Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Ohio

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Ohio law says

Itemized deductions	Deductions (unpaid rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 5321.05 or the rental agreement) must be itemized and identified in a written notice delivered within 30 days. Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined by statute. The landlord may apply the deposit to past-due rent and to damages caused by the tenant's failure to meet statutory tenant duties (e.g., keeping the unit safe and sanitary, not damaging fixtures) or the rental agreement. Deductions must be itemized in a written notice delivered with any balance within 30 days after termination and delivery of possession. Wrongful withholding: tenant may recover the amount due plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney's fees, but the tenant must give a forwarding address in writing. Ohio law has no specific rule on painting or carpet replacement; ordinary deterioration from normal use is generally not 'damages' caused by tenant noncompliance. Source: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 5321.16(B)-(C), 5321.05(A)

Itemized deductions

Deductions (unpaid rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance with § 5321.05 or the rental agreement) must be itemized and identified in a written notice delivered within 30 days.

Source: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined by statute. The landlord may apply the deposit to past-due rent and to damages caused by the tenant's failure to meet statutory tenant duties (e.g., keeping the unit safe and sanitary, not damaging fixtures) or the rental agreement. Deductions must be itemized in a written notice delivered with any balance within 30 days after termination and delivery of possession.

Wrongful withholding: tenant may recover the amount due plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld and reasonable attorney's fees, but the tenant must give a forwarding address in writing. Ohio law has no specific rule on painting or carpet replacement; ordinary deterioration from normal use is generally not 'damages' caused by tenant noncompliance.

Source: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 5321.16(B)-(C), 5321.05(A)

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Ohio tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.