-Every Ohio landlord, who wants to let out his property, should be aware of his responsibilities as required by the state laws. There are rules to choose tenants, return security deposits and handling of other issues. Ignorance can be costly.
1-No Discrimination
Fair housing laws should be followed while selecting a tenant. Their understanding is required even the advertise for a vacant apartment is floated. While a landlord can reject the applications based on various factors, everything is not acceptable. It’s the responsibility of the landlord to not discriminate prospective tenants on the factors like race, religion, national origin, sex, family status or disability.
2-Follow Rules of Tenancy
All landlords want that their tenant pays the rent by the due date without causing problems. What if there is an issue which could not be resolved? In such a situation, the tenant has to be evicted. However, there are rules and procedures in Ohio that need to be followed. For instance, the rule says that the tenant has to pay rent within three days after due-date failing which the landlord can file for eviction.
3-Return Security Deposit as per Rules
One of the primary dispute between the landlords and tenants is the security deposit and return. The landlord should be aware of related rules. It states that the deposit should be returned within 30-days after the tenant has moved out besides knowing other restrictions. It’s best if the deductions are presented to the vacating tenant for avoiding any disputes. Ohio residential lease agreement can make things easy.
4-Provide Liveable Property
Ohio state laws require that the landlord must maintain rental premises liveable. As per the rules, if a landlord doesn’t take care of the essential repairs, e.g. broken heater, leaking pipes, etc., the tenant may use his right to withhold the rent. It’s best to have a repair and maintenance system as it will ensure that tenants don’t get injured due to defective conditions in the rented property.
5-Sign a Legal Written Lease Agreement
It forms the contractual basis for the relationship with the tenant and contains all the crucial details.
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- How long can the tenant occupy the rented property?
- What is the amount of rent?
The rental agreement gives the terms that the landlord and tenant should follow. Problems arise when the landlord includes the illegal clause in the lease like the waiver of the landlord responsibility. It could be a failure to keep the premises habitable or failure to make the required disclosures.
6-Making Disclosures as Required
Ohio tenancy laws say that landlords must make all the needed disclosures to the tenants in the lease agreement e.g. the name and address of the owner. If an agent represents the landlord, the agreement should have the details of the agent. The landlord should disclose the use of lead-based paint on the property as required. Failure to do so can end-up in hefty fines or penalties.
7-Do Not Intrude Tenant’s Privacy
The landlord should also provide at-least 24-hour’s notice before entering the rental property, whether the purpose is to do repairs or to show the property to a prospective tenant. There should be a clause in the rental agreement that complies with the law. It makes aware the tenant about the right to entry.
8- No Retaliation Against Tenant (For Exercising Legal Right)
In the state of Ohio, retaliation by the landlord is considered as illegal. So don’t raise the rent, or reduce service of tenant for complaining about the unsafe living condition. It’s best to maintain documents showing repairs or relationship with the tenant.
9- Follow Rules of Eviction or Termination of Tenancy
State laws are clear about how a landlord can end the tenancy. Failure to follow rules can lead to delays in terminating the tenancy. The laws mention the amount and type of termination notice the landlord has to give who delay paying the rent or violate the lease terms.
Forms. Legal Can Help
Create a comprehensive Ohio rental lease agreement online by giving details as per the rules of the state. Notarize it as required and have an issueless tenancy relation. Sign up now and create it for free!