Ohio Eviction Notice Templates

An Ohio eviction notice informs a tenant that the landlord intends to terminate the tenancy. It states the reason for eviction and provides notice before court action begins. The tenant must comply or prepare to move out.

Create Document

Last updated January 26th, 2026

An Ohio eviction notice informs a tenant that the landlord intends to terminate the tenancy. It states the reason for eviction and provides notice before court action begins. The tenant must comply or prepare to move out.

31 Downloads
  1. Home »
  2. Eviction »
  3. Ohio

By Type

Pay or Quit – Sent when rent is past due. It informs the tenant that payment is required to avoid eviction.

Cure or Quit – Used for lease violations that may be corrected. The tenant is given notice and time to comply.

Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy (30-Day Notice) – Ends a month-to-month tenancy with advance notice. It does not require a lease violation.

Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity – Applies to criminal or dangerous conduct on the premises.

Eviction Laws

Ohio law sets specific notice timelines for most eviction situations.

  • Rent Grace Period: Not addressed by statute
  • Non-Payment of Rent: 3-day notice.[1][2]
  • Lease Non-Compliance: 3-day notice.[1][3]
  • Health or Safety Violation: 30-day notice.[4]
  • Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy: 30-day notice.[5]
  • Eviction Filing Type: Forcible Entry and Detainer.[6]

Notices must be properly served and retained as evidence for the court.

 

Prohibited Landlord Actions

Ohio law strictly prohibits landlords from forcing tenants out without court approval. Any landlord who disconnects a tenant’s utilities as a method of eviction is liable for:

  • Tenant damages
  • Attorney fees [7]

This applies to essential services such as water, heat, and electricity. Landlords may not unlawfully exclude a tenant from the property. Changing locks or blocking access without a court order exposes the landlord to damages and attorney fees.[7]

How to Evict a Tenant in Ohio (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Provide Eviction Notice to the Tenant

Before going to court, the landlord must serve the appropriate notice and keep proof of delivery. Depending on the violation, this may include:

  • 3-Day Notice to Quit (Non-Payment of Rent)
  • 3-Day Notice to Quit (Non-Compliance)
  • 30-Day Notice to Quit (Health or Safety Violation)
  • 30-Day Notice to Quit (Month-to-Month Tenancy)

Step 2: File a Complaint With the Local Court

If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file a Complaint for Forcible Entry and Detainer with the local municipal or county court. Each court sets its own procedures and forms. Filing fees vary by location, including:

  • Franklin County: $123–$163.[8]
  • Cleveland: $110.[9]
  • Hamilton County: $110.[10]

Step 3: Wait for the Tenant’s Answer

After filing, the court issues a summons. The tenant has 28 days from receipt to file an Answer responding to the complaint.

Step 4: Attend the Hearing

At the hearing, the landlord should bring:

  • A copy of the eviction notice
  • Proof the notice was delivered
  • Evidence of the lease violation

If the tenant fails to appear or the judge rules for the landlord, the court will issue a Writ of Restitution, giving the tenant a set time to vacate.

 

Court Forms & Resources

The following forms are commonly used in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland). Other counties may require different local forms.

Sources

  1. Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.02(B)
  2. Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04(A)
  3. Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04(A)(9)
  4. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.11
  5. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17(B)
  6. Ohio Rev. Code Chapter 1923
  7. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15
  8. Franklin County Municipal Court – Accounting Finance Division
  9. Eviction Filing Checklist – Cleveland Municipal Court
  10. Hamilton County Municipal Civil Fees