Residential leasing is typically the term used to describe the renting of houses and apartments between landlords and tenants. Residential leases in Ohio are governed by a large number of detailed requirements. The list of requirements is extensive, especially for landlords.
Even if all requirements of a rental agreement are satisfied, the law allows judges to declare almost any part of a lease invalid if the Judge decides that the decision in question was unconscionable.
Many people are aware of the term “normal wear and tear,” but it can be murky defining what exactly normal wear and tear can be.
Normal wear and tear refers to normal use by the tenant that means that certain items, such as carpet, will wear, and that other items, such as latches and door handles, will break from normal use.
Ohio rental laws are very strict, and generally very protective of tenants. This is the reason security deposits are often required.
A landlord can legally request a security deposit of any size. However, if the tenant stays for more than six months, interest must be paid on any amount that is higher than one month’s rent.