Publications and Policies > Fire Safety > Fire Safety in Off-Campus Housing > Landlord Tenant Act > Evictions

Please note: The information presented here does not constitute legal advice.

Evictions
(Sec. 1923, Ohio Revised Code)

Terminating a Lease/Rental Agreement

If a landlord does not want to renew a lease with a tenant, or does not wish to continue with the oral or written agreement, he must do one of the following:

If there is a written lease that ends on a given day, nothing else is needed to end this lease.If there is an oral or written rental agreement, the landlord must notify (should be in writing) the tenant that the agreement is ending at least seven day notice if renting by the week or at least thirty day notice if renting by the month.

A landlord may evict a tenant under the following conditions:

• The tenant is delinquent in rental payments.
  
  
• The tenant has caused severe damages.
  
  
• Required repairs are so large that the tenant must move out.
  
  
• The rental agreement has expired.
  
  
• He knows or suspects that the tenant or guests possess, use, or distribute controlled substances.

Eviction Process

• A landlord or owner wishing to evict a tenant must notify the tenant to leave the premises three (3) or more days before beginning any court action.
  
  
• A landlord or his agent must hand a written copy of the notice to the tenant in person, leave the notice at the tenant's residence, or send the notice to him by certified mail (return receipt requested). The tenant must be advised that he/she may need legal assistance.
  
  
• Every notice given under this section by a landlord to recover residential premises shall contain the following language printed or written in a conspicuous manner:
  

  You are being asked to leave the premises. If you do not leave, an eviction action may be initiated against you. If you are in doubt regarding your legal rights and obligations as a tenant, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance.

• If the tenant does not vacate the premises then the landlord must file a complaint at Municipal Court. The tenant must receive a court summons at least five (5) days before the hearing. Both parties may need an attorney. When a court hearing is held the judge will decide the case.