Ohio 60-Day Notice Overview
Ohio does not require a 60-day notice for standard residential tenancy terminations. Under the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (ORC Chapter 5321), month-to-month tenancies can be terminated with 30 days written notice under ORC 5321.17. The notice must be given at least 30 days before the periodic tenancy is to end. Ohio's framework provides moderate tenant protections.
Ohio provides moderate tenant protections under ORC Chapter 5321. The state has no statewide rent control, but some municipalities (like Columbus and Cleveland) have discussed additional protections. Security deposits are not capped by statute but must be returned within 30 days under ORC 5321.16. Ohio prohibits retaliatory evictions under ORC 5321.02. The eviction process through Municipal Courts is moderately efficient across the state.
30 Days
Statutory default
$44-$95
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
2-4 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in Ohio
Since Ohio's statutory default for month-to-month termination is 30 days, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Lease-Required Extended Notice
Many Ohio property management companies include 60-day non-renewal clauses in their leases. The contractual obligation overrides the 30-day statutory minimum under ORC 5321.17 when the lease specifies a longer notice period.
OHFA Programs
Federal Section 8 programs administered through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) and local PHAs like the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and Cuyahoga MHA frequently require 60-90 days notice.
Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati Markets
Ohio's largest rental markets — Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati — have seen increasing rental competition. Providing 60 days to long-term tenants is best practice to reduce legal challenges and allow adequate relocation time.
Ohio Legal Requirements
Ohio's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
Ohio Retaliatory Eviction Protection
Under ORC 5321.02, a landlord cannot terminate a tenancy in retaliation for the tenant's complaint about code violations, participation in a tenant organization, or exercise of rights under the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act. If the termination occurs within the protected period, the court may presume retaliation. Ohio courts can dismiss retaliatory evictions and award damages to the tenant.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: ORC 5321.17 requires written notice. Oral notice is insufficient for residential tenancy terminations in Ohio
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including city, county, and ZIP code
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service, aligned with the periodic tenancy date
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, Ohio mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: ORC 5321.16 requires return of the deposit within 30 days with an itemized statement of deductions. Ohio does not cap deposit amounts
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in Ohio
Proper service is critical in Ohio. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a Ohio-specific template referencing ORC 5321.17. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver to the tenant at the rental premises. Ohio courts prefer personal service. Use a process server or witness for documentation
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt. Ohio accepts mailed service for landlord-tenant notices under ORC 5321.17
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Forcible Entry and Detainer Action
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in Municipal Court where the property is located
Ohio Eviction Timeline
Ohio's eviction process uses a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action filed in Municipal Court under ORC 1923. After filing, the court serves the tenant and schedules a hearing. The tenant has a brief period to respond.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a judgment for possession. Ohio allows a 3-5 day period for the tenant to vacate after the writ of restitution is issued. The bailiff or sheriff enforces removal.
Total court timeline: 2-4 weeks uncontested, 4-8 weeks contested. Franklin County (Columbus), Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), and Hamilton County (Cincinnati) have the heaviest caseloads. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 10-16 weeks.
Ohio Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in Ohio vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Municipal Court Filing Fee | $44 - $95 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees | $400 - $1,500 |
| Writ of Restitution | $20 - $40 |
| Bailiff/Sheriff Enforcement | $50 - $150 |
Sample Ohio 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our Ohio-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF OHIO
Pursuant to ORC 5321.17
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Ohio Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
OHIO COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit will be returned within 30 days of vacating per ORC 5321.16, with an itemized statement of deductions. Please provide a forwarding address upon vacating.