Ohio Tenant Harassment Laws

Ohio expressly prohibits landlord retaliation under Ohio Rev.

Last reviewed:

Key Rules

Retaliation Prohibited
Yes — explicit statutory prohibition on retaliatory rent increases or evictions
Self Help Prohibited
Yes — removing property, cutting utilities, removing doors/windows all prohibited
Remedies
Actual damages, injunctive relief, attorney's fees; rescission of retaliatory rent increase
Penalty
2 months rent minimum damages for self-help eviction

Applicable Statutes

Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.02

Retaliatory acts prohibited: landlord may not retaliate against tenant by increasing rent, reducing services, or threatening eviction for exercising rights under the landlord-tenant act.

Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15

Self-help eviction prohibited: landlord may not seize tenant's belongings, remove doors or windows, or interrupt utility services to force a tenant to vacate.

Legal Aid Resources

Read the Full Tenant Harassment Laws Guide

Our comprehensive guide covers federal law, common defenses, real-world examples, and what to do if your rights are being violated.

Read the complete Tenant Harassment Laws guide →

Need Personalized Guidance?

Our free wizard helps you identify your specific issue and find the right next steps.