Most residential landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when the tenant moves out, or to cover the tenant’s failure to pay the last month's rent.

Laws vary from state to state, but many states have statutes that provide the maximum amount of security deposit a landlord may require for a residential lease and the costs for which the landlord may use the security deposit (cleaning, repairs, unpaid rent) following termination of the lease.

These laws also provide a specific deadline (often 30-60 days) for the landlord to return the tenant’s security deposit following termination of the lease—after deducting any amount properly withheld, as allowed by law.

In Ohio, landlords can require tenants to pay a security deposit, which is typically used to cover repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning, or unpaid rent after the tenant moves out. Ohio law does not specify a maximum limit for the amount of the security deposit that can be charged. However, if a rental agreement requires a security deposit greater than one month's rent, the landlord must pay the tenant interest annually on the amount in excess of one month's rent. Upon termination of the lease, Ohio law requires landlords to return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant has surrendered the rental property and provided a forwarding address. The landlord must provide a written itemized statement of any deductions made from the security deposit for unpaid rent, damages, and other allowable costs. If the landlord fails to follow these requirements, the tenant may be entitled to recover the improperly withheld amount and potentially additional damages.