Ohio Rental Fee Rules
Ohio rules on rental fees for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: No statute. Ohio has no cap, refund rule, or portable-screening-report rule for rental application fees. Ohio Rev. Code ch. 5321 (no application-fee section)
The rules in Ohio
| Application / screening fees | No statute. Ohio has no cap, refund rule, or portable-screening-report rule for rental application fees. Based on the chapter 5321 section list (5321.01-5321.20). |
|---|---|
| Other rental fees | No statute. Chapter 5321 sets no limits on move-in, convenience, or other rental fees and no fee-disclosure rule. Lease clauses requiring the tenant to pay the landlord's attorney fees are unenforceable (§ 5321.13), and unconscionable terms may be refused enforcement (§ 5321.14). Political subdivisions are broadly preempted from regulating rights and obligations covered by chapter 5321 (§ 5321.19), which may limit local fee ordinances. |
Related questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee?
- What rental fees are illegal (junk fees)?
Ohio vs. neighboring states
| State | Application / screening fees | Other rental fees |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | No statute. Ohio has no cap, refund rule, or portable-screening-report rule for rental application fees. Ohio Rev. Code ch. 5321 (no application-fee section) | No statute. Chapter 5321 sets no limits on move-in, convenience, or other rental fees and no fee-disclosure rule. Lease clauses requiring the tenant to pay the landlord's attorney fees are unenforceable (§ 5321.13), and unconscionable terms may be refused enforcement (§ 5321.14). Ohio Rev. Code §§ 5321.13, 5321.14 |
| Indiana | No state cap or refund rule on application or screening fees was found. Local governments are barred from regulating tenant screening, lease applications, or any fees charged by a landlord unless the General Assembly authorizes it. IC 32-31-1-20(c) | No statute — no state limit or disclosure rule for other rental fees (convenience, move-in, etc.) was found in IC 32-31, and local units are preempted from regulating 'any fees charged by a landlord'. IC 32-31-1-20(c)(7); IC 32-31 (checked) |
| Kentucky | No statute — no cap, refund rule, or reusable-screening-report rule was found in KRS Chapter 383. KRS Chapter 383 (section list checked) | No statute — no general limit or disclosure rule for other rental fees was found in KRS Chapter 383. A lease may not authorize penalties or termination because a tenant called police or sought emergency help (punitive damages up to 2 months' rent). KRS Chapter 383 (checked); KRS 383.302 |
| Michigan | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| Pennsylvania | No statute - Pennsylvania has no statewide cap or refund rule for rental application or screening fees. Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, 68 P.S. 250.101 et seq. | No statewide statute limiting move-in, convenience or other rental fees in the Landlord and Tenant Act. 68 P.S. 250.101 et seq. |
| West Virginia | No cap. An application fee (money paid to be considered as a tenant) is not a security deposit only if the parties expressly agree in writing that it is nonrefundable; otherwise it is treated under the security-deposit rules. W. Va. Code § 37-6A-1(2), (14) | No general junk-fee statute. Pet fees and application fees are excluded from the security deposit only if expressly agreed in writing to be nonrefundable. Deposits may cover late charges only if specified in the rental agreement and reasonable. W. Va. Code § 37-6A-1(14); § 37-6A-2(b)(1) |
City rules that may add to state law
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Compare rental fees in all 50 states and DC →
Ohio Rental Fee Rules FAQ
Is there a limit on rental application fees in Ohio?
No statute. Ohio has no cap, refund rule, or portable-screening-report rule for rental application fees. (Ohio Rev. Code ch. 5321 (no application-fee section))
What rental fees are banned or limited in Ohio?
No statute. Chapter 5321 sets no limits on move-in, convenience, or other rental fees and no fee-disclosure rule. Lease clauses requiring the tenant to pay the landlord's attorney fees are unenforceable (§ 5321.13), and unconscionable terms may be refused enforcement (§ 5321.14). (Ohio Rev. Code §§ 5321.13, 5321.14)
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.