DisputeKit / States / Ohio
Your consumer rights in Ohio
What Ohio and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
30 days. Under Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16, a landlord must deliver a written notice itemizing any deductions from the security deposit, together with the amount due within 30 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. Without a written forwarding address you can still recover the deposit, but not the extra damages or attorney's fees. A court may also award the money wrongfully withheld, together with damages in an amount equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees, if the tenant gave the landlord a forwarding address in writing.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
Ohio has no automatic-renewal statute. For subscriptions sold online, the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act requires a simple way to stop recurring charges, and Ohio's general consumer protection law applies.
Small claims and complaints in Ohio
- Ohio consumer law
- Ohio Revised Code § 1345.02 (Consumer Sales Practices Act)
- Where to file a complaint
- Ohio Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section
- Small claims limit
- $6,000 in the small claims division of municipal and county courts
- Filing fee
- Set by each municipal or county court, commonly about $30 to $120