Security deposit law in Ohio

The rule in Ohio

Ohio sets no statutory cap on the size of a residential security deposit: the source checked (Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules, § 5321.16) states no maximum, so the amount is whatever the lease says.

The return deadline is 30 days, counted after the rental agreement ends and possession is delivered. The text reads: “within thirty days after termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession.”

Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 15 give landlords less time and 9 give more; the median is 30 days. 19 others also allow 30 days, among them Iowa, Kansas, Maine and Massachusetts.

Without a cap there is no dollar ceiling to compute. For comparison, 27 of the 44 verified jurisdictions do cap deposits, from one month's rent in states such as Alabama up to three months' rent in Nevada.

Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on December 30, 2026.

In neighbouring states with verified rules: Indiana allows 45 days and sets no cap, Michigan allows 30 days and caps deposits at one and a half months' rent, Pennsylvania allows 30 days and caps deposits at two months' rent and West Virginia allows 60 days and sets no cap.

The section requires 5% yearly interest on any part of a deposit above the greater of $50 or one month's rent when the tenant stays six months or more.

If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in Ohio is $6,000 (small claims rules).

Source: Ohio Laws and Administrative Rules, § 5321.16 · last checked October 20, 2026.

If the deposit does not come back

The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.