Ohio Rent Increase Laws 2025: What Tenants Should Know

Published On: April 26, 2025

Ohio Rent Increase Laws 2025: What Tenants Should Know

Ohio’s rental landscape in 2025 remains largely favorable to landlords when it comes to rent increases, but tenants have important rights and protections. Here’s what you need to know if you’re renting in Ohio this year.

No Statewide Rent Control

Ohio does not have rent control laws. This means there is no legal cap on how much a landlord can increase your rent, whether you’re in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, or elsewhere in the state. Local governments are also barred from enacting their own rent control ordinances, so the rules are consistent statewide.

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

Month-to-Month Leases: Landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent. This gives tenants time to decide whether to accept the new rent or seek alternative housing.
Fixed-Term Leases: If you have a lease for a set period (for example, a 12-month lease), your landlord cannot raise the rent until the lease expires, unless your lease specifically allows for mid-term increases.
Shorter-Term Agreements: For rental agreements longer than a week but shorter than a month, landlords should give 60 days’ notice before a rent increase.

The notice must be in writing and should include the new rent amount, the effective date, and any other relevant terms.

How Much Can Rent Be Increased?

There is no legal limit on the amount of a rent increase in Ohio. Landlords are free to set new rental rates based on market conditions, property improvements, or rising costs. However, most property managers and experts consider a 3% to 5% annual increase to be reasonable, though local market dynamics can push this higher or lower. For example, in some Ohio cities like Cincinnati, rents have risen sharply (up to 15%), while other areas may see smaller adjustments.

Anti-Discrimination and Retaliation Protections

Discrimination: Landlords cannot increase rent for discriminatory reasons. Federal and Ohio fair housing laws prohibit rent hikes based on race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, familial status, ancestry, military status, or sexual orientation.
Retaliation: It is illegal for landlords to raise rent in retaliation for tenants exercising their legal rights, such as reporting code violations or requesting repairs. If you believe a rent increase is retaliatory or discriminatory, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or HUD.

Best Practices for Tenants

Review Your Lease: Check your lease for any clauses about rent increases and notice requirements.
Request Written Notice: Ensure any rent increase notice is in writing and includes all necessary details.
Market Research: Compare your new rent to similar properties in your area to gauge if the increase is reasonable.
Open Communication: If you feel the increase is excessive or unjustified, discuss it with your landlord. Sometimes, landlords are open to negotiation, especially with long-term tenants.
Know Your Rights: If you suspect discrimination or retaliation, document your interactions and seek legal assistance or file a complaint with the appropriate agency.

What to Do If You Can’t Afford the Increase

If you cannot afford the new rent:

You may choose to move out at the end of your notice period or lease term.
You can try to negotiate with your landlord for a smaller increase.
If the increase seems discriminatory or retaliatory, consider legal action or filing a complaint6.