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3 reasons landlords can evict tenants under Ohio law

On Behalf of | May 9, 2022 | Real Estate Law

Unless you have a verbal agreement, as the landlord, your lease and state law limit your rights regarding the rental property. You will likely have to give your tenant notice anytime you need to enter unless there is a true emergency. There are also only a handful of reasons that you can remove a tenant from a property and regain possession of it after signing a lease with them.

When their lease ends, you do have the option of not renewing it for any reason that you choose. While the lease is still in effect, you would need to prove that one of the circumstances below applies to your situation if you want the tenant out before the end of the lease.

When they fail to pay their rent

One of the most common reasons for Ohio eviction is unpaid rent. Landlords can evict tenants when they miss rent payments. Your lease might impose certain rules on that process.

Otherwise, documentation of missed payments and proper notice to your tenants can lead to an eviction for unpaid rent.

When they cause damage to the unit or violations of the lease

Sometimes, landlords realize after a tenant moves in that they do not take proper care of the space. Whether they have a dog that they never house broke or a habit of smoking inside despite what the lease says, their actions can cause damage to the unit and impact the satisfaction and safety of your other tenants.

When you have proof that someone has damaged a rental unit or when there is documentation that they have repeatedly violated the lease, possibly by having a pet without permission or overnight guests, documentation of the damage or the infractions may give a landlord justification to initiate eviction proceeding.

When they are a registered sex offender

Sometimes, a landlord performs a background check on a tenant, only to have them face criminal issues after they move into a unit. Provided that your unit is within 1,000 feet of certain amenities, like day care centers or schools and that the tenant has to register because of their criminal history, you may be able to evict them based solely on their criminal record.

There are a handful of other, largely technical reasons for landlords to initiate eviction proceedings under Ohio state law. Familiarizing yourself with the eviction rules that apply to residential rental units in Ohio can help you protect your revenue stream and your property.