Ohio Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 5, 2023 by Ashley Porter

Does Ohio Have Rent Control?

No, Ohio does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords may ask for rent and state law prohibits local governments
[1]
from establishing their own rent control laws.

How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent By in Ohio?

In Ohio, landlords can raise the rent by any amount that they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.

When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Ohio?

In Ohio, landlords can raise the rent for any reason as long as it is not discriminatory or retaliatory in nature and reasonable notice is given.

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Ohio?

In Ohio, landlords cannot raise rent during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement), for certain discriminatory reasons (like race or age), or for certain retaliatory reasons (such as in response to a tenant requesting repairs).

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination due to:

• Age
• Race
• Gender (including gender identity)
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Nationality or origin
• Familial status
• Disability

Ohio law also prevents landlords from increasing rent in retaliation. The law does not specify what time period between the tenant action and rent increase qualifies as retaliation, so landlords should act in good faith when increasing rent.

Rent increases are considered retaliatory
[2]
if they are in response to a tenant:

• Filing a complaint with the landlord or appropriate agency regarding the health or safety of the property
• Joining or organizing a tenants’ group or union

How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Ohio?

Ohio law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent. However, the law still requires that parties to a contract act in good faith, meaning that a landlord should give the tenant reasonable notice when increasing rent.

The 30-day notice period required for the termination of a month-to-month lease
[3]
is typically used as reasonable notice for a rent increase.

How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Ohio?

Landlords in Ohio can increase the rent as often as they wish, as long as reasonable notice is provided each time.