Ohio Rev. Code § 5321 § 5321.15
Acts of landlord prohibited if residential property involved.
Operative Text
(A) No landlord of residential premises shall initiate any act, including termination of utilities or services, exclusion from the premises, or threat of any unlawful act, against a tenant, or a tenant whose right to possession has terminated, for the purpose of recovering possession of residential premises, other than as provided in Chapters 1923., 5303., and 5321. of the Revised Code. (B) No landlord of residential premises shall seize the furnishings or possessions of a tenant, or of a tenant whose right to possession has terminated, for the purpose of recovering rent payments, other than in accordance with an order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction. (C) A landlord who violates this section is liable in a civil action for all damages caused to a tenant, or to a tenant whose right to possession has terminated, together with reasonable attorneys fees.
Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15 prohibits residential landlords from using self-help tactics to remove tenants or recover rent. Specifically, the law bars cutting off utilities, locking tenants out, making threats, or seizing a tenant's belongings outside of a formal court process. These protections extend even to tenants whose right to possession has already ended, and a landlord who violates the provision can be held liable for all resulting damages plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15, compliant residential property operators rely exclusively on the court-supervised processes outlined in Ohio Revised Code Chapters 1923, 5303, and 5321 when seeking to recover possession of a unit. This means maintaining utility and service connections and refraining from any threats or lockouts while a legal proceeding is pending or before one has concluded. Seizing a tenant's personal property to satisfy unpaid rent is similarly off-limits without a court order, regardless of the amount owed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.15 gives residential tenants—including those whose lease has expired—the right to be free from landlord self-help tactics such as utility shutoffs, lockouts, threats, or seizure of personal belongings. If a landlord engages in any of these prohibited acts, the law provides a civil remedy that can include recovery of all damages caused as well as reasonable attorney's fees. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated may consider documenting the conduct, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring options through the Ohio court system.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 9, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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