How to Evict a Tenant in Ohio

In Ohio, you can evict someone for breaking the terms of the lease, not paying rent, or using, selling or manufacturing illegal drugs in the unit. You cannot evict anyone as a form of retaliation or for a reason that could be considered discriminatory.

1. Serve written notice

In Ohio, you must serve written notice to begin the eviction process. Regardless of why you are evicting the tenant, you must give three days' written notice. The notice should let the tenant know that they have three days to leave before the eviction process will continue. We’ve created a template for this kind of notice that you can customize and use here.

2. File papers with the court

If the notice period comes to a close and the tenant has not left, you must go to the municipal court in the county or township where the unit is located and file a complaint. The tenant will receive the complaint and a summons from the court with information about the time and date of the hearing.

3. Go to court

If the tenant wants to challenge the eviction, you and the tenant will appear in front of a judge. The burden of proof is on you to show that the tenant violated the terms of the lease and that you correctly served notice, so be sure to follow these instructions carefully while documenting everything.

If the judge rules in your favor, the tenant may be responsible for paying you unpaid rent, attorney’s fees and process fees. A court order will be issued instructing a sheriff or constable to remove the tenant from the premises.

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