Want to skip straight to checking your own building? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.
Ravenna is the county seat of Portage County, a mid-sized northeastern Ohio city where a significant share of residents rent their homes. Like all Ohio renters, Ravenna tenants rely on the statewide Ohio Landlord and Tenant Act (O.R.C. Chapter 5321) for their core protections — there are no additional local ordinances that expand on those rights in Ravenna or Portage County.
The questions Ravenna renters most commonly ask involve security deposit returns, what notice a landlord must give before ending a tenancy, how to force repairs on a habitability problem, and what to do if a landlord tries to lock them out or shut off utilities illegally. Ohio law addresses each of these issues directly with specific timelines, procedures, and remedies.
This page summarizes the state law protections that apply to Ravenna renters as of April 2026. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change and individual situations vary — if you face an eviction or a dispute with your landlord, contact a qualified attorney or legal aid organization.
Ravenna has no rent control, and Ohio state law prohibits any local government from enacting rent control. Ohio Rev. Code § 4781.031 expressly bars municipalities and counties from adopting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This means Portage County, the City of Ravenna, and every other local government in Ohio cannot cap rent increases, limit rent at lease renewal, or otherwise regulate the amount a landlord charges for a private residential unit.
In practical terms, your landlord in Ravenna may raise your rent by any dollar amount at any time — as long as they provide the legally required advance written notice before the increase takes effect. For month-to-month tenancies, that notice must be at least 30 days (O.R.C. § 5321.17). For fixed-term leases, rent cannot be changed mid-lease unless your written lease allows it; the new amount takes effect when the lease renews.
Because Ohio has no statewide rent stabilization law either, the only real check on rent increases is the competitive rental market and your own lease terms. Renters in Ravenna should carefully review any written lease before signing and keep copies of all rent-increase notices they receive.
Ohio's Landlord and Tenant Act (O.R.C. Chapter 5321) gives Ravenna renters several meaningful protections:
Habitability & Repairs (O.R.C. § 5321.04 / § 5321.07): Landlords must maintain rental units in a fit and habitable condition, keep common areas safe and sanitary, supply running water and reasonable heat, and keep all electrical, plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems in good working order. If your landlord fails to make required repairs after you provide written notice, you have three potential remedies available through the court: (1) deposit rent with the court clerk until repairs are made, (2) have the court authorize a repair-and-deduct remedy, or (3) terminate the lease. The landlord generally has 30 days after written notice to remedy a non-emergency defect, or a shorter reasonable time for urgent conditions.
Security Deposit (O.R.C. § 5321.16): Landlords must return your security deposit — along with an itemized written statement of any deductions — within 30 days after you move out and deliver possession of the unit. If the landlord fails to comply, you may sue to recover the wrongfully withheld portion of the deposit plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, as well as reasonable attorney fees.
Notice to Terminate (O.R.C. § 5321.17): To end a month-to-month tenancy, either the landlord or the tenant must give at least 30 days' written notice prior to the termination date. Week-to-week tenancies require at least 7 days' written notice. A fixed-term lease ends automatically at the expiration date stated in the lease unless renewed.
Anti-Retaliation (O.R.C. § 5321.02): A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for complaining to a government agency about a code violation, joining or organizing a tenants' union, or exercising any right protected under O.R.C. Chapter 5321. Prohibited retaliatory acts include rent increases, reduction of services, and filing or threatening eviction. If retaliation occurs within 90 days of the tenant's protected activity, the law presumes it was retaliatory. A successful tenant may recover actual damages plus reasonable attorney fees.
Lockout Prohibition (O.R.C. § 5321.15): Self-help eviction is illegal in Ohio. A landlord who padlocks your door, removes your belongings, or cuts off your electricity, heat, or water to force you out — without going through the court eviction process — may be liable for your actual damages. Willful violations can result in a penalty of up to 10 times your actual damages.
Ohio law (O.R.C. § 5321.16) governs security deposits for all Ravenna rentals. Key rules include:
No statutory cap: Ohio does not limit how large a security deposit your landlord may charge. The deposit amount is whatever the parties negotiate and the lease specifies. However, if the deposit exceeds one month's rent, Ohio law requires the landlord to pay 5% annual interest on the amount that exceeds one month's rent, provided you have lived in the unit for at least six months (O.R.C. § 5321.16(A)).
30-day return deadline: Within 30 days after you vacate and deliver possession of the unit, the landlord must either return your full deposit or send you a written itemized statement listing each deduction and the reason for it, along with any remaining balance. The statement and remaining funds must be delivered together.
Penalty for wrongful withholding: If the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the itemized statement within 30 days — or if deductions are improper — you are entitled to recover the wrongfully withheld portion of the deposit plus damages equal to that same amount (effectively doubling your recovery), plus reasonable attorney fees, in a civil action under O.R.C. § 5321.16(C).
Protect yourself: Before moving out, give written notice of your forwarding address so the landlord knows where to send the deposit. Document the unit's condition with dated photos at move-in and move-out.
In Ravenna, a landlord must follow Ohio's formal court eviction process — called a Forcible Entry and Detainer action — governed by O.R.C. Chapter 1923. There is no just-cause requirement under Ohio law; a landlord may choose not to renew a lease or terminate a month-to-month tenancy for any lawful reason, as long as proper notice is given.
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing in court, the landlord must serve you with a written notice. The required notice period depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing in Court: If you do not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction complaint in the Portage County Municipal Court (or Ravenna Municipal Court, depending on jurisdiction). You will receive a summons with a hearing date, typically within 7–30 days of filing.
Step 3 — Hearing: Attend your hearing. You have the right to present defenses, such as the landlord's failure to maintain habitable conditions, retaliation, or improper notice. If the court rules for the landlord, it issues a writ of restitution. A bailiff or constable — not the landlord — may then remove you from the property.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal (O.R.C. § 5321.15): At no point may a landlord change your locks, remove your doors or windows, shut off utilities, or physically remove your belongings to force you out without a court order. Doing so exposes the landlord to liability for actual damages and up to 10 times actual damages for willful violations. If this happens to you, contact law enforcement and a legal aid attorney immediately.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws are subject to change, and the specific facts of your situation may significantly affect your legal options. Ravenna renters with a specific dispute or facing eviction should contact a qualified attorney or a legal aid organization in their area. RentCheckMe makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this information and assumes no liability for reliance on it.
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
Use the Address Checker →We'll email you if the rent cap, coverage rules, or tenant protections change — no spam, unsubscribe any time.