Rental Property Rules in Columbus, OH (2026)
9 verified rental property rules for Columbus, Ohio, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Columbus does not have rent control. Ohio Revised Code §5321.02 preempts local governments from enacting rent control ordinances. Landlords in Columbus may set and increase rents without limits, subject only to lease terms and anti-discrimination laws.
Columbus Rent Control & Stabilization
Few RestrictionsOhio Rev. Code Section 5321.19 (Preemption of Local Rent Control)
(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no political subdivision may enact, adopt, renew, maintain, enforce, or continue in existence any charter provision, ordinance, resolution, rule, or other measure that is in conflict with this chapter, or that regulates the rights and obligations of parties to a rental agreement that are regulated by this chapter, including, without limita...
Just Cause Eviction
Columbus does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Ohio follows standard landlord-tenant law under ORC Chapter 5321. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days' written notice for any lawful reason. Fixed-term leases may be terminated for cause (nonpayment, lease violations) through the eviction process.
Columbus Just Cause Eviction Protections
Few RestrictionsOhio Revised Code §§ 5321.03, 5321.17, 5321.19
Section 5321.03 | Action for possession by landlord. (A) Notwithstanding section 5321.02 of the Revised Code, a landlord may bring an action under Chapter 1923. of the Revised Code for possession of the premises if: (1) The tenant is in default in the payment of rent; (2) The violation of the applicable building, housing, health, or safety code that the tenant complained of was primarily caused...
Rental Registration
Columbus requires rental property owners to register their properties and maintain compliance with the Housing Code. The Department of Building and Zoning Services enforces rental property standards under Columbus City Code Title 45. Rental properties are subject to periodic inspection programs.
Columbus Rental Registration
Some RestrictionsRelocation Assistance
Ohio law does not mandate landlord-paid relocation assistance. Columbus expanded its Tenant Bill of Rights under CCC Chapter 4565 in 2023, requiring written notices and tenant resource referrals but stopping short of mandating cash relocation payments.
No Statewide Relocation Pay; Columbus Tenant Bill of Rights
Few RestrictionsSecurity Deposit Rules
Ohio Revised Code §5321.16 governs residential security deposits statewide. Deposits exceeding $50 or one month's rent (whichever is greater) earn 5 percent annual interest after six months. Landlords must itemize and return within 30 days.
Security Deposits Governed by Ohio ORC §5321.16
Some RestrictionsNo-Fault Evictions
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1923 permits landlords to terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days' notice and decline to renew fixed-term leases for any non-discriminatory reason. Columbus has not enacted a just-cause limit on no-fault terminations.
Ohio Allows No-Fault Eviction at Lease End
Few RestrictionsTenant Anti-Harassment
Columbus City Code Chapter 4565 prohibits landlord retaliation against tenants who report code violations, request repairs, or organize. The Tenant Protection Office investigates complaints, and ORC §5321.02 backs up state-level retaliation remedies.
Columbus Anti-Retaliation and Tenant Protection Rules
Some RestrictionsSource-of-Income Discrimination
Columbus Ordinance 1730-2018 amended the city Fair Housing Code to ban housing discrimination based on lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, SSI, and child support. Ohio has no statewide ban; Columbus enforces locally.
Columbus Bans Source-of-Income Housing Discrimination
Heavy RestrictionsSection 8 Voucher Acceptance
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers across Franklin County. Within Columbus city limits, source-of-income protection under CCC Chapter 2331 means landlords cannot refuse voucher holders.
CMHA Housing Choice Vouchers and Local SOI Protection
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Franklin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbus city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Franklin County →