Lease Agreement Template Ohio Free

OHIO RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT

Document Control

• Effective Date: [Date]
• Version: 2024.1
• Jurisdiction: Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Chapter 5321
• Scope: Residential Real Property

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1. LEGAL DISCLAIMER

NOTICE: This document is a generalized template provided for informational purposes. It does not constitute specific legal advice. Ohio law (ORC § 5321) imposes strict obligations on landlords and tenants. Users are advised to review this agreement with licensed legal counsel to ensure compliance with local municipal ordinances and specific property conditions.

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2. PARTIES

This Lease Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into on [Date] by and between:

• Landlord: [Full Legal Name of Landlord/Company], with a notice address of [Street Address, City, State, Zip] (“Landlord”).
• Tenant(s): [Full Legal Name of All Adult Tenants] (collectively, “Tenant”).

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3. PREMISES

Landlord leases to Tenant the real property located at: [Full Property Address, Unit #, City, Zip, OH] (the “Premises”).

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4. TERM

The term shall commence on [Start Date] and terminate on [End Date] (“Term”). Upon expiration, this Agreement shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy unless written notice of termination is provided at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of the Term.

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5. RENT AND SECURITY DEPOSIT

• Rent: Tenant shall pay monthly rent of [$ Amount] due on the [Day] of each month. Payments shall be made via [Payment Method/Portal].
• Security Deposit: Tenant shall pay [$ Amount] as a security deposit to be held in accordance with ORC § 5321.16. The deposit shall be returned within thirty (30) days of move-out, less any lawful deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.

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6. OBLIGATIONS (ORC § 5321.05 & § 5321.04)

• Tenant Obligations: Tenant shall keep the Premises safe and sanitary, dispose of rubbish, maintain plumbing fixtures, and comply with all applicable housing, health, and safety codes.
• Landlord Obligations: Landlord shall maintain the Premises in fit and habitable condition, maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and ventilation systems, and supply running water and reasonable heat.

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7. MAINTENANCE AND ALTERATIONS

Tenant shall not perform structural alterations, painting, or modifications without prior written consent from Landlord. Tenant is responsible for damages caused by the negligence or misuse by Tenant, guests, or invitees.

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8. ACCESS AND INSPECTION

Landlord shall provide at least twenty-four (24) hours' notice before entering the Premises, except in cases of emergency or if the Tenant consents to a shorter notice.

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9. TERMINATION AND DEFAULT

Failure to pay rent within [Number] days of the due date, or violation of any material term herein, constitutes a default. Landlord reserves the right to initiate eviction proceedings per ORC § 1923.

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10. SIGNATURES

By signing below, the parties acknowledge they have read, understood, and agreed to the terms set forth herein.

Landlord: Signature: __________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

Tenant(s): Signature: __________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

Signature: __________________________ Date: [Date] Printed Name: [Name]

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STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

1. Mandatory Disclosures: Append the federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for properties built before 1978) and any localized disclosures (e.g., bedbug history if required by city ordinance).
2. Inspection Documentation: Conduct a move-in walkthrough with the Tenant. Document the property condition with dated photographs/video. Have both parties sign a "Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist" to protect the security deposit.
3. Delivery of Possession: Ensure the unit is clean and all systems are functional before transferring keys. Provide the Tenant with a copy of the signed lease within a reasonable time, preferably immediately upon execution.
4. Record Keeping: Retain the original signed Agreement, inspection records, and all correspondence in a secure, fireproof, or encrypted digital location for a minimum of three years post-tenancy.