When anyone is renting or leasing a property in Ohio, the lease agreement should follow Ohio’s landlord tenant’s laws.
However, most people are unaware of these laws and how to write agreements that adhere to them. To assist you in this purpose, CocoSign offers downloadable Ohio rental lease agreement templates that you can edit and use.
An Ohio Rental Lease Agreement includes:
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- Laws For Landlords and Tenants
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- Shared Utilities and Parking Space
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- Security Deposit and Restrictions
What Is an Ohio Lease Agreement?
An Ohio lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant, where a landlord leases a property (or a part of it) to the tenant in exchange for rent. The landlord and the tenant should agree on the terms of the agreement before they sign it.
The tenant gets the right to access the premises after paying the first-month rent, the security deposit, and signing the lease agreement.
There are various types of Ohio rental lease agreements that are commonly in use, which include:
- Commercial lease agreement
- Lease with option to purchase agreement
- Month to month lease agreement
- Roommate agreement
- Standard residential lease agreement
- Sublease agreement
- Termination lease letter
- Ohio rental application
Use Our Free Template Of Ohio Rental Lease Agreement Today!
Renting out a property in Ohio comes up with numerous requirements to be fulfilled. Relieve yourself of all the hassles and switch to our completely free and simple-to-use Ohio Rental Lease Agreement Template.
Download the 100% FREE template from below.
Ohio Landlord and Tenant Laws
Ohio Landlord Tenant Laws are stated in Chapter 5321 of the Ohio laws and rules. Some of the statutes of these laws include:
- The landlord may enter the leased property only at reasonable times. Additionally, the landlord has to give the tenant a notice period of 24 hours before entering the property.
In case the landlord fails to do so, the tenant can take action against the landlord and demand the recovery of actual damages from the landlord’s entry if any.
- In case of security deposits, if the landlord accepts $50 or one month’s rent (the greater of the two), the landlord has to keep the rent in an interest-bearing account.
Additionally, the landlord should keep the security deposit at an interest rate of 6% per annum in case the tenant is occupying the premises for six months or more. The interest should be paid by either the bank or the landlord.
- There is no maximum limit on the security deposit that the landlord can demand from the tenant. Furthermore, the landlord should pay the interest within 30 days from the termination of the lease agreement, along with interest (if applicable).
Ohio Lease Disclosures & Addendums
In order to abide by Ohio’s laws, there is one disclosure mandated by the Ohio landlord-tenant laws:
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
In case the property was constructed prior to 1978, the landlord should inform the tenant about the presence of any lead-based paint.
Optional Disclosures & Addendums
While the following disclosures are not required by Ohio’s state laws, it is still recommended to add them to the rental lease agreement in order to make it more transparent.
Shared Utilities
If the landlord is subletting the property to multiple tenants, the lease agreement may state the formula for the calculation of the price for using the utilities.
Parking Policy
If the landlord is providing the tenant with a parking space, they can mention it in the lease agreement. The limits on the parking may be added too.
Pet Restrictions
If the housing premises restrict keeping pets, a clause may be included in the agreement stating the same.
Use Our Free Template Of Ohio Rental Lease Agreement Today!
Renting out a property in Ohio comes up with numerous requirements to be fulfilled. Relieve yourself of all the hassles and switch to our completely free and simple-to-use Ohio Rental Lease Agreement Template.
Download the 100% FREE template from below.
Endnotes
There is a lot that one needs to keep in mind while drafting an Ohio rental lease agreement. Skipping on even the minor clauses can turn out to be harmful in the long run.
Therefore, the best way to create these agreements is to download the Ohio rental lease agreement template that CocoSign offers. If you want any other agreement template, you will find it in CocoSign’s library as well.
DOCUMENT PREVIEW
OHIO RENTAL LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the "Ohio Lease Agreement") is made and entered on ________________________, 20____, by and between __________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as "Landlord") and ________________________________________ (hereinafter referred to as "Tenant."
For and in consideration of the covenants and obligations contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. PROPERTY. Landlord owns certain real property and improvements located at ________________________ (hereinafter referred to as the "Property"). Landlord desires to lease the Premises to Tenant upon the terms and conditions contained herein. Tenant desires to lease the Premises from Landlord on the terms and conditions as contained herein.
2. TERM. This Ohio Lease Agreement shall commence on ________________________, 20____ and
shall continue as a lease for term. The termination date shall be on 20 at
11:59 PM. Upon termination date, Tenant shall be required to vacate the Premises unless one of the following circumstances occur:
i. Landlord and Tenant formally extend this Ohio Lease Agreement in writing or create and execute a new, written, and signed Ohio Lease Agreement; or
ii. Landlord willingly accepts new Rent from Tenant, which does not constitute past due Rent.
