The most important source of information about the rights and responsibilities of residential landlords and tenants is the written lease agreement. Some landlords prefer oral agreements, but it is more common for them to require the tenant's signature on a written lease—and a written lease protects the tenant more than an oral agreement. Be sure to read the lease carefully before you sign it.

If a tenant wants to change part of the lease, the tenant should discuss it with the landlord. If the landlord agrees, the landlord and tenant should decide how they want to word the change and then write it into the agreement. Both the tenant and the landlord should then initial the change. For example, many standard leases prohibit pets, but the landlord may be willing to accept a pet if the tenant puts down extra money as security (a pet deposit) to protect against any damage the pet might do.

A state’s landlord-tenant laws may provide additional rights and responsibilities and further define the rights and responsibilities identified in the lease agreement. These laws vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In Ohio, the lease agreement is indeed a crucial document for both residential landlords and tenants as it outlines their rights and responsibilities. While oral agreements are legally binding in Ohio, a written lease provides clearer protection and is strongly recommended. It is essential for tenants to read and understand the lease before signing. Any modifications to the lease should be mutually agreed upon by the landlord and tenant, documented in writing, and initialed by both parties. This includes any exceptions to standard lease terms, such as allowing pets for an additional security deposit. Ohio's landlord-tenant laws, which can be found in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), complement the lease agreement by providing additional legal rights and responsibilities. These laws cover various aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship, including security deposits, eviction procedures, and habitability standards. Tenants and landlords should be aware that state statutes may override or expand upon the terms of a lease agreement.