tenant statute requires property owners to keep rental units in habitable condition, maintain all supplied appliances, and provide running water, reasonable heat, and hot water. Tenants who believe their landlord has violated these duties may deposit rent with the local court rather than paying the landlord directly.

State Laws & Guides

When is Rent Due?

Ohio state law does not specify rent due dates; the lease agreement should clearly state when rent is due. The state does not provide a grace period for tenants.

Landlord’s Access

Emergency: Landlords do not have to provide prior notice in emergencies.[1]

Non-Emergency: In non-emergency situations, landlords must provide reasonable notice (presumed as 24 hours) and enter at reasonable times.[1]

Landlord’s Duties

Landlords are required by law to comply with the following:[1]

  1. Meet the requirements of all applicable building and housing codes.
  2. Make any and all repairs to the rental unit and common areas to keep them safe and in a habitable state.
  3. Provide tenants with a minimum of 24 hours notice before entering the premises, except in emergencies.
  4. For rental contracts that cover 4 or more dwelling units, provide tenants with receptacles for safely disposing their trash.
  5. Ensure all appliances, systems (HVAC, elevators, etc.), and electrical equipment is both functioning and safe.
  6. Provide tenants with constant running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times, including heat (unless the building/unit is not required to have heat, per state law).

Tenant’s Duties

Tenants must uphold the following duties for the lease term:[2]

  1. Dispose of trash and other rubbish in a manner that is sanitary, safe, and clean.
  2. Ensure applicable state and local health/safety codes are abided by.
  3. Keep their rental unit clean and sanitary (as feasible).
  4. Use all electrical and plumbing fixtures/appliances in the manner they are meant to be used, and keep them as clean as reasonable.
  5. Refrain from negligently or purposefully damaging or destroying any part of the rental (furniture/appliances included). Also applies to any permitted guests of the tenant.
  6. Treat other tenants well and do not disturb their right to the peaceful enjoyment of their rental and the surrounding premises.

Required Disclosures

  • Disclosure to the County Auditor: The landlord must file certain disclosures with the property’s county auditor, such as their name, address, and telephone number.[3]
  • Lead Paint Disclosure: Landlords must comply with federal law by disclosing lead paint hazards in the property to tenants and providing an informational brochure on the topic. This law only applies to properties built before 1978.[6]
  • Names and Addresses: Written rental agreements should include the landlord’s name, address, and agent’s information if they have one.

Security Deposits

Maximum: There are no statutes governing maximum security deposits.

Returning to Tenant: Landlords must reimburse security deposits within 30 days after the rental agreement’s termination and delivery of possession. If the tenant caused damages, the landlord must provide a written notice detailing the issues and the amount due.[4]

Deposit Interest: Security deposits over $50 or 1 month’s rent must bear an interest of 5% per year on the excess amount, applicable to leases lasting 6 months or longer.[5]

Uses of the Deposit: Security deposit deductions can cover unpaid rent and any damages resulting from tenant noncompliance.[4]