Ohio Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Ohio facts

Security deposit deadline

Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and possession is delivered, the landlord must send the itemized written notice of deductions together with the amount due. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

3-day written notice to leave the premises before filing an eviction (forcible entry and detainer) action. Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04

Small claims limit

$6,000, exclusive of interest and costs, for civil actions to recover money only. Libel, slander, replevin, malicious prosecution, abuse of process and punitive-damages claims are excluded. Ohio Rev. Code 1925.02

Small estate affidavit

Ohio does not use a small estate affidavit. Instead, the probate court may relieve an estate from administration on application (see simplified probate). Ohio Rev. Code 2113.031

Cost of a protective order

The court cannot charge any fee, cost or deposit to file the petition or to issue, serve, register, modify or enforce the order, or for a certified copy. R.C. 3113.31; R.C. 2903.214

Minimum wage

$11.00 per hour in 2026 for non-tipped employees of businesses with annual gross receipts over $405,000. Ohio Constitution, Article II, Section 34a; Ohio Rev. Code ch. 4111

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for an action on a written contract. For a consumer debt (personal, family or household purposes) the period is 6 years whether or not the agreement is in writing, and it starts 30 days after the later of the… Ohio Rev. Code 2305.06; 2305.07(C)