Ohio Eviction Notice Overview
Ohio uses a 3-day notice for non-payment and a 30-day notice for lease violations under ORC §5321.17. There is no 14-day notice in Ohio statute. Ohio’s Landlord-Tenant Act (ORC Chapter 5321) provides specific notice requirements. Evictions are filed in Municipal Court (in cities) or County Court (in townships).
Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), Franklin County (Columbus), Hamilton County (Cincinnati), and Montgomery County (Dayton) handle the highest volumes. Ohio’s eviction process is moderately fast for uncontested cases. Cleveland has established an eviction mediation program and right-to-counsel pilot.
3 or 30 Days
Statutory minimum
$88–$165
Municipal/County Court
Written
Notice required
3–6 Wks
Total process
Ohio’s 3-Day and 30-Day Notice Periods
Under ORC §5321.17(B), for non-payment of rent, the landlord serves a 3-day notice to vacate. For material noncompliance with the rental agreement, the landlord serves a 30-day notice under ORC §5321.17(C). For some dangerous conditions (drug activity, criminal threats), a 3-day notice may apply under ORC §5321.17(D).
Ohio Notice Periods
3-day notice: Non-payment of rent (ORC §5321.17(B))
30-day notice: Material noncompliance with rental agreement (ORC §5321.17(C))
3-day notice: Drug activity or threats to health/safety (ORC §5321.17(D))
30-day termination: Month-to-month without cause (ORC §5321.17(B))
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in Ohio
- Unauthorized pets, occupants, subletting
- Property damage or noise
- Failure to maintain the unit
- Operating businesses without permission
- Drug activity
- Holdover after lease expiration
Ohio Legal Requirements
Ohio courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Notice: Ohio requires written notice under ORC §5321.17
- Correct Period: 3 days for non-payment, 30 days for lease violations
- Specific Violation: Describe the breach
- Demand to Vacate: Demand the tenant leave by the specified date
- Landlord Information: Name, address, phone
Serving the Notice in Ohio
Proper service is critical in Ohio. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Service
Hand the notice to the tenant.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail.
Posting
Post on door if tenant unavailable.
Ohio Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in Ohio, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
Ohio Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in Ohio. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Municipal/County Court Filing | $88 – $165 |
| Bailiff/Sheriff Service | $25 – $55 |
| Writ of Restitution | $25 – $50 |
| Bailiff Execution | $50 – $100 |
| Attorney Fees | $500 – $2,000 |
Sample Ohio Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Ohio-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under OH law.
NOTICE TO VACATE PREMISES
STATE OF OHIO
Pursuant to ORC §5321.17
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [Ohio Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You are notified to vacate the above premises within the period specified by Ohio law due to the violation described above.