Security deposit interest in Ohio

Verified against Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(A) and agency sources on 2026-07-04. Not legal advice.

Conditionally required

Ohio requires deposit interest only in specific situations.

Applies when: deposit exceeds the greater of $50 or one month's rent AND tenant remains in possession 6 months or more; interest accrues only on the excess portion
Rate: 5% per annum simple interest on the excess over the greater of $50 or one month's rent
Current rate: 5%
Paid: computed and paid annually
Statute: Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(A) · primary source

Fixed statutory rate. A deposit of exactly one month's rent (the norm) triggers no interest.

Security deposit interest calculator

State

Deposit amount ($)

Years held

Annual rate (%) prefilled from the state rule where published

Frequently asked questions

Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Ohio?

Only in certain cases: deposit exceeds the greater of $50 or one month's rent AND tenant remains in possession 6 months or more; interest accrues only on the excess portion. 5% per annum simple interest on the excess over the greater of $50 or one month's rent (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(A)).

What is the Ohio security deposit interest rate?

5%. 5% per annum simple interest on the excess over the greater of $50 or one month's rent

When must deposit interest be paid in Ohio?

Computed and paid annually.

Anything else Ohio landlords should know about deposit interest?

Fixed statutory rate. A deposit of exactly one month's rent (the norm) triggers no interest.

Deposit interest in other states

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