Eviction in Franklin County (Columbus), Ohio
Where eviction cases are filed in Franklin County (Columbus), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.
Quick facts: eviction in Franklin County (Columbus)
- Eviction court
- Franklin County Municipal Court (Civil Division / Clerk Lori M. Tyack) — Municipal court (forcible entry and detainer, Category G) Court page
- Filing fee
- $128 (1 cause: eviction only) / $165 (2 causes: eviction + money); includes ordinary mail plus bailiff or certified-mail service for up to 3 defendants/addresses FCMC Clerk - Evictions FAQ
- Notice before filing (state law)
- 3-day written notice to leave the premises before filing an eviction (forcible entry and detainer) action. The residential notice must conspicuously state: "You are being asked to leave the premises. If you do not leave, an eviction action may be initiated against you. If you are in doubt regarding your legal rights and obligations as a tenant, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance." Ohio rules
- HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
- $1,430/month HUD
- Renter households
- 260,976 (47% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024
Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-22
Where eviction cases are filed in Franklin County (Columbus)
Eviction cases in Franklin County (Columbus) are heard by the Franklin County Municipal Court (Civil Division / Clerk Lori M. Tyack) (Municipal court (forcible entry and detainer, Category G)).
- Franklin County Municipal Court, Civil Division (3rd floor) — 375 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215 · website
Court eviction page · E-filing · Search court records · Self-help center
Eviction (F.E.D.) cases are heard by magistrates in Courtroom 11B; hearings are set automatically at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., Monday-Friday. The clerk says hearings are usually scheduled 14-21 days after filing. Franklin County Municipal Court is the main eviction court for the county (Columbus and most of the county); check the clerk if the property is outside its territory.
How much it costs to file an eviction in Franklin County (Columbus)
$128 (1 cause: eviction only) / $165 (2 causes: eviction + money); includes ordinary mail plus bailiff or certified-mail service for up to 3 defendants/addresses
Additional defendants/addresses are charged extra per the court fee schedule. Indigent filers may ask the clerk about filing an affidavit of indigency instead of paying the deposit; confirm with the clerk.
Source: FCMC Clerk - Evictions FAQ
How eviction cases work locally
| Hearing scheduling | F.E.D. cases set automatically before magistrates in Courtroom 11B at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., Mon-Fri. Source: Official source |
|---|---|
| Set-out (writ execution) | After judgment and filing of the writ paperwork, the clerk sends it to the service bailiffs; the landlord contacts the bailiff office (614-645-7780) to arrange the set-out. Source: Official source |
| Public eviction case lists | The clerk publishes monthly F.E.D. (eviction) case lists. Source: Official source |
The Ohio eviction process
Ohio state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Franklin County (Columbus):
- Serve 3-day notice to leave the premises (§ 1923.04), after any required 30-day lease-violation or termination notice
- File forcible entry and detainer complaint in municipal or county court (§ 1923.01)
- Clerk serves summons by ordinary mail plus personal service/posting or certified mail at least 7 days before trial (§ 1923.06)
- Hearing no sooner than the 7th day after service is complete; judgment for restitution of premises
- Writ of execution issued; officer must execute within 10 days of receiving it (§ 1923.14)
- Removal by sheriff, police officer, constable or bailiff
Full Ohio eviction rules with sources →
Rent in Franklin County (Columbus)
HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Columbus, OH HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):
| Studio | $1,111 |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $1,194 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,430 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,715 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,927 |
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation
Median gross rent in Franklin County (Columbus): $1,302/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).
HUD designates this area for Small Area FMRs (ZIP-code level) for Housing Choice Vouchers; figures shown are the metro-wide FY2026 FMRs.
County tenant ordinance
No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; city rules (if any) live on city pages.
Eviction help in Franklin County (Columbus)
Free legal help
- The Legal Aid Society of Columbus — Civil legal aid for low-income residents of central Ohio; check eligibility.
- Franklin County Municipal Court Self Help Resource Center — Court self-help center (information, not representation).
City rules in Franklin County (Columbus)
Other Ohio counties
- Eviction in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)
- Eviction in Hamilton County (Cincinnati)
- Eviction in Montgomery County (Dayton)
- Eviction in Summit County (Akron)
- Eviction in Lucas County (Toledo)
- Eviction in Stark County (Canton, Massillon, Alliance)
- Eviction in Butler County (Hamilton, Middletown, Fairfield)
- Eviction in Lorain County (Elyria, Lorain)
- Eviction in Mahoning County (Youngstown)
Related
- Ohio landlord-tenant law
- How long an eviction takes in Ohio
- Ohio eviction notice periods
- Notice deadline calculator
- How to evict a tenant in Ohio (landlords)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file an eviction in Franklin County (Columbus)?
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Franklin County (Columbus)?
Where can I get help with an eviction in Franklin County (Columbus)?
What is the fair market rent in Franklin County (Columbus)?
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.