Ohio law generally permits no-fault non-renewal of month-to-month tenancies on thirty days notice and fixed-term leases at expiration, with Cleveland adding no just-cause overlay beyond ORC Chapter 5321.
Unlike just-cause cities, Cleveland landlords can decline to renew an expiring lease or terminate a month-to-month tenancy with the thirty-day written notice required by ORC 5321.17 without stating a reason. Cleveland has not enacted a just-cause eviction ordinance and Ohio law does not authorize one absent specific carve-outs for retaliatory or discriminatory motives. Tenants may still defend against retaliation under ORC 5321.02, which bars non-renewal in response to a code complaint or fair-housing report filed within ninety days, and Right to Counsel applies in any subsequent forcible-entry action.
Retaliatory non-renewal triggers ORC 5321.02 damages of one month's rent plus attorney fees, while procedurally defective notice voids the eviction filing.
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland became the fourth US city to guarantee a Right to Counsel for low-income tenants facing eviction, providing free Legal Aid representation in Clevel...
Cleveland, OH
Cleveland does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Ohio landlord-tenant law (ORC 5321) allows landlords to decline to renew leases or terminate month-t...
See how Cleveland's no-fault evictions rules stack up against other locations.
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