Ohio Rent Increase Laws 2025: What Tenants Should Know

As Ohio’s rental market continues to evolve, tenants across cities such as Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo are facing increasing questions about rental affordability and legal protections. In 2025, Ohio maintains a landlord-friendly landscape regarding rent increases, but tenants still have clear rights and remedies that are vital to understand. If you’re a renter—or considering becoming one—in cities like Dayton, Akron, or Youngstown, staying informed about rent laws and trends is essential in protecting your housing stability.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Ohio’s rent increase laws for 2025, incorporates important facts and statistics, and explains what every tenant must know, regardless of whether you are in urban centers or smaller communities.

Ohio’s Rent Control Situation in 2025

Unlike states such as California or Oregon, Ohio does not have statewide rent control. In fact, a key piece of state legislation prohibits local governments from enacting city-specific rent control ordinances. Senate Bill 352, passed in 2021, expressly bans any form of rent control or rent stabilization policies by cities, meaning municipalities like Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati cannot cap rent increases even in response to local housing cost spikes. This makes Ohio one of the more landlord-friendly states in housing regulation.

Key Facts:

No statewide or city-level rent control is allowed.
Cities cannot pass their own rent caps.
Landlords are free to set and adjust rents unless otherwise limited by a lease.

Legislation Shaping Rent Increases

Ohio’s approach to rent regulation is deeply shaped by state legislation:

Senate Bill 352 (2021) prohibits rent control ordinances at the local level.
Bill 430 (enacted 2022) encourages landlords to keep rent increases reasonable but does not enforce a statutory maximum.
2025 Updates: There is no new law capping rent increases, but there are enhanced notice requirements and stronger protections against retaliatory eviction.

Notice Requirements When Raising Rent

Ohio law requires landlords to provide advance written notice before raising rent:

Standard Notice Period: 30 days before a rent increase goes into effect (especially for month-to-month leases).
Notice must be in writing. Verbal notices are not considered valid.
For fixed-term leases (e.g., a 1-year lease), rent cannot be raised during the term unless specified in the lease.

Rent Increases in Ohio’s Major Cities

While the legal framework is the same across the state, market-driven rent increases vary city by city.

Columbus

Median rent (2025): Around $1,317/month for a standard apartment, up from $1,047 in 2018.
Significant shortages in affordable rentals, particularly for low-income families.

Cleveland

Median rent (2025): Approximately $1,195/month, with an over 10% increase between 2018-2022.
Investor purchases and conversions to single-family rentals are affecting rental supply.

Cincinnati and Dayton

Rental rates are climbing but remain somewhat below the state’s largest metros.
Shortages in affordable units and competition for quality rentals persist.

How Much Can Your Rent Increase in 2025?

No cap on the amount or frequency of rent increases unless your lease agreement states otherwise.
Typical rent increases in Ohio cities: 5–10% per year is common. However, some landlords may opt for smaller but more frequent annual increases.
For reference, rent statewide grew an average of 7.9% over the last year—one of the higher annual increases compared to many other U.S. states.

City-by-City Trends and Rental Affordability

Here’s a look at how rent increases and housing affordability are impacting various Ohio metros:

City	Median Rent (2025)	Trend Since 2020	Notes
Columbus	$1,317	+25% since 2020	Strong demand, high investor interest
Cleveland	$1,195	+10% since 2018	Shortage in affordable rentals
Cincinnati	~$1,170	Steady annual increase	Investor-driven rental conversions
Toledo	~$965	Growing, but moderate	Lower cost but rising competition
Dayton	~$1,020	Up 6% YoY	Increased competition for good rentals
Akron	~$970	Up 5% since 2023	Affordable but increasing slowly
Youngstown	~$810	Low, but rising	One of Ohio’s most affordable metro

Note: Figures are illustrative estimates based on current market averages.

Tenant Rights and Protections

Even in a pro-landlord landscape, tenants have essential rights:

Fair Notice

Landlords must always give at least 30 days’ written notice for rent increases on periodic (month-to-month) leases.

Lease Protections

If you have a fixed-term lease, your rent cannot be increased until the lease renews, unless your contract allows it.

Protection from Retaliation

Landlords cannot retaliate by increasing rent in direct response to tenants exercising their legal rights (e.g., filing a complaint about unrepaired conditions).

Security Deposits

No state-mandated limit on security deposit amounts (most landlords charge 1 month’s rent).
Landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out, with itemized deductions for damages.
If a security deposit exceeds $50 or one month’s rent, it must be kept in an interest-bearing account.

Eviction Protections and Recent Legal Updates

Uniform Public Expression Protection Act (UPEPA): Effective April 9, 2025, this law makes it illegal for landlords to use retaliatory lawsuits (SLAPPs) against tenants who assert rights or report code violations.
Eviction process is strictly regulated; landlords must give proper notice and court action is required.
Illegal evictions (changing locks, shutting off utilities without court order) can result in increased fines and damages for tenants.

Security Deposits and Lease Renewals

Security Deposits

Must be returned within 30 days of vacating.
If not returned, tenants can take legal action, including suing in small claims court.

Lease Renewals

Rent increases at lease renewal must be disclosed in advance.
Tenants have the right to decline a renewal at the new rent amount without penalty as long as proper notice is given.

What Should Tenants Do If Facing a Rent Hike?

Review your lease: Ensure you understand your rights regarding notice and timing of increases.
Request written notice: Any rent increase must be documented.
Compare local rents: Use tools like Zillow Rental Manager or Rentometer to verify if your new rent is still market-appropriate.
Negotiate: In some cases, you can request a smaller increase or additional benefits (like new appliances or repairs).
Ask for assistance: Programs in cities like Columbus offer right-to-counsel for low-income tenants, and various non-profits provide free tenant advocacy in major cities.
Document everything: Keep all notices and communications in writing.

The Future of Rent Regulation in Ohio

While Senate Bill 352 and Bill 430 currently restrict rent control, housing advocates are pushing for legislation to address the state’s 143,000-unit shortage in affordable rentals. Some cities are incentivizing affordable housing development with tax credits and grants to encourage growth in lower-cost units. Additionally, the expansion of tenant right-to-counsel programs in cities like Columbus is reshaping some elements of legal support for renters.

Conclusion

Ohio’s rental landscape in 2025 is characterized by flexible rent standards for landlords and minimal regulatory interference at both state and local levels. However, tenants in cities like Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, Akron, and Youngstown must stay informed about their rights, act early when faced with increases, and utilize available city and non-profit resources.

Whether you are a long-term resident or a new apartment seeker, understanding these legal and market realities will help you navigate Ohio’s challenging—but affordable by national standards—rental market. Always consult your local housing authority, legal aid, or reputable rental organizations for up-to-date assistance, especially if you are facing a significant rent increase or a potential eviction.