Westerville, OH Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in Westerville, 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
- Notice
- 30 days month-to-month
- State Law
- ORC Chapter 5321
- Eviction Notice
- 3-day notice to leave
- Court
- Franklin/Delaware Muni
Summary
Westerville has no just-cause eviction ordinance. Landlord-tenant relationships governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321. Landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies with 30 days notice without stating cause.
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.
(C) If a tenant violates division (A)(9) of section 5321.05 of the Revised Code and if the landlord has actual knowledge of or has reasonable cause to believe that the tenant, any person in the tenant's household, or any person on the residential premises with the consent of the tenant previously has or presently is engaged in a violation as described in division (A)(6)(a)(i) of section 1923.02 of the Revised Code, the landlord shall terminate the week-to-week tenancy, month-to-month tenancy, or other rental agreement with the tenant by giving a notice of termination to the tenant in accordance with this division. The notice shall specify that the tenancy or other rental agreement is terminated three days after the giving of the notice.
Full Breakdown
Ohio is a landlord-friendly state with no statewide or local just-cause eviction protections. ORC 5321.17 requires 30 days notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. ORC 1923 governs forcible entry and detainer (eviction) proceedings filed in Franklin County Municipal Court or Delaware County Municipal Court (Westerville straddles both counties). A 3-day notice to leave the premises is required before filing. Tenants have right to cure nonpayment in some cases but generally Ohio does not require good cause for nonrenewal.
Violations & Fines
Illegal self-help eviction (lockouts, utility shutoffs) violates ORC 5321.15 and may result in tenant damages of all actual damages plus reasonable attorney fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Westerville require landlords to have a reason to evict?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westerville
Compare Westerville 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.