Ohio Law states that there are only certain reasons that a Landlord can keep your security deposit. A Landlord can keep all or a portion of a Tenant’s security deposit only for the following reasons:
1. Unpaid rent 2. Unpaid utilities 3. Late Fees 4. Damage beyond normal wear and tear paid utilities
If you have paid all rent that was due, did not damage the property beyond normal wear and tear, and you provided your Landlord with a mailing address where the security deposit would be returned to you, then you are entitled to your security deposit.
In Ohio, Landlords have thirty (30) days from the day a Tenant vacates the property to return a Tenant’s security deposit. If the Landlord takes any deductions from the tenant’s security deposit, he/she is required to provide a written itemized list to the Tenant within the required thirty (30) days. The following must be included in the itemized list:
The deduction to be taken from the security deposit
The amount of each deduction
The reason for the deduction
If the landlord does not return the Tenant’s security deposit, the Tenant is entitled to their security deposit plus damages and attorney fees.
To find out more information and to learn the steps to take if your landlord has not returned your security deposit, contact our office!
