Last updated: April 2026
Warren renters in Trumbull County are governed by the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act — no rent control exists in Ohio, but the law provides strong habitability, deposit, and anti-lockout protections.
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Warren is the county seat of Trumbull County in northeast Ohio, located in the Mahoning Valley (Youngstown-Warren metropolitan area). The city has a significant portion of rental housing stock and a population that benefits from Ohio's relatively strong landlord-tenant statute. All Warren renters are governed by the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (Ohio Rev. Code Chapter 5321). There are no local landlord-tenant ordinances specific to Warren beyond state law.
Ohio explicitly prohibits local rent control. However, the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act provides meaningful protections including habitability obligations with repair remedies, a 30-day deposit return requirement, 90-day retaliation protection, and a prohibition on self-help eviction with significant damages for violations. Warren renters should understand these rights before disputes arise.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change; renters facing urgent housing issues should contact one of the legal aid organizations listed at the bottom of this page.
Warren has no rent control. Ohio state law (Ohio Rev. Code § 4781.031) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. There are no caps on rent increases, no percentage limits, and no requirement that a landlord justify the size of any increase.
For month-to-month tenants, Ohio requires at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17). Landlords may also issue this notice in conjunction with a rent increase. Tenants whose leases are expiring may accept the new terms, negotiate, or vacate — but have no legal basis to challenge the amount of the increase under Ohio law.
The Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act provides the following key protections for Warren renters (Ohio Rev. Code Chapter 5321):
Security Deposit: Ohio has no statutory cap on security deposits. Landlords must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out, along with a written itemized statement of deductions. If the landlord fails to return the deposit or the statement in bad faith, you may recover the deposit plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16). If the landlord holds more than one month's rent as a deposit, the excess accrues interest annually.
Repairs and Habitability: Ohio's landlord-tenant act includes a strong habitability obligation. After providing written notice of a condition materially affecting health or safety, the landlord has 30 days (or a reasonable time for emergencies) to make repairs. If the landlord fails to act, you may deposit rent with the court, arrange for repairs and deduct the cost, or terminate the lease (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.07). Consult an attorney before exercising these remedies.
Retaliation Protection: Landlords cannot retaliate within 90 days of a tenant reporting a code violation, joining a tenant union, or exercising any legal right. Retaliatory rent increases, eviction filings, or service reductions are prohibited (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.02).
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition: Self-help eviction is illegal in Ohio. A landlord who changes your locks or interrupts utilities to force you out may be liable for actual damages plus up to 10 times actual damages for willful violations (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15).
Security deposit rules for Warren renters are set by Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16. Ohio has no statutory cap on the amount a landlord may collect as a security deposit.
Interest on Excess Deposits: If the landlord holds a deposit greater than one month's rent, the amount in excess of one month's rent accrues interest at a rate of 5% per year. This interest must be paid annually to the tenant (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(A)).
Return Deadline: Your landlord must return your deposit — along with a written itemized statement of deductions — within 30 days of the date you vacate and provide a forwarding address. Provide your forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Allowable Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Minor scuffs, small nail holes, and routine carpet wear are not chargeable. Take dated photographs at both move-in and move-out.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If a landlord fails to return your deposit or provide a written statement within 30 days, or wrongfully withholds any portion, you may sue in Trumbull County Municipal Court for the deposit plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(C)).
Landlords in Warren must follow Ohio's formal eviction process. Self-help removal — changing locks, removing belongings, or cutting off utilities — is illegal and may result in significant damages (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15).
Step 1 — Written Notice: The landlord must serve a written notice to vacate. For nonpayment of rent, Ohio requires a 3-day notice before filing (Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04). For month-to-month tenancy terminations without cause, at least 30 days' written notice is required (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17).
Step 2 — Forcible Entry and Detainer Filing: If you do not vacate by the deadline, the landlord files a Forcible Entry and Detainer action in Trumbull County Municipal Court. A hearing is typically scheduled within 7–10 days.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: You have the right to appear and present defenses — including habitability violations (which may offset rent owed), retaliation, improper notice, or acceptance of rent after the notice. Contact Legal Aid of Trumbull County before your hearing.
Step 4 — Writ of Execution: If the court rules for the landlord and you do not appeal within 5 days, the court may issue a writ of execution. Only a Trumbull County Sheriff's deputy may physically remove you — never the landlord directly.
No. Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code § 4781.031) prohibits local governments from enacting rent control. Warren has no rent control ordinance, and there are no caps on rent increases anywhere in Ohio.
There is no legal limit on rent increases in Warren or anywhere in Ohio. For month-to-month tenancies, your landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17). Review your lease for any additional notice requirements.
Your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out, along with a written itemized statement of deductions (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16). Provide your forwarding address in writing when you move out. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld.
For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must serve a 3-day written notice before filing in Trumbull County Municipal Court (Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04). For month-to-month tenancy terminations, at least 30 days' written notice is required (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17).
No. Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15) prohibits self-help eviction. A landlord who changes your locks or interrupts utilities may be liable for actual damages plus up to 10 times actual damages for willful violations. Contact Legal Aid of Trumbull County immediately if this happens.
Submit your repair request in writing. If the landlord fails to fix conditions materially affecting health or safety within 30 days (or less for emergencies), you may deposit rent with the court, arrange repairs and deduct the cost, or terminate the lease (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.07). Consult Legal Aid of Trumbull County or Ohio Legal Help before exercising these remedies.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Warren and is not legal advice. Laws and local ordinances may have changed since publication. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Ohio attorney or contact Legal Aid of Trumbull County through Ohio Legal Help.
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