Rental Property Rules in Columbus, OH (2026)
4 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 owners or local operators of every residential rental property to register annually with the Department of Building and Zoning Services, including owner, operator, and emergency contact details.
Columbus Rental Property Registration Requirement
Significant RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 4515.04
The Owner or Local Operator of a Residential Rental Property shall submit an application in the form and manner provided by the Department for each calendar year. This provision shall not apply to the following:1.Properties or portions of properties that are vacant and subject to the requirements of the Vacant Building Registry, as defined by Chapter 4517.2.Properties or portions of properties ...
Repairs & Habitability
Columbus's Housing Code sets numeric habitability minimums for rentals, including heat to 70°F, 110°F hot water, and working kitchen and bathroom fixtures in every dwelling unit.
Columbus Rental Habitability Standards
Some RestrictionsColumbus City Codes § 4523.05
Every dwelling and dwelling unit shall have heating facilities which are properly installed, vented and maintained in safe operating condition, and are capable of safely and adequately heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and water closet compartments located therein to a temperature of at least seventy (70) degrees Fahrenheit when the outside temperature is zero (0) degrees Fahrenheit.
Looking for Franklin County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Columbus city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Franklin County →