Before filing an eviction in Ohio, a landlord must serve a 3-day notice to leave the premises under Ohio Revised Code 1923.04, including specific statutory warning language. The landlord then files a forcible entry and detainer action; the hearing is no sooner than 7 days after service, and only a writ of restitution removes the tenant.
ORC 1923.04 requires the landlord to "notify the adverse party to leave the premises... three or more days before beginning the action," served by certified mail, by personal delivery, or by leaving a copy at the tenant's usual place of abode or at the premises. For residential premises the notice must conspicuously state: "You are being asked to leave the premises. If you do not leave, an eviction action may be initiated against you. If you are in doubt regarding your legal rights and obligations as a tenant, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance." After the 3 days pass, the landlord files a forcible entry and detainer complaint; under ORC 1923.06 the possession hearing is set no sooner than the seventh day after service. If the landlord prevails, the court issues a writ of restitution and only a bailiff may remove the tenant. Self-help lockouts are unlawful.
A self-help eviction, lockout, or utility shutoff is unlawful; under ORC 5321.15 a landlord who excludes a tenant or terminates utilities is liable for actual damages plus reasonable attorney's fees. Filing without a proper 3-day notice results in dismissal.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Lima, OH
Lima has no ordinance banning backyard composting. A tidy compost pile is allowed, but rotting, odorous, or rubbish-strewn accumulations can be cited as a nu...
Lima, OH
Lima has no ordinance specifically permitting or banning artificial turf in residential yards. It is not covered by the weed/grass height rules, but front-ya...
Lima, OH
Lima has no ordinance banning native or naturalized landscaping. Cultivated flowers and gardens are exempt from the weed rules, but any planting must still m...
Lima, OH
Lima has no ordinance banning or licensing residential rain barrels. Ohio law allows private rainwater collection; the state plumbing code governs any indoor...
Lima, OH
Lima has no standing lawn-watering ban or odd/even schedule. The City's Utilities Department draws on roughly 15 billion gallons of reservoir storage, so out...
Lima, OH
Beyond the 8-inch height limit, Lima requires premises free of all noxious or harmful weeds and vines. The Code Official orders cutting within five days; Ohi...
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