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Franklin County, OH Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Just cause eviction rules in Franklin County, 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
Not required under Ohio law
Notice
30 days month-to-month per ORC 5321.17
Court
Franklin County Municipal Housing Division
Filing Fee
Approximately 123 dollars
Nonpayment Notice
3 days per ORC 1923.04

Summary

Franklin County follows Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 for landlord-tenant relations. Ohio is not a just-cause eviction state, and Franklin County has not adopted just-cause protections. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days notice without stating a reason under ORC 5321.17.

City-specific rules exist: Westerville, Dublin, Grove City, and Columbus have their own just cause eviction rules that differ from Franklin County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

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 5321.17 | Termination of tenancy.

(A) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, the landlord or the tenant may terminate or fail to renew a week-to-week tenancy by notice given the other at least seven days prior to the termination date specified in the notice.

(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.

(D) This section does not apply to a termination based on the breach of a condition of a rental agreement or the breach of a duty and obligation imposed by law, except that it does apply to a breach of the obligation imposed upon a tenant by division (A)(9) of section 5321.05 of the Revised Code.

Source: ORC Chapter 5321View official code

Full Breakdown

Evictions in Franklin County are processed through the Franklin County Municipal Court Housing Division at 375 South High Street, Columbus. Ohio law requires a 3-day notice to leave for nonpayment or lease violation under ORC 1923.04, followed by a forcible entry and detainer filing. Filing fee is approximately 123 dollars. The court hears cases within 30 days of filing. Columbus passed an eviction mediation program and source-of-income protection in 2021, but unincorporated Franklin County follows baseline state law. Tenants are entitled to the security deposit back within 30 days of move-out under ORC 5321.16, with itemized deductions.

Violations & Fines

Illegal self-help evictions (lockouts, utility shutoffs) under ORC 5321.15 allow tenants to recover actual damages plus reasonable attorney fees. Wrongful withholding of security deposit results in double damages plus attorney fees.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Franklin County

All Franklin County rules

Compare Franklin County to another location·View the Ohio rental property rules overview

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