Ohio Statewide Rule

Ohio Lease Termination Notice

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Ohio (2026)

Ohio Revised Code 5321.17 sets notice periods to end a periodic tenancy: 30 days for month-to-month and 7 days for week-to-week, given before the periodic rental date. A fixed-term lease simply expires at the end of its term. These no-cause notices are separate from the 3-day eviction notice for cause.

Key Facts

Month-to-month notice: 30 days (ORC 5321.17(B))
Week-to-week notice: 7 days (ORC 5321.17(A))
Fixed-term lease: Expires at end of term
Either party: Landlord or tenant may give notice
Drug-violation exception: 3 days (ORC 5321.17(C))

Last verified: 2026-06-27

Full Breakdown

Under ORC 5321.17(B), "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." ORC 5321.17(A) sets a 7-day notice for a week-to-week tenancy. Either party may give the notice, and no reason is required to end a periodic tenancy. A fixed-term lease ends automatically when its term expires unless it converts to a periodic tenancy. A narrow exception in ORC 5321.17(C) lets a landlord terminate on 3 days' notice when a tenant violates the drug-related obligation in ORC 5321.05(A)(9). The 30-day termination notice is distinct from the 3-day notice to leave that begins an eviction for nonpayment or breach under ORC 1923.04.

Violations & Penalties

No specific statutory penalty. A termination given with less than the required 30-day (or 7-day) notice is ineffective, and the tenancy continues until a proper ORC 5321.17 notice period has run.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much notice ends a month-to-month lease in Ohio?

At least 30 days before the periodic rental date, under ORC 5321.17(B). Either the landlord or the tenant may give the notice, and no reason is required.

Is the 30-day notice the same as an eviction notice in Ohio?

No. The 30-day notice under ORC 5321.17 ends a month-to-month tenancy without cause. An eviction for nonpayment or breach starts with the separate 3-day notice to leave under ORC 1923.04.

Sources

Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17 (Termination of tenancy)

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