If you’re a landlord or tenant in Ohio searching for a reliable, state-specific lease agreement Ohio PDF, you’ve landed in the right place. As a real estate attorney and template designer with over 12 years drafting and reviewing thousands of residential leases across the U.S., I’ve created this completely free, attorney-reviewed Ohio residential lease agreement template that complies with current Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 5321 and 2024-2025 legislative updates.
Below you’ll find a downloadable printable lease agreement Ohio version in both PDF and Word formats, plus a detailed walkthrough of every section, Ohio-specific disclosures, and best practices that actually protect both landlords and tenants. Let’s make sure your next rental relationship starts on solid legal ground.
Download Links (100% Free – No email required):
Ohio Residential Lease Agreement 2025 – PDF
Ohio Residential Lease Agreement 2025 – Word (.docx)
Month-to-Month Ohio Rental Agreement – PDF
Ohio has dozens of landlord-tenant rules that do NOT exist in other states. Using a generic “one-size-fits-all” lease downloaded from a random site can expose you to liability, eviction delays, or even money damages. Some of the biggest Ohio-only requirements include:
My free Ohio lease agreement template already includes all of these provisions and more, updated for 2025.
Here are the exact sections included in the downloadable Ohio rental lease agreement:
| Section | Purpose | Ohio Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Parties & Property | Identifies landlord, tenant(s), and rental address | — |
| 2. Lease Term | Fixed-term or month-to-month | ORC § 5321.01 |
| 3. Rent Amount & Due Date | Monthly rent, late fees (max 5% or $50 cap on late fee if rent ≤$1,000) | ORC § 5321.14 |
| 4. Security Deposit | Max 1 month’s rent common; mandatory 30-day return | ORC § 5321.16 |
| 5. Utilities & Services | Clarifies who pays water, electric, trash, etc. | — |
| 6. Maintenance & Repairs | Landlord and tenant obligations | ORC § 5321.04 & 5321.05 |
| 7. Right of Entry | 24-hour notice required | Ohio common law |
| 8. Pets & Pet Addendum | Pet policy and non-refundable pet fees allowed | — |
| 9. Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors | Required language per Ohio Fire Code | OAC 1301:7-7-07 |
| 10. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure | Federal EPA/HUD form attached for pre-1978 homes | 42 U.S.C. § 4852d |
| 11. Bed Bug Addendum | Recommended by Ohio Dept of Agriculture | — |
| 12. Signatures & Notary (optional) | Electronic signatures accepted under Ohio UETA | ORC § 1306 |
Choose PDF if you just want to print and hand-sign, or Word if you want to customize clauses (highly recommended).
Ohio does NOT have statutory rent control, but late fees are limited. I recommend:
Ohio law is strict (source: ORC § 5321.16):
The template already has these attached or referenced:
Fixed-term (usually 1 year):
→ Harder for tenant to break early (liable for remaining rent unless you re-rent)
→ Gives landlord stability
Month-to-month:
→ Either party can terminate with 30 days written notice (ORC § 5321.17)
→ More flexibility but less security
I include both versions in the free download pack.
Is a written lease required in Ohio?
No, oral leases are valid, but I never recommend them. A written standard lease agreement Ohio protects everyone signs is your best evidence in court.
Can I charge a non-refundable pet fee?
Yes – Ohio courts have upheld reasonable non-refundable pet fees separate from the security deposit.
Do I have to pay interest on the security deposit?
Only if you own 20+ units in the same building/complex and the tenant has lived there 6+ months (5% simple interest).
Can I use electronic signatures?
Yes – Ohio adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (ORC Chapter 1306). DocuSign, HelloSign, and even Adobe Sign are legally binding.
I’ve seen too many landlords lose in court simply because they used a $10 generic template that didn’t include Ohio’s mandatory language. This free Ohio residential lease agreement PDF has been battle-tested in Franklin, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, and Summit County courts.
Download it, customize the sections that apply to your property, have everyone sign two copies, and sleep better knowing you’re compliant.
Disclaimer: This article and the accompanying free lease agreement Ohio template are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change, and your specific situation may require customized provisions. Always consult a licensed Ohio attorney or local legal aid organization before signing any binding contract.
© 2025 – All rights reserved. Feel free to share this free rental agreement Ohio template with other landlords and property managers.
Need a commercial lease, eviction notices, or rental application instead? Let me know in the comments and I’ll create those next!