Ohio security deposit demand letter
Create an Ohio security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
What law governs a residential security deposit in Ohio?
Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 governs ordinary residential deposits. A parallel manufactured-home-park rule, § 4781.50, uses materially identical timing, forwarding-address, and damages language for park operators and residents. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16; Ohio Rev. Code § 4781.50.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 · Verified July 24, 2026
When is a security deposit or accounting due in Ohio?
The landlord must deliver the itemized notice and amount due within 30 calendar days after both termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B); Ohio Rev. Code § 4781.50.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B) · Verified July 24, 2026
What itemization or documentation is required in Ohio?
Yes. Every deduction must be itemized and identified in a written notice delivered with the amount due. The letter requests only the itemization, accounting, and supporting documents required by that rule. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B); Ohio Rev. Code § 4781.50.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B) · Verified July 24, 2026
What remedy may apply if an Ohio landlord does not comply?
For either ordinary residential or manufactured-home-park claims, the tenant/resident may recover the property and money due, damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney’s fees. No bad-faith or willfulness finding is required, but damages apply only to the amount wrongfully withheld. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(A),(C); § 4781.50(A),(C); Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)-(C).
Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(A),(C); Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)-(C) · Verified July 24, 2026
Does Ohio require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
The tenant must provide a forwarding or new address in writing. No special certified-mail, registered-mail, or personal-service method is prescribed for the demand. The cited law does not prescribe state-prescribed tenant demand form or mandatory wording. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B); Ohio Rev. Code § 4781.50; Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16.
Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B); Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 · Verified July 24, 2026
Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16 governs ordinary residential deposits. A parallel manufactured-home-park rule, § 4781.50, uses materially identical timing, forwarding-address, and damages language for park operators and residents. Both statutes also contain a 5% annual interest rule on the excess over $50 or one month’s periodic rent after six months of possession.