Westerville's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Westerville, Ohio, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Just Cause Eviction

Westerville has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Landlord-tenant relationships governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days notice without stating cause.

Key details: Just Cause: Not required. Notice: 30 days month-to-month. State Law: ORC Chapter 5321. Eviction Notice: 3-day notice to leave. Court: Franklin/Delaware Muni.

Illegal self-help eviction (lockouts, utility shutoffs) violates ORC 5321.15 and may result in tenant damages of all actual damages plus reasonable attorney fees.

The rules around just cause eviction in Westerville lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Rent Control

Westerville has no rent control. Ohio Revised Code 5321.19, enacted in 2022, preempts all Ohio cities from adopting rent stabilization, rent control, or rent freezes. Rents are set by the free market under the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (ORC 5321).

Key details: Rent Control: None (preempted). State Preemption: ORC 5321.19 (2022). Notice: 30 days month-to-month. Deposit Interest: 5 percent over 1 months rent.

Not applicable to municipal level. Landlord lease violations resolved through Franklin County Municipal Court under ORC 5321. Tenants may seek damages and attorney fees for landlord violations.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Westerville gives residents more flexibility on rent control.

Rental Registration

Westerville does not operate a mandatory rental registration program, but rental properties must comply with the Property Maintenance Code and may be subject to complaint-based inspections. Landlord contact information must be available for code enforcement.

Key details: Registration: Not required citywide. Code: Ord. Ch. 1393 IPMC. Owner Disclosure: ORC 5321.18. Enforcement: Complaint-based. Inspections: Exterior plus complaint.

Property maintenance violations: notice of violation with compliance deadline, followed by minor misdemeanor citations up to 150 dollars for first offense if unresolved.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Westerville gives residents more room on rental property rules. 2 of the 3 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

Keep in mind that Westerville can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.