Last updated: April 2026
Dayton renters are protected by Ohio's Landlord and Tenant Act, which covers security deposits, habitability, and eviction procedures. There is no rent control in Dayton or anywhere in Ohio.
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Dayton renters are governed by the Ohio Landlord and Tenant Act (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321), which sets statewide standards for security deposits, habitability, retaliation protections, and the eviction process. Dayton has no additional local rent ordinances, so state law is the primary framework for all residential tenancies in Montgomery County.
Ohio law explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting rent control ordinances. Landlords in Dayton may raise rent by any amount at the end of a lease term or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy. There are no caps on how much or how often rent can increase.
Ohio's Landlord and Tenant Act provides meaningful statewide protections for Dayton renters:
Ohio does not cap the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit. Once you move out, your landlord has 30 days to return the deposit along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. If your landlord fails to comply, you may sue to recover the withheld amount plus an equal penalty under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16. To protect yourself, document the unit's condition with photos at move-in and move-out, and provide a forwarding address in writing.
To evict a tenant in Dayton, a landlord must first serve written notice — typically a 3-day notice for nonpayment of rent or lease violations, or a 30-day notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. If you do not vacate, the landlord must file an eviction lawsuit (forcible entry and detainer) in Montgomery County Municipal Court. You have the right to appear and contest the eviction. A landlord who attempts a self-help eviction — such as changing your locks, removing your belongings, or shutting off utilities — without a court order violates Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15 and may owe you substantial damages.
No. Ohio state law prohibits local rent control ordinances, so there is no rent control in Dayton or anywhere in Ohio.
There is no limit. Ohio has no rent stabilization laws, so landlords may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy.
30 days from the date you vacate, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. Failure to comply may entitle you to the withheld amount plus an equal penalty under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16.
For nonpayment of rent or a lease violation, a 3-day written notice is typically required. To end a month-to-month tenancy without cause, your landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Ohio. If your landlord changes your locks, removes your belongings, or shuts off utilities without a court order, they may be liable for actual damages plus up to 10 times actual damages for willful violations under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15.
Send a written repair request and keep a copy. If the landlord fails to act within 30 days (or a reasonable time for emergencies), Ohio law gives you three main remedies: depositing rent with the court, repairing and deducting the cost from rent, or terminating the lease — all under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.07.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Dayton and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.
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