Need a Property Rentals / Apartments For Rent Contract in Ohio? AroundWire Can Help

In Ohio, contracts for property rentals and apartments for rent are governed primarily by the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321), which sets forth mandatory rights and obligations for both landlords and tenants. Key contract characteristics include clear delineation of lease terms (fixed-term or month-to-month), rent amount and payment schedules, security deposit terms (with a statutory requirement that deposits exceeding $50 or one month’s rent must accrue interest after six months), and specific procedures for handling repairs and maintenance. Landlords must comply with all local housing codes and habitability standards, and must disclose known lead-based paint hazards for properties built before 1978. There is no statewide landlord licensing requirement, but some municipalities (such as Cleveland or Columbus) may require local rental registrations or inspections. Insurance is not mandated by law, but landlords commonly require tenants to obtain renters’ insurance and typically carry property and liability insurance themselves. Risk factors include tenant default, property damage, and compliance with anti-discrimination statutes under both federal and Ohio law. Payment terms often specify acceptable methods and consequences for late payment, with grace periods set by contract. Dispute resolution is frequently addressed through local courts, as mandatory arbitration clauses are less common in residential leases. Ohio law prohibits certain contract provisions, such as waiving a tenant’s right to withhold rent for unaddressed repairs. Contract templates should be reviewed for compliance with both state statutes and any applicable municipal ordinances.