OHIO SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN LETTER

Date of Letter: [[Date of Letter, must be within thirty (30) days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession]]

To (Former Tenant(s)):
[[Former Tenant 1 Full Legal Name]]
[[Former Tenant 2 Full Legal Name, if joint tenancy]]
Forwarding Address Provided: [[Tenant Forwarding Address]]

From (Landlord / Authorized Property Manager):
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Legal Name or Entity Name]]
Mailing Address: [[Landlord Mailing Address for Correspondence]]
Phone: [[Phone Number]]
Email: [[Email Address]]

Premises Formerly Occupied:
[[Street Address, Apartment/Unit Number]]
[[City]], Ohio [[ZIP Code]]

Tenancy Termination / Vacate Date: [[Date Tenant Vacated or Keys Returned]]
Date Possession and Keys Returned: [[Exact Date Keys and Possession Returned]]

Original Security Deposit Amount Received at Move-In: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]
Additional Deposits (pet, key, etc.): $[[Additional Deposits Amount or "None"]]
Total Deposits Held: $[[Total Deposits Held]], -

Dear [[Tenant Name(s)]]:

This letter provides the final accounting and return of your security deposit (and any additional deposits) for the above-referenced Premises in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16.

Under ORC § 5321.16, a landlord must return the security deposit together with a written itemized statement of any deductions, or the balance remaining after lawful deductions, within thirty (30) days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession and keys to the landlord. If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant is entitled to recover the amount wrongfully withheld plus a penalty of an equal amount (double damages) together with reasonable attorney fees.

If the total security deposit exceeds one month's rent and has been held for more than six months, Ohio law requires that the deposit (or the excess) be held in an interest-bearing account, with interest accruing at the rate of five percent (5%) per annum, payable annually to the tenant or credited appropriately.

We conducted a move-out inspection. A copy of the move-in condition checklist and any photographs or supporting documentation for deductions are available upon request.

Itemized Statement of Deductions and Return

The following itemized deductions are claimed (if any). Each deduction is for amounts actually incurred or reasonably estimated for repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, unpaid rent, or cleaning necessary to return the Premises to its move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted):

1. Unpaid rent for the period [[Unpaid Rent Period]]: $[[Unpaid Rent Amount]]
Supporting documentation: [[Lease ledger / Notice / Other]]

2. Cleaning beyond ordinary wear and tear to restore move-in condition: $[[Cleaning Deduction Amount]]
Description: [[Specific cleaning items e.g. carpet cleaning, appliance degreasing]]
Supporting: [[Invoice / Estimate / Receipt Reference]]

3. Repairs for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear: $[[Repair Deduction Amount]]
Description: [[Specific damage description e.g. holes in drywall, broken window, stained carpet]]
Supporting: [[Invoice / Contractor Estimate #XXXX dated [[Date]]]]

4. Other lawful deductions (describe): $[[Other Deduction Amount]]
Description: [[Description]]
Supporting: [[Reference]]

Total Deductions: $[[Total Deductions Amount]]

Security Deposit Amount Held: $[[Total Deposits Held]]
Less Total Deductions: ($[[Total Deductions Amount]])
Balance Due and Returned to Tenant: $[[Balance Returned Amount or "0.00"]]

Interest (if applicable): $[[Interest Amount or "N/A, deposit did not exceed threshold or was not held long enough"]]

Payment Details:
A check in the amount of $[[Check Amount]] (number [[Check Number]]) is enclosed with this letter and mailed to the forwarding address above.
[[OR: Electronic funds transfer initiated on [[Date]] to account on file. Confirmation: [[Reference]]]]
[[OR: Amount applied to final rent balance per agreement dated [[Date]].]]

If any balance is zero, this letter serves as the itemized statement with no funds due.

Important Tenant Rights and Landlord Obligations Reminder

1. The landlord must provide the itemized statement and return any balance within 30 days.

2. Failure to return the deposit or provide the itemized statement within the statutory period may entitle the tenant to double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney fees under ORC § 5321.16.

3. Tenants must provide a forwarding address in writing for the deposit to be mailed.

4. Landlords may not withhold for ordinary wear and tear. Deductions must be reasonable and supported.

Acknowledgment and Contact

If you have questions regarding this accounting or believe an error has been made, please contact us in writing within fourteen (14) days at the address or email above so we may address any concerns promptly.

We appreciate your tenancy and wish you the best in your new home.

Sincerely,

[[Landlord or Authorized Agent Full Name]]
[[Title, Landlord / Property Manager]]
[[Phone]] | [[Email]]

Enclosures: Check (if applicable); copies of supporting invoices/estimates (if deductions claimed); move-in/move-out checklist upon request., -

*This is a sample template for an Ohio security deposit return letter under Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16. Statutory deadline is 30 days from vacating and return of possession. Interest rules and double-damages remedies apply as stated. This document is not legal advice. Verify current law and use actual itemized amounts supported by documentation. Complete all [[tokens]] with accurate information. References current as of 2026-06.*

Additional Landlord Documentation Checklist

Use this internal checklist to ensure compliance before mailing:

1. Confirm exact vacate date and key return date recorded in writing.

2. Complete move-out inspection with photos dated and time-stamped.

3. Obtain written forwarding address from tenant (or note if none provided in writing).

4. Prepare itemized list with actual amounts or reasonable written estimates.

5. Attach copies of receipts, invoices, or contractor estimates for deductions.

6. Calculate and apply interest if deposit exceeded threshold and was held over six months.

7. Prepare check or initiate transfer within the 30-day window.

8. Retain copies of this letter, enclosures, and proof of mailing or delivery.

9. Note any disputes received and responses in the file.

Sample Calculation Illustration (for reference only)

Security Deposit Held: $[[1,200.00]]
Interest Accrued (if applicable, 5% annual pro-rated): $[[XX.XX]]

Deductions:
- Unpaid rent $[[300.00]]
- Carpet cleaning beyond wear $[[150.00]]
- Drywall repair $[[75.00]]

Total Deductions: $[[525.00]]
Balance: $[[675.00 + interest if any]]
Check / Transfer: $[[Balance Amount]] mailed [[Date]] to [[Forwarding Address]]

Tenant Response and Dispute Process

If the former tenant disputes any deduction or the timing of return:

1. Respond promptly in writing.

2. Provide additional documentation upon reasonable request.

3. Consider mediation or small claims resolution for disputed amounts.

4. Document all communications.

Landlords who comply in good faith with the 30-day itemized return requirement are protected from the statutory penalty. Tenants who do not provide a forwarding address in writing may limit their remedies.

Governing Statute Summary

Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16 governs security deposits for residential premises:

• No statutory dollar cap on deposit amount in Ohio (local rules may vary).

• Return or itemized statement required within 30 days after tenant vacates and returns possession.

• If landlord fails to comply, tenant may recover the deposit wrongfully withheld plus an equal amount as damages and reasonable attorney fees.

• Deposits exceeding one month's rent held over six months must be placed in interest-bearing accounts with annual interest to tenant.

This letter format satisfies the written itemized statement requirement when used with supporting documentation.

Final Certification

I certify that this accounting and any deductions are made in good faith, based on actual inspection, and in accordance with the lease terms and Ohio law.

Landlord / Agent Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Certification Date]]
Printed Name / Title: [[Landlord or Agent Name and Title]], -

*End of Ohio Security Deposit Return Letter Template. Expand or attach exhibits as needed for each tenancy. Always use current statutory text and consult legal counsel for complex or disputed matters. 2026-06 reference date.*