Pay 5% annual interest on large security deposits
Ohio requires 5% annual interest, computed and paid each year, on the portion of a security deposit exceeding the greater of $50 or one month's rent when the tenant has stayed six months or more.
What Landautomate does with this page
This guide is the reading version of our Ohio rule base. In the app, the same rules become dated tasks on each of your Ohio properties, timed to your purchase date, lease dates, property age, and climate, with an email before each one is due. The free preview shows a sample of that schedule for Ohio in under a minute, no account needed.
Ohio compliance obligations
Ohio landlords commonly track 7 state and local compliance obligations, each listed below with its schedule, its sources, and the date we last verified it. Among them: pay 5% annual interest on large security deposits, pay first-half real estate property tax installment, and pay second-half real estate property tax installment.
Pay first-half real estate property tax installment
Ohio collects property tax semiannually and missing the first-half county deadline (typically late January through February) adds statutory penalties and interest.
Pay second-half real estate property tax installment
The second-half Ohio property tax installment falls in summer (typically June through August) and late payment adds statutory penalties and interest, with the exact due date set by each county treasurer.
Register rental property with the county auditor
In Ohio counties with more than 200,000 residents, residential rental owners must file owner contact information (and the parcel number) with the county auditor, at transfer via the deed-conveyance form, or within 60 days of the auditor's notice, and re-file within 60 days whenever ownership or contact info changes. Noncompliance risks a $50 to $150 special assessment on the property; out-of-state owners must also designate an in-state agent.
Renew municipal rental registration where the city requires it
Many Ohio cities run their own rental registration programs with annual renewal fees and late penalties, such as Cleveland where renewal fees are due by March 31.
Return security deposit with itemized notice within 30 days of move-out
Ohio law (ORC 5321.16) requires you to return the security deposit, or deliver an itemized written notice of deductions with any amount due, within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession. The statute does not require certified mail, but sending the notice by certified mail with a return receipt gives you proof you met the deadline. If you miss the deadline or withhold more than you are owed, the tenant can recover the amount wrongfully withheld, an equal amount again as damages, and reasonable attorney fees. A tenant who never provides a forwarding address
Verify smoke/CO alarm compliance with Ohio Fire Code and local ordinances
The Ohio Fire Code requires working smoke alarms in and near sleeping areas of rental units, and requires carbon monoxide alarms in existing rentals that have a fuel-burning appliance or an attached garage. Many Ohio municipalities layer stricter requirements on top. Do a documented annual check that placement and operation meet the state code and your city's ordinances.
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Seasonal maintenance for Ohio
Landlords in Ohio plan upkeep around a cold climate: this guide lists 7 seasonal maintenance items for Ohio in calendar order, each with its timing and the date we last verified it. Among them: smoke and CO detector seasonal test, spring thaw inspection: roof and foundation, and furnace inspection before heating season.
Monitor roofs for ice dams and icicle buildup
January freeze-thaw cycles in Ohio form ice dams that force meltwater under shingles and into ceilings, and early detection prevents interior water damage claims.
Smoke and CO detector seasonal test
An annual full test of smoke and CO detectors (beyond battery swaps) confirms every alarm actually sounds.
Spring thaw inspection: roof and foundation
Freeze-thaw cycles crack roofs and foundations; a spring inspection catches winter damage early.
Get snow removal contract quotes before contractors book up
Snow removal contractors in Ohio fill their winter routes by mid-fall, so getting quotes in September locks in better pricing and guaranteed service before the first snowfall.
Furnace inspection before heating season
A pre-season furnace inspection prevents mid-winter heating failures and carbon monoxide risk.
Winterize exterior plumbing and irrigation
Draining exterior lines before the first hard freeze prevents burst pipes and water damage.
Gutter cleaning after leaf fall
Clearing gutters after leaf drop prevents ice dams and roofline water damage in winter.
Baseline upkeep for every rental
Every rental needs the same baseline care regardless of state: this guide tracks 16 recurring upkeep items, each with its schedule and the date we last verified it. Among them: CPA tax document preparation, gutter inspection, and HVAC filter replacement.
CPA tax document preparation
Organized records make tax filing accurate and deductions defensible.
Gutter inspection
Clear gutters prevent water intrusion, foundation, and roof damage.
HVAC filter replacement
Clean filters protect HVAC equipment and keep energy costs down.
Insurance renewal review
Confirms coverage limits and premiums still match the property risk.
LLC annual filing prep
Keeps the ownership entity in good standing with state filings.
Lease renewal planning
Planning renewals ahead of time reduces vacancy and turnover costs.
Maintenance review
Keeps small maintenance issues from turning into expensive repairs.
Owner distribution check
Verifies owner cash distributions reconcile with rent and expenses.
Pest inspection
Early pest detection prevents structural damage and habitability complaints.
Property tax review
Reviewing assessments can surface appeal opportunities and budget changes.
Rent collection review
Confirms rent was received on time and surfaces collection issues early.
Rent increase review
Keeps rent aligned with market rates and local rent regulations.
Smoke detector battery check
Working smoke and CO detectors are a life-safety and legal requirement.
Utilities minimal-service verification
Confirms vacant-property utilities stay at minimal service so pipes, alarms, and sump pumps keep working.
Utility reconciliation
Catches billing errors and unexpected usage spikes on property utilities.
Vacant property security check
Regular walkthroughs of a vacant property deter break-ins, squatting, and unnoticed damage.
Common questions
What are the compliance requirements for Ohio landlords?
Our reviewed rule base currently lists 7 state and local compliance obligations that Ohio landlords commonly track. Among them: pay 5% annual interest on large security deposits, pay first-half real estate property tax installment, and pay second-half real estate property tax installment. Each obligation shows its schedule, the sources it was checked against, and the date we last verified it. This guide is general information for planning reminders, not legal advice.
What seasonal maintenance should Ohio landlords plan for?
The Ohio guide lists 7 seasonal maintenance items timed to a cold climate, in calendar order. Among them: smoke and CO detector seasonal test, spring thaw inspection: roof and foundation, and furnace inspection before heating season. Landautomate turns each item into a dated reminder on your property calendar so the work is planned before the season arrives.
What routine upkeep should every Ohio rental get?
Alongside state specific work, the Ohio guide tracks 16 baseline upkeep items that apply to nearly every rental. Among them: CPA tax document preparation, gutter inspection, and HVAC filter replacement. These recur on a regular schedule, and Landautomate schedules each one automatically for every property you add.
How does Landautomate verify Ohio landlord rules?
Every rule in the Ohio guide goes through human review before it is published, and each rule shows the date we last verified it. Each compliance obligation links the primary sources it was checked against. Laws and deadlines change, so if you believe something here is outdated or incorrect, contact us at support@landautomate.com and we will review it promptly.
More state guides
The same reviewed calendar, for other states.
See this calendar built for your own property
The free preview takes your state and property facts and shows the schedule Landautomate would run for you, no account needed. Every new account starts with a 30-day free Pro trial, no card required.