Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Ohio?

Yes — Ohio law requires interest on held security deposits for excess amounts, tenancies of 6+ months. No statutory limit (typically 1-2 months). Interest required at 5%/year on amount exceeding $50 or 1 month rent (whichever greater) for tenancies 6+ months. Return within 30 days with itemized deductions.

How large can the deposit itself be in Ohio?

Ohio sets no statewide statutory maximum on the deposit amount — it is negotiated in the lease.

When do I get my security deposit back in Ohio?

Generally within 30 days after move-out, together with any interest owed.

Ohio Deposit Interest Rules

interest required (excess amounts, tenancies of 6+ months)

Ohio is one of 14 US jurisdictions that require landlords to pay interest on security deposits in covered rentals — the FAQ below covers which tenancies qualify. If your lease is silent about interest, the statutory obligation still applies where it covers you.

Educational information: generated from our Ohio law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.

How Ohio compares

14 of 51 US jurisdictions require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Here is how Ohio compares with other states in our database.

State	Deposit Interest Rules
Ohio	interest required (excess amounts, tenancies of 6+ months)
Oklahoma	no interest required
Oregon	no interest required
Pennsylvania	interest required (deposits held 2+ years)
Rhode Island	no interest required

Frequently asked questions

Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Ohio?: Yes — Ohio law requires interest on held security deposits for excess amounts, tenancies of 6+ months. No statutory limit (typically 1-2 months). Interest required at 5%/year on amount exceeding $50 or 1 month rent (whichever greater) for tenancies 6+ months. Return within 30 days with itemized deductions.
How large can the deposit itself be in Ohio?: Ohio sets no statewide statutory maximum on the deposit amount — it is negotiated in the lease.
When do I get my security deposit back in Ohio?: Generally within 30 days after move-out, together with any interest owed.

Check Your Lease Against Ohio Law

Not sure whether your lease complies with Ohio law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.

Analyze My Lease Free

Educational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.

More Ohio lease law guides

Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Ohio for your specific situation.