Ohio Wrongful Security Deposit Withholding Remedy

If a landlord fails to comply with § 5321.16(B), subsection (C) permits recovery of the property and money due, damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees. The statutory remedy depends on the facts and is not an automatic online penalty calculation.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 official source cited

Statutory damagesEqual to amount wrongfully withheld

In addition to the money/property due under subsection (C).

Attorney feesReasonable fees

Provided by the statute when subsection (C) applies.

Preserve the proof first

Written forwarding address.
Termination and possession-delivery dates.
Deposit amount.
Itemized notice, if any.
Amount actually returned.

Educational information only. The statewide statute is only one layer. Local rules, lease terms and the facts can affect a particular dispute.

Official sources

Ohio LawsOhio Revised Code § 5321.16 — Security deposits ↗

Primary statute for 30-day itemization/refund, forwarding addresses, interest and remedies.

Related Ohio guides

Security Deposit →30-Day Rule →Forwarding Address →Deposit Interest →