Two ways to rent in Ohio
The same free builder makes both — pick the one that fits and the agreement adapts automatically.
Standard Residential Lease Agreement
A fixed-term lease with set start and end dates (usually one year) — best for a long-term tenant.
Create a fixed-term leaseMonth-to-Month Rental Agreement
A flexible tenancy that renews each month and ends with proper written notice from either party.
Create a month-to-month agreementOverview
Renting out a home in Ohio? A residential lease agreement is the contract that protects both sides — it sets the rent, the term, the deposit, and the rules the landlord and tenant agree to, and it's your proof of what was agreed if a dispute ever comes up. Ohio residential tenancies are governed by Chapter 5321 of the Revised Code, the Ohio Landlords and Tenants Act.
Ohiolease rules & requirements
Security deposit
Ohio sets no maximum on a residential security deposit — the amount is whatever the lease states (one month's rent is the common benchmark). Under Revised Code 5321.16, the landlord must return it, with an itemized list of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenant moves out and gives a forwarding address. If the tenancy lasts more than six months, any deposit over $50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater) earns 5% annual interest.
Late fees
Ohio has no statute that caps late fees or sets a grace period, so any late fee is governed by the lease. It must be reasonable — courts can refuse to enforce a penalty that is out of proportion to the landlord's actual loss.
Landlord entry & notice
Under Revised Code 5321.04, a landlord must give the tenant reasonable notice before entering and may enter only at reasonable times; 24 hours is presumed reasonable. Notice is not required in a genuine emergency.
Required disclosures
The landlord must disclose the name and address of the owner (or the owner's managing agent) under Revised Code 5321.18, and provide the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for homes built before 1978. Failing to give the owner/agent information can waive certain notices the tenant would otherwise owe the landlord.
Ending the lease
A fixed-term lease simply ends on its end date. A month-to-month tenancy can be ended by either party with at least 30 days' written notice before the next rent date under Revised Code 5321.17. A week-to-week tenancy requires seven days' notice.
Does it need notarizing?
No. An Ohio residential lease doesn't need to be notarized or witnessed — it's binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign. Each party should keep a signed copy.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current rules under the Ohio Landlords and Tenants Act (Revised Code Chapter 5321).
How to write a Ohio lease agreement
- 1
Choose the lease type — a fixed-term lease (set start and end dates) or a month-to-month tenancy.
- 2
Add the property details and the landlord's and tenant(s)' full legal names and addresses.
- 3
Set the monthly rent, the due date, accepted payment methods, and any reasonable late or NSF fees.
- 4
Set the security deposit and when it's returned, plus any pet, parking, smoking, or utility terms.
- 5
Add the required disclosures (owner or agent name and address, plus lead-based paint for pre-1978 homes) and any house rules.
- 6
The landlord and every tenant sign and date the lease — and each keeps a copy.
Ready to create your Ohio lease agreement?
Fill the form, watch it build live, and download the PDF — free, no signup.
Open the free builderWhat to include
- Landlord & tenant(s) — names and addresses
- Property, lease type & term
- Rent — amount, due date & payment methods
- Security deposit, late & NSF fees
- Pets, parking, smoking & utilities
- Disclosures & signatures
Ohio lease agreement FAQ
Does an Ohio residential lease need to be notarized?
No. A residential lease in Ohio doesn't have to be notarized or witnessed. It's legally binding once the landlord and tenant(s) sign it.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Ohio?
No. Ohio doesn't cap residential security deposits by statute — the amount is set by the lease. One month's rent is the common benchmark.
How long does an Ohio landlord have to return the deposit?
30 days after the tenant moves out and provides a forwarding address, with an itemized list of any deductions, under Revised Code 5321.16. A deposit held over six months may also owe 5% annual interest.
How much can a late fee be in Ohio?
Ohio has no statutory cap or grace period, so the lease sets the late fee. It must be reasonable rather than a penalty out of proportion to the landlord's actual loss.
How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Ohio?
At least 30 days' written notice from either the landlord or the tenant, given before the next rent date, under Revised Code 5321.17.
Does the landlord have to give notice before entering?
Yes. Under Revised Code 5321.04 the landlord must give reasonable notice and enter only at reasonable times, with 24 hours presumed reasonable. Notice is waived in a genuine emergency.
What must an Ohio lease disclose?
The name and address of the owner or the owner's managing agent (Revised Code 5321.18) and the federal lead-based-paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes.
Is this Ohio lease agreement really free?
Yes — completely. Fill it in, preview it live, and download the PDF with no signup, no credit card, and no watermark. Unlike sites that charge a fee or push a subscription to download, there's nothing to pay here.