Ohio law obligates a landlord to make repairs and do all that is necessary to keep the unit in a fit and habitable condition. The law also requires that before a tenant may take action to deposit rent with the Clerk of Courts, terminate a written rental agreement and move-out, or file a motion to compel repairs with the court, that the tenant must provide the landlord with a written notice of the necessary repairs. If the landlord does not make the repair within a reasonable length of time NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY (30) DAYS, upon receiving the notice, the tenant may terminate the rental agreement and move out.
ORC 5321.16(B):
Obligates the landlord to:
Return the security
deposit and/or a written itemization of any deductions from the
security deposit within thirty (30) days of the tenant
terminating the rental agreement and moving out.
ORC 5321.16(B) also states that:
The tenant shall provide the landlord written
notice of the address to which the security deposit is to be
sent. If the landlord does not return the security deposit
within 30 days, or the tenant disagrees with the amount returned,
the tenant may sue for double the amount wrongfully withheld.