Ohio Move-In Checklist: Essential Inspections for Renters

Before you sign any lease in Ohio, making sure the property is in good condition is key to protecting your rights and your security deposit. Whether you’re moving into an apartment, duplex, or single-family home, doing a thorough move-in inspection helps avoid disputes and ensures the rental meets all legal standards set by Ohio law.

Why Move-In Inspections Matter for Ohio Renters

Ohio renters are legally entitled to a safe and habitable rental property. A careful inspection documents existing damages, alerts your landlord to repairs, and can prevent disagreements over your security deposit at move-out. Ohio law gives renters the right to know the property’s condition and to receive certain disclosures from the landlord before moving in. For more details, see Chapter 5321 of the Ohio Revised Code.^[1]

What to Check: Key Areas of Inspection

When conducting your move-in checklist, carefully look for damage, safety concerns, or missing features in each of the following:

• Locks and Doors: Test all locks, knobs, and deadbolts. Doors should close securely and meet state safety standards.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: These are required in most rentals. Ensure units are present and operational. Ask when they were last tested or replaced.
• Plumbing and Water: Turn on all faucets and showers. Look for leaks, proper drainage, and hot water availability.
• Heating and Air Conditioning: Test thermostats, vents, and radiators. Ohio law requires landlords to maintain adequate heating (Section 5321.04).
• Electrical Outlets and Lights: Make sure all outlets, switches, and lights function safely.
• Appliances: If provided, test stoves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, etc.
• Windows: Check for broken glass, working locks, and that they open/close properly.
• Walls, Ceilings, and Floors: Note scratches, stains, holes, or damage – photograph everything.
• Pest Evidence: Look for droppings, insect damage, or signs of infestation.
• General Cleanliness and Safety: The property should be clean and free of hazards.

Write down everything on a move-in checklist and keep a copy—both for your records and your landlord.

Required Landlord Disclosures in Ohio

Ohio law requires landlords to disclose certain information at or before the start of tenancy, including:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For rentals built before 1978, landlords must provide tenants with a lead warning statement and pamphlet.
• Property Owner/Agent Information: Name and address of the owner/agent managing the property (for service of process).

Official Forms for Ohio Renters

Ohio Residential Rental Inspection Checklist (Suggested)

Ohio does not mandate a statewide move-in checklist form, but many landlords and tenants use a Residential Rental Inspection Checklist at move-in. This form lets you list all damages and needed repairs. You can find a sample from the Cleveland Housing Court (Rental Inspection Checklist). Present the completed checklist to your landlord and keep a signed copy for your records.

How it's used: After the walkthrough, you note all existing issues—such as scratches on floors or missing smoke detectors. Both you and the landlord should sign and keep a copy. This will protect you at move-out if there’s a dispute about your security deposit.

Request for Repairs (Written Notice)

If you discover issues that require attention, Ohio law says you must notify your landlord in writing. While no specific state form is required, your letter should include the date, your address, a clear list of the problems, and a request for timely repairs. Deliver by certified mail if possible.

For example: After noting a leaking faucet during your move-in inspection, you send the landlord a signed letter describing the issue. This gives the landlord a reasonable opportunity to fix it, as required under Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.04.^[2]

What Happens if There Are Problems?

If your inspection reveals serious issues (such as no heat, water leaks, or unsafe conditions) and your landlord refuses to address them, you may file a complaint with your local municipal housing court or contact the tribunal handling rental disputes. In Ohio, disputes over rental conditions are commonly handled by the local municipal or county court.

It’s always easier to prevent future problems by taking time to thoroughly inspect your unit before signing the lease. Documenting everything protects both you and your landlord.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if my landlord won’t fix issues found during the move-in inspection?
   First, provide written notice listing all problems and give your landlord a reasonable amount of time to make repairs. If nothing happens, you can seek help from your local municipal or county court or contact a tenant advocacy resource.
2. Am I required to use an official move-in checklist in Ohio?
   No statewide checklist is required, but using one is strongly recommended. Many landlords and courts use sample checklists provided by local housing courts.
3. How do