Your landlord generally has 30 days in Ohio to return your security deposit or provide an itemized written statement of deductions. DepositsBack.app helps you take the next step: a state-specific security deposit notice sent by USPS Certified Mail, with tracking that stays attached to your case. This page summarizes general information from Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16 and official state sources.
If your landlord kept some of your deposit — or all of it — a certified notice asks for it back on paper, with a record attached. Enter your original deposit amount below to check your state’s timeline.
Under Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16(C), if your landlord fails to comply with the 30-day rule and doesn't provide an itemized list of deductions, you may recover the property and money owed, plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld (double damages), plus reasonable attorney fees. To use this remedy, you generally need to provide your landlord a forwarding address in writing at move-out, and file suit in Ohio small claims court (limit $6,000 in most counties) if the landlord doesn't respond to a certified demand letter. The double-damages remedy is available under this statute when the landlord fails to timely return the deposit or provide an itemization — a bad-faith finding is not required by the statute.
The general deadline is 30 days. Landlords must return the security deposit or provide an itemized written statement of deductions within 30 days after the tenant vacates.
You may still be able to send a notice. We show general state information and official sources so you can review your situation and decide your next step.
The Complete Case Bundle includes your notices, USPS Certified Mail history, case summary, evidence checklist, attorney handoff sheet, and official state resources — all in one downloadable ZIP.
If the 30-day deadline passes without a return of your deposit or an itemized statement of deductions, your records — DepositsBack.app notice, USPS Certified Mail delivery confirmation, and any response uploaded to your case — document the timeline. Under Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16, a tenant may recover the amount wrongfully withheld plus an equal amount in damages and reasonable attorney fees; Ohio small-claims court generally hears disputes up to $6,000. You can review your situation alongside the statute and official state resources, and decide whether to consult an Ohio attorney or proceed with self-help next steps.