Ohio Rent Increase Laws 2024: Key Facts for Tenants. The population of renters in this state is not so large. The important thing is that it is renowned for having excellent landlord-tenant connections. Since each landlord can set their own terms for a lease, a variety of factors can influence how a lease term plays out.
Nonetheless, every state in the nation has its own general rules that must be adhered to, and they are a great way for both parties to stay on top of all lease requirements. It can assist avoid any legal issues in addition to improving the landlord-tenant relationship.
In order to help both parties to a lease better understand how their lease agreement may be formed, we will give an outline of Ohio landlord-tenant legislation in this article.
What Does a Rental Agreement in Ohio Include?
In general, a rental agreement needs to outline the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant throughout the duration of the tenancy. Although these agreements typically adhere to broad principles, they may be modified to meet the needs of the landlords.
If they so choose, a landlord may construct a written or verbal lease. However, since a formal lease can serve as evidence of all the agreements made by both parties, it is strongly advised that they always draft one.
The name and address of the owner or the owner’s representative must be included in a signed lease agreement. The following broad clauses are included:
- Description of the unit.
- Information of the parties involved in the lease.
- Security deposit clauses.
- Rent payments.
- Miscellaneous terms.
Is Ohio a Landlord-Friendly State?
Since obligatory disclosures and rent control policies are largely unregulated, Ohio is seen as a landlord-friendly state. This implies that a landlord might be more accommodating when raising rent costs.
What Are Landlords’ Rights and Duties?
Rights
According to Ohio landlord-tenant legislation, landlords are legally permitted to collect rent when it is due, deduct repair expenses from the security deposit for damages beyond normal wear and tear, and keep all utilities in good operating order.
Duties
When renting out a property, landlords are required to make sure that it conforms with all applicable state and local building, housing, health, and safety codes. Alternatively, if a tenant demands repairs, Ohio landlords are required to make them within a reasonable time frame.
In order to maintain the property in a suitable and livable state, Ohio landlords must also monitor the following:
- Provide running water and adequate hot water (this is not necessary if the tenant can receive heat or hot water directly).
- Maintain the sanitary, heating, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, and other utilities.
- Maintain the unit’s cleanliness and safety.
What Are Tenants’ Rights and Duties?
Rights
Tenants are entitled to a residence that conforms to local and state housing regulations. Tenants may give the landlord a notice for repairs if there are any damages that compromise their health and safety.
A renter may get their security deposit back within 30 days of vacate the rental property, under Ohio law.
Tasks
Here is a summary of the general obligations that each tenant must fulfill, though this list may be modified to meet the landlord’s needs:
In order to comply with local housing, health, and safety requirements, keep all communal areas clean and safe.
- Make sure plumbing and electrical fixtures are properly maintained.
- On time, make your rent payment.
- not annoy neighbors or other renters.
Ohio Landlord-Tenant Rental Law – General Clauses
Rent Payments
Since Ohio law does not currently have any rent control laws, a landlord is free to set the rent at any level they see proper. It’s crucial to remember that Ohio may eventually include provisions pertaining to rent regulation.
Furthermore, although it is not necessary, it is strongly advised that the landlord offer a receipt for rental payments in order to maintain a record of every transaction.
The clerk of a court of law must notify the landlord in writing if the tenant chooses to deposit rent with them. It is possible to place this deposit in a different rent escrow account.
An increase in rent
The landlord is not required by Ohio landlord-tenant legislation to give the tenant written notice before increasing the rent.
Late Fees
There are no provisions pertaining to fees under Ohio law. They can be included in the lease agreement without any problems if the landlord chooses to do so. However, 10% of the check’s value is the maximum amount that Ohio landlord-tenant rules allow for bounced check costs.
Ohio Security Deposits
Although it’s not required by Ohio’s landlord-tenant regulations, it’s customary for landlords to ask for security deposits from their tenants. The primary purposes of a security deposit are to pay reasonable legal fees and damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear.
The amount of a security deposit has no upper limit. Nonetheless, the majority of landlords demand a security deposit equal to at least one month’s rent.
After the tenant vacates the property, the landlord has 30 days to repay the security deposit. The tenant may seek legal assistance to recoup the sum that was illegally withheld if the landlord does not restore the deposit within these thirty days.
In Ohio, landlords are permitted to keep the security deposits if they can produce a detailed account of all the damages the unit experienced during the tenant’s occupancy.
Are Interest Payments Due to the Landlord?
The landlord must put a security deposit in an interest-bearing account if it exceeds $50 or one month’s rent, whichever is higher.
Ohio Landlord-Tenant Termination Provisions
After the lease’s expiration date, tenants may end it. They can send the following notice if they wish to do this:
- Seven days’ notice is required for weekly leases.
- 30 days’ notice is required for monthly leases.
Additionally, a tenant may end the lease early for any of the reasons listed below:
- Living conditions are unacceptable.
- either domestic violence or harassment.
- serving in the military.
- provisions pertaining to early termination.
Eviction Provisions
The following grounds may be used by the landlord to evict a tenant under landlord-tenant laws:
- If the rent is not paid, the landlord may give the renter three days’ notice to make payment or vacate the property.
- The terms of the lease are broken: A three-day notice to vacate may be sent by the landlord.
- The tenant is observed committing crimes: The tenant may be kicked out right away.
The renter must receive a notice from the landlord requesting that they vacate the property. The landlord may give the renter a three-day notice to vacate the property if they don’t reply to this “Possession of the Premises” notification. Ohio’s landlord-tenant rules prohibit the landlord from taking adverse action against a renter.
Discrimination in Housing
Tenants are shielded from discrimination by their landlord by the Fair Housing Act and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Tenants’ race, color, gender identity, nationality, religion, and other characteristics cannot be used as grounds for discrimination by landlords.
In conclusion
A harmonious and healthy leasing relationship is ensured if both landlords and tenants adhere to the necessary rules for the duration of the lease.
As long as they comply with state law, the landlord is free to establish as many regulations as they think fit for their property, but they must make sure that everyone is aware of and on board with them.
Keep in mind that this is merely a summary of Ohio’s landlord-tenant legislation. Make sure you get legal assistance from a lawyer or a real estate manager if you require any more information about a specific tenancy matter.
