Rent control rules in Westerville, OH β also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances β limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Westerville has no rent control. Ohio Revised Code 5321.19, enacted in 2022, preempts all Ohio cities from adopting rent stabilization, rent control, or rent freezes. Rents are set by the free market under the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (ORC 5321).
Under Ohio Revised Code 5321.19 (effective April 2022), no Ohio municipality or township may enact or enforce any ordinance controlling rent on private residential property. This preemption prevents Westerville and all Ohio cities from implementing rent caps, rent freezes, or anti-gouging price controls. Rent terms are governed entirely by the lease and the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (ORC Chapter 5321), which requires 30 days notice for month-to-month rent increases and no mid-lease increases unless the lease specifically allows. Security deposits over one months rent earn 5 percent interest under ORC 5321.16. Federally subsidized housing (HUD, Section 8) continues to have income-based rent regardless of state preemption.
Not applicable to municipal level. Landlord lease violations resolved through Franklin County Municipal Court under ORC 5321. Tenants may seek damages and attorney fees for landlord violations.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Franklin County.
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