No cap, but excess deposits earn 5%
Ohio has no ceiling on security deposits. Instead, Rev. Code § 5321.16(A) discourages oversized deposits: any deposit above fifty dollars or one month's periodic rent, whichever is greater, bears interest on the excess at 5% a year if you stay six months or more, computed and paid annually.
Example: rent is $1,200 and the deposit is $2,000. The excess over one month's rent is $800, so the landlord owes 5% of $800, or $40 a year. If the deposit equals one month's rent, no interest is owed.
The 30-day itemized notice
When the lease ends, the landlord may apply the deposit to past-due rent and to damages caused by your failure to meet your duties under § 5321.05 or the lease. Any deduction must be itemized and identified in a written notice delivered to you together with the amount due, within thirty days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession.
Double recovery and attorney fees
If the landlord does not comply, § 5321.16(C) lets you recover the money due, plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees. In practice that is double the wrongfully withheld amount. Our calculator models it.
Steps to recover an Ohio deposit
- Work out whether you were owed yearly interest (deposit above one month's rent, six months or more in the unit).
- Give your forwarding address in writing on or before move-out day.
- Return the keys and document the date you delivered possession.
- After 30 days, send a demand letter citing § 5321.16.
- If that fails, file a claim in small claims court.
Neighboring states
Michigan caps deposits at 1.5 months and uses a strict checklist process. Pennsylvania ties interest to the second lease anniversary instead of the deposit size.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a limit on security deposits in Ohio?
No. Ohio has no statutory cap on residential security deposits.
How long does an Ohio landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the lease ends and you deliver possession, with an itemized written notice of any deductions (Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)).
Do Ohio landlords have to pay interest on deposits?
Only on the part above $50 or one month's rent, whichever is greater, and only if you stay six months or more. The rate is 5% a year, paid annually.
What can I recover if my Ohio landlord wrongfully keeps my deposit?
The money due, plus an equal amount in damages, plus reasonable attorney fees (§ 5321.16(C)), provided you gave a forwarding address in writing.
Sources
Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026. Read how we verify. Found an error? Tell us.