Ohio Eviction Notice Overview
Ohio does not use a 7-day eviction notice. Under ORC 1923.04, landlords must give a 3-day noticeto leave the premises for non-payment of rent. Ohio's eviction process is called a 'forcible entry and detainer' action and is filed in Municipal Court (in municipalities) or County Court (in unincorporated areas). The Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (ORC Chapter 5321) provides the substantive framework.
Ohio has 88 counties with Municipal and County Courts. Cuyahoga County (Cleveland), Franklin County (Columbus), and Hamilton County (Cincinnati) handle the highest volumes. Ohio's Landlord-Tenant Act applies to residential rentals statewide and provides tenant protections including habitability, anti-retaliation, and security deposit rules. The 3-day notice period is one of the shortest in the country.
3 Days
Notice period
$90 - $150
Filing fee
OH Code
Governing law
Municipal
Court level
Why Ohio Uses 3 Days, Not 7
Important: Ohio Uses a 3-Day Notice, Not 7
ORC 1923.04 requires only a 3-day notice to leave the premises for non-payment. For lease violations, the notice period may vary. Ohio has one of the shortest pre-filing notice periods.
Ohio Notice Periods at a Glance
- 3-Day Notice — Non-Payment (ORC 1923.04): Tenant has 3 days to leave (not to pay — Ohio notice is to leave, not to cure)
- 30-Day Notice — Lease Violations (ORC 5321.17): 30 days notice for material noncompliance with reasonable time to cure
- 30-Day Notice — Month-to-Month (ORC 5321.17): 30 days notice to terminate periodic tenancy
- 3-Day Notice — Drug Activity: 3 days for illegal drug activity
Ohio Notice Requirements
Ohio courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 3 days for non-payment as required by Ohio law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Ohio
Ohio law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant in person. Preferred by Ohio courts.
Posting on Premises
Post on the door and mail a copy.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt.
Document Service
Prepare proof of service for the Municipal/County Court filing.
Ohio Eviction Timeline
The Ohio eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 3-day notice to leave premises per ORC 1923.04
File forcible entry and detainer in Municipal or County Court
Hearing set within 7-14 days; tenant served with summons
Hearing held; if landlord prevails, judgment entered
Writ of restitution issued; sheriff/bailiff enforces removal
Uncontested Ohio evictions take 3-5 weeks. Contested cases take 5-10 weeks. Cuyahoga, Franklin, and Hamilton Counties may have longer wait times. Ohio's 3-day notice is a notice to leave, not a notice to cure — the tenant does not have a statutory right to pay and stay during the notice period.
Ohio Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Ohio Municipal Court or County Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Municipal/County Court Filing | $90 - $150 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Writ of Restitution | $30 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $500 - $2,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $150 - $250 |
Sample Ohio Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Ohio-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of ORC 1923.04.
3-DAY NOTICE TO LEAVE PREMISES
STATE OF OHIO
Pursuant to ORC 1923.04
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Ohio Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You are hereby notified to leave the premises at [Address] within THREE (3) DAYS for non-payment of rent in the amount of $[Amount].
OHIO COMPLIANCE NOTE
Ohio requires a 3-day notice to leave (ORC 1923.04), not 7 days. Note: Ohio's notice is to leave the premises, not to pay and cure. The tenant does not have a statutory right to pay during the 3-day period.