Columbus, OH Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Columbus, OH, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- Just-Cause Eviction
- No local ordinance
- Month-to-Month
- 30-day notice, no cause required
- Fixed-Term Lease
- Cause required (nonpayment, violations)
- Retaliation Protection
- ORC §5321.02 prohibits retaliatory eviction
- Court
- Franklin County Municipal Court
Summary
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.
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 by any act or lack of reasonable care by the tenant, or by any other person in the tenant's household, or by anyone on the premises with the consent of the tenant;
(3) Compliance with the applicable building, housing, health, or safety code would require alteration, remodeling, or demolition of the premises which would effectively deprive the tenant of the use of the dwelling unit;
(4) A tenant is holding over the tenant's term.
Section 5321.19 | Effect of chapter on political subdivisions.
(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 limitation, by any way imposing or requiring rent control or rent stabilization.
Section 5321.17 | Termination of tenancy.
(B) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, the landlord or the tenant may terminate or fail to renew a month-to-month tenancy by notice given the other at least thirty days prior to the periodic rental date.
Full Breakdown
Ohio law does not require landlords to have specific cause to end a month-to-month tenancy: a 30-day notice is sufficient. For fixed-term leases, eviction requires cause such as nonpayment of rent, lease violations, or illegal activity. Columbus has not enacted any local just-cause eviction protections. Evictions are processed through Franklin County Municipal Court.
Violations & Fines
Not applicable: there is no just-cause requirement. Retaliatory evictions (within 6 months of a tenant complaint) are prohibited under ORC §5321.02.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord evict me without a reason in Columbus?
Are there any protections against unfair eviction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Columbus
Compare Columbus to another location·View the Ohio rental property rules overview
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Just Cause Eviction in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Franklin County handle just cause eviction.