Ohio Security Deposit Limit
no statutory limitOhio has no statewide statutory cap on residential security deposits — the amount is a matter of contract between you and the landlord. That makes reviewing the deposit clause in your lease especially important.
Educational information: generated from our Ohio law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Ohio compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Ohio compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Ohio | no statutory limit |
| Oklahoma | no statutory limit |
| Oregon | no statutory limit |
| Pennsylvania | 2 months' rent (first lease year) |
| Rhode Island | 1 month's rent |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Ohio?
- Ohio sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, so the amount is negotiated in the lease. Ohio is one of 21 US jurisdictions without a statewide deposit cap. 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.
- Does Ohio require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- Yes — Ohio requires landlords to pay interest on held security deposits (excess amounts, tenancies of 6+ months). It is one of 14 US jurisdictions with an interest requirement.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Ohio?
- Ohio landlords generally must return the deposit within 30 days after move-out.
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 FreeEducational 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.