In the event that Landlord accepts new rent from Tenant after the termination date, a month-to month tenancy shall be created. If at any time either party desires to terminate the month-to month tenancy, such party may do so by providing to the other party written notice of intention to terminate at least 30 days prior to the desired date of termination of the month-to-month tenancy. Notices to terminate may be given on any calendar day, irrespective of Commencement Date. Rent shall continue at the rate specified in this Ohio Lease Agreement, or as allowed by law. All other terms and conditions as outlined in this Ohio Lease Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. Time is of the essence for providing notice of termination (strict compliance with dates by which notice must be provided is required).
3. RENT. Tenant shall pay to Landlord the sum of $______________ per month as Rent for the Term of the Agreement. Due date for Rent payment shall be the ____ day of each calendar month and shall be considered advance payment for that month. Weekends and holidays do not delay or excuse Tenant’s obligation to timely pay rent.
A. Delinquent Rent. If not paid on the ____ day of each calendar month, Rent shall be considered overdue and delinquent
B. Returned Checks. In the event that any payment by Tenant is returned for insufficient funds ("NSF") or if Tenant stops payment, Tenant will pay $_________ to Landlord for each such check, plus late charges, as described above, until Landlord has received payment. Furthermore, Landlord may require in writing that Tenant pay all future Rent payments by cash, money order, or cashier's check.
D. Rent Increases. There will be no rent increases through the Termination Date. If this lease is renewed automatically on a month to month basis, Landlord may increase the rent during the renewal period by providing written notice to Tenant that becomes effective the month following the ___ day after the notice is provided.
4. SECURITY DEPOSIT. Upon execution of this Ohio Lease Agreement, Tenant shall deposit with Landlord the sum of $_______________ (which amount is not in excess of two months periodic rent) receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by Landlord, as security for any damage caused to the Premises during the term hereof. Landlord may place the security deposit in an interest-bearing account and any interest earned will be paid to Landlord or Landlord’s representative.
A. REFUND. Upon termination of the tenancy, all funds held by the landlord as security deposit may be applied to the payment of accrued rent and the amount of damages that the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with the terms of this Ohio Lease Agreement or with any and all laws, ordinances, rules and orders of any and all governmental or quasi-governmental authorities affecting the cleanliness, use, occupancy and preservation of the Premises.
B. DEDUCTIONS. Landlord may deduct reasonable charges from the security deposit for: ( 1.) Unpaid or accelerated rent;
(2.) Late charges;
(3.) Unpaid utilities;
(4.) Costs of cleaning, deodorizing, and repairing the Property and its contents for
which Tenant is responsible;
(5.) Pet violation charges;
(6.) Replacing unreturned keys, garage door openers, or other security devices; (7.) The removal of unauthorized locks or fixtures installed by Tenant;
(8.) Insufficient light bulbs;
(9.) Packing, removing, and storing abandoned property;
( 10.) Removing abandoned or illegally parked vehicles
( 11.) Costs of reletting, if Tenant is in default;
( 12.) Attorney fees and costs of court incurred in any proceeding against Tenant; ( 13.) Any fee due for early of removal of an authorized keybox;
( 14.) Other items Tenant is responsible to pay under this Lease.
If deductions exceed the security deposit, Tenant will pay to Landlord the excess within ten days after Landlord makes written demand. The security deposit will be applied first to any non-rent items, including late charges, returned check charges, repairs, brokerage fees, and periodic utilities, then to any unpaid rent.
5. USE OF PREMISES. The Premises shall be used and occupied solely by Tenant and Tenant's immediate family, consisting of _____________________________________________, exclusively, as a private single family dwelling, and no part of the Premises shall be used at any time during the term of this Ohio Lease Agreement by Tenant for the purpose of carrying on any business, profession, or trade of any kind, or for any purpose other than as a private single family dwelling. Tenant shall not allow any other person, other than Tenant's immediate family or transient relatives and friends who are guests of Tenant, to use or occupy the Premises without first obtaining Landlord's written consent to such use. Tenant shall
7. ASSIGNMENT AND SUB-LETTING. Tenant shall not assign this Ohio Lease Agreement, or sublet or grant any license to use the Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of Landlord. A consent by Landlord to one such assignment, sub-letting or license shall not be deemed to be a consent to any subsequent assignment, sub-letting or license. An assignment, sub-letting or license without the prior written consent of Landlord or an assignment or sub-letting by operation of law shall be absolutely null and void and shall, at Landlord's option, terminate this Ohio Lease Agreement.
8. ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS. Tenant shall make no alterations to the buildings or improvements on the Premises or construct any building or make any other improvements on the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord. Any and all alterations, changes, and/or improvements built, constructed or placed on the Premises by Tenant shall, unless otherwise provided by written agreement between Landlord and Tenant, be and become the property of Landlord and remain on the Premises at the expiration or earlier termination of this Ohio Lease Agreement.
9. NON-DELIVERY OF POSSESSION. In the event Landlord cannot deliver possession of the Premises to Tenant upon the commencement of the Lease term, through no fault of Landlord or its agents, then Landlord or its agents shall have no liability, but the rental herein provided shall abate until possession is given. Landlord or its agents shall have thirty (30) days in which to give possession, and ifpossession is tendered within such time, Tenant agrees to accept the demised Premises and pay the rental herein provided from that date. In the event possession cannot be delivered within such time, through no fault of Landlord or its agents, then this Ohio Lease Agreement and all rights hereunder shall terminate.
10. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Tenant shall not keep on the Premises any item of a dangerous, flammable or explosive character that might unreasonably increase the danger of fire or explosion on the Premises or that might be considered hazardous or extra hazardous by any responsible insurance company.
11. UTILITIES. Tenant shall be responsible for arranging for and paying for all utility services required on the Premises.
12. MAINTENANCE, REPAIR, AND RULES. Tenant will, at its sole expense, keep and maintain the Premises and appurtenances in good and sanitary condition and repair during the term of this Ohio Lease Agreement and any renewal thereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Tenant shall:
A. Not obstruct the driveways, sidewalks, courts, entry ways, stairs and/or halls, which shall be used for the purposes of ingress and egress only;
B. Keep all windows, glass, window coverings, doors, locks and hardware in good, clean order and repair;
C. Not obstruct or cover the windows or doors;Not leave windows or doors in an open position during any inclement weather;
D. Not hang any laundry, clothing, sheets, etc., from any window, rail, porch or balcony nor air or dry any of same within any yard area or space;
E. Not cause or permit any locks or hooks to be placed upon any door or window without the prior written consent of Landlord;
F. Keep all air conditioning filters clean and free from dirt;
G. Keep all lavatories, sinks, toilets, and all other water and plumbing apparatus in good order and repair and shall use same only for the purposes for which they were constructed.
H. Tenant shall not allow any sweepings, rubbish, sand, rags, ashes or other substances to be thrown or deposited therein. Any damage to any such apparatus and the cost of clearing stopped plumbing resulting from misuse shall be borne by Tenant;
J. Deposit all trash, garbage, rubbish or refuse in the locations provided and shall not allow any trash, garbage, rubbish or refuse to be deposited or permitted to stand on the exterior of any building or within the common elements;
K. Abide by and be bound by any and all rules and regulations affecting the Premises or the common area appurtenant thereto which may be adopted or promulgated by the Condominium or Homeowners' Association having control over them.
13. ANIMALS. THERE WILL BE NO ANIMALS, unless authorized by a separate written Pet Addendum to this Residential Lease Agreement. Tenant shall not permit any animal, including mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, rodents, or insects on the property, even temporarily, unless otherwise agreed by a separate written Pet Agreement. If tenant violates the pet restrictions of this Lease, Tenant will pay to Landlord a fee of $_____________ per day per animal for each day Tenant violates the animal restrictions as additional rent for any unauthorized animal. Landlord may remove or cause to be removed any unauthorized animal and deliver it to appropriate local authorities by providing at least 24-hour written notice to Tenant of Landlord’s intention to remove the unauthorized animal. Landlord will not be liable for any harm, injury, death, or sickness to any unauthorized animal. Tenant is responsible and liable for any damage or required cleaning to the Property caused by any unauthorized animal and for all costs Landlord may incur in removing or causing any unauthorized animal to be removed.
14. QUIET ENJOYMENT. Tenant, upon payment of all of the sums referred to herein as being payable by Tenant and Tenant's performance of all Tenant's agreements contained herein and Tenant's observance of all rules and regulations, shall and may peacefully and quietly have, hold and enjoy said Premises for the term hereof.
