Security deposit return law in Ohio
In Ohio, a landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days (Ohio Rev. Code 5321.16). Exactly when that clock starts, and what has to go back with the money, is where states differ most, so the rest of this page stays close to the statute's own words rather than a generic summary.
When the clock starts, and what goes with the money
Any deduction must be itemized and identified in a written notice delivered to the tenant, together with the amount due, within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession. The tenant must provide a forwarding address in writing; failing to do so bars the tenant from recovering the statutory damages and attorney's fees (ORC 5321.16(B)).
How much you can collect
Ohio sets no statewide cap on the size of a residential security deposit. That is not the same as no rules: the holding, itemization, and return duties below still apply in full, and a city or county can set a limit of its own even where the state does not.
What it costs to get this wrong
Wrongful withholding makes the landlord liable for the amount wrongfully withheld plus damages in an equal amount (double the wrongfully withheld portion in total) and reasonable attorney's fees (ORC 5321.16(C)), conditioned on the tenant having supplied a forwarding address.
Holding the deposit
Interest, not escrow: any deposit exceeding $50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater) bears interest on the excess at 5% per year if the tenant stays six months or more, computed and paid annually (ORC 5321.16(A)). No separate-account or receipt requirement.
Common questions
How long does an Ohio landlord have to return a security deposit?
30 days, under Ohio Rev. Code 5321.16. When that clock starts, and what has to accompany the money, is set out in the statute: Any deduction must be itemized and identified in a written notice delivered to the tenant, together with the amount due, within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession. The tenant must provide a forwarding address in writing; failing to do so bars the tenant from recovering the statutory damages and attorney's fees (ORC 5321.16(B)).
Does Ohio cap the security deposit?
There is no statewide cap in Ohio. A city or county can still set one, and every other deposit rule in Ohio Rev. Code 5321.16 still applies.
What happens if an Ohio landlord misses the deadline or withholds wrongly?
Wrongful withholding makes the landlord liable for the amount wrongfully withheld plus damages in an equal amount (double the wrongfully withheld portion in total) and reasonable attorney's fees (ORC 5321.16(C)), conditioned on the tenant having supplied a forwarding address.
Does an Ohio security deposit have to be held a particular way?
Interest, not escrow: any deposit exceeding $50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater) bears interest on the excess at 5% per year if the tenant stays six months or more, computed and paid annually (ORC 5321.16(A)). No separate-account or receipt requirement.
The deposit paperwork is the part that gets lost. PropManager keeps the deposit on the lease, the move-out itemization with the tenant's file, and the refund in the ledger, so the record exists before a dispute does.Sources
Ohio Rev. Code 5321.16. Source: https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5321.16. Verified 2026-08-06.
General information, not legal advice. Check your own lease and any city or county ordinance before you rely on it.