Ohio's 3-day notice has specific statutory language requirements. The notice tells the tenant to leave — not to cure.
Ohio's eviction process is called Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) and is governed by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1923. Cases are filed in municipal court or county court at the local level. Ohio is moderately balanced with reasonable procedures and meaningful tenant defenses available. Uncontested cases typically conclude within four to six weeks of filing.
FED cases are filed in the appropriate municipal court or county court covering the property's location. Ohio has 88 counties and many municipal courts, so court selection requires understanding the local jurisdiction. The major metropolitan areas (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati) have housing courts or specialized landlord-tenant dockets.
For non-payment of rent or lease violations, Ohio requires a 3-day Notice to Leave the Premises (R.C. 1923.04). The notice must include specific statutory language warning the tenant that they have three days to leave the premises. Ohio's notice content requirements are detailed — missing required language renders the notice defective.
The 3-day notice in Ohio is unusual: it's a notice to leave, not a notice to cure or pay. The tenant cannot stop the eviction by paying rent during the three days — though landlords may choose to accept payment as a courtesy.
For month-to-month tenancies without cause, Ohio requires 30 days written notice. Deliver notices by personal service, posting on the door, or certified mail. The notice must be served at least 3 days before filing.
After the 3-day notice expires, file an FED complaint in the appropriate court. Filing fees in Ohio are typically $80 to $200 depending on jurisdiction. Service is performed by the bailiff or sheriff.
The hearing is typically scheduled 7 to 14 days after filing. The tenant must appear at the hearing — failure to appear can result in default judgment.
Ohio FED hearings are formal but procedural. Bring your lease, the 3-day notice, proof of service, your rent ledger, and any documentation. The judge will hear both sides and issue a ruling. If you prevail, the court issues judgment for possession.
There is typically a stay period before the writ of restitution can be executed. Tenants can appeal but must post bond.
Franklin County, anchored by Columbus, is Ohio's most populous county. Franklin County eviction filings go to the Franklin County Municipal Court Environmental Division (Housing Court) in Columbus. This dedicated housing court has streamlined procedures and processes a high volume of cases.
Cuyahoga County, anchored by Cleveland, is Ohio's second-largest county. Cuyahoga County eviction filings go to the Cleveland Housing Court (the only specialized housing court of its kind in Ohio) for properties within Cleveland city limits, or to other municipal courts for properties in suburban areas. Cleveland Housing Court has additional procedures including tenant right-to-counsel programs. For detailed landlord-tenant law specific to each county — including housing court information, court selection, and local procedures — see Franklin County landlord-tenant law and Cuyahoga County landlord-tenant law.
Ohio's 3-day notice has specific statutory language requirements that are commonly missed. The notice tells the tenant to leave — not to cure — which is unusual among states. Court selection in Ohio's complex municipal/county court system requires care. See the full Ohio landlord-tenant law guide for notice templates with required statutory language, security deposit rules, and county-specific information across all 88 Ohio counties.
Once the writ of restitution is issued, the bailiff or sheriff executes the writ. Execution timing varies by court but typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Be present with a locksmith.
Ohio law (R.C. 5321.15) provides procedures for handling tenant property left behind. Specific notice and storage requirements apply.