15. INDEMNIFICATION. Landlord shall not be liable for any damage or injury of or to the Tenant, Tenant's family, guests, invitees, agents or employees or to any person entering the Premises or the building of which the Premises are a part or to goods or equipment, or in the structure or equipment of the structure of which the Premises are a part, and Tenant hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from any and all claims or assertions of every kind and nature.
16. DEFAULT. If Landlord breaches this Lease, Tenant may seek any relief provided by law. If Tenant fails to comply with any of the material provisions of this Ohio Lease Agreement, other than the covenant to pay rent, or of any present rules and regulations or any that may be hereafter prescribed by Landlord, or materially fails to comply with any duties imposed on Tenant by statute, within seven (7) days after delivery of written notice by Landlord specifying the noncompliance and indicating the intention of Landlord to terminate the Lease by reason thereof, Landlord may terminate this Ohio Lease Agreement. If Tenant fails to pay rent when due and the default continues for seven (7) days thereafter, Landlord may, at Landlord's option, declare the entire balance of rent payable hereunder to be immediately due and payable and may exercise any and all rights and remedies available to Landlord at law or in equity or may immediately terminate this Ohio Lease Agreement.
17. ABANDONMENT. If at any time during the term of this Ohio Lease Agreement Tenant abandons the Premises or any part thereof, Landlord may, at Landlord's option, obtain possession of the Premises in the manner provided by law, and without becoming liable to Tenant for damages or for any payment of any kind whatever. Landlord may, at Landlord's discretion, as agent for Tenant, relet the Premises, or any part thereof, for the whole or any part thereof, for the whole or any part of the then unexpired term, and may receive and collect all rent payable by virtue of such reletting, and, at Landlord's option, hold Tenant liable for any difference between the rent that would have been payable under this Ohio Lease Agreement during the balance of the unexpired term, if this Ohio Lease Agreement had continued in force, and the net rent for such period realized by Landlord by means of such reletting. If Landlord's right of reentry is exercised following abandonment of the Premises by Tenant, then Landlord shall consider any personal property belonging to Tenant and left on the Premises to also have been abandoned, in which case Landlord may dispose of all
such personal property in any manner Landlord shall deem proper and Landlord is hereby relieved of all liability for doing so.
18. ATTORNEYS' FEES. Should it become necessary for Landlord to employ an attorney to enforce any of the conditions or covenants hereof, including the collection of rentals or gaining possession of the Premises, Tenant agrees to pay all expenses so incurred, including a reasonable attorneys' fee.
19. RECORDING OF OHIO LEASE AGREEMENT. Tenant shall not record this Ohio Lease Agreement on the Public Records of any public office. In the event that Tenant shall record this Ohio Lease Agreement, this Ohio Lease Agreement shall, at Landlord's option, terminate immediately and Landlord shall be entitled to all rights and remedies that it has at law or in equity.
20. GOVERNING LAW. This Ohio Lease Agreement shall be governed, construed and interpreted by, through and under the Laws of the State of Ohio.
21. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Ohio Lease Agreement or the application thereof shall, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, neither the remainder of this Ohio Lease Agreement nor the application of the provision to other persons, entities or circumstances shall be affected thereby, but instead shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.
22. BINDING EFFECT. The covenants, obligations and conditions herein contained shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, and assigns of the parties hereto.
23. DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS. The descriptive headings used herein are for convenience of reference only and they are not intended to have any effect whatsoever in determining the rights or obligations of the Landlord or Tenant.
24. CONSTRUCTION. The pronouns used herein shall include, where appropriate, either gender or both, singular and plural.
25. NON-WAIVER. No delay, indulgence, waiver, non-enforcement, election or non-election by Landlord under this Ohio Lease Agreement will be deemed to be a waiver of any other breach by Tenant, nor shall it affect Tenant's duties, obligations, and liabilities hereunder.
26. MODIFICATION. The parties hereby agree that this document contains the entire agreement between the parties and this Ohio Lease Agreement shall not be modified, changed, altered or amended in any way except through a written amendment signed by all of the parties hereto.
27. NOTICE. Any notice required or permitted under this Lease or under state law shall be delivered to Tenant at the Property address, and to Landlord at the following address:
_______________________________________________________________________
28. LEAD-BASED PAINT DISCLOSURE. If the premises were constructed prior to 1978, Tenant acknowledges receipt of the form entitled “LEAD-BASED PAINT DISCLOSURE” which contains disclosure of information on lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have indicated their acceptance of the terms of this Agreement by their signatures below on the dates indicated.
Landlord’s Signature: __________________________________ Date: _________________
Print Name: