The tenant must be current in her/his rent before depositing rent with the Clerk of Courts. The tenant may not deposit rent in "bad faith," or for a condition which the tenant caused. The tenant may not just hold on to the rent.
Rent deposits must be made on or before the normal rent due date. Tenants should check with the local Clerk of Courts to find out exact procedures for their court.
If a tenant received a written notice from the landlord at the beginning of the tenancy which states that the landlord owns three or fewer units, then the tenant is barred from taking legal action under the Ohio Landlord Tenant Law.
If the landlord fails to disclose her/his name and address and the name and address or his/her agents, then the landlord gives up the right to a notice before the tenant takes legal action. (See Ownership Disclosure).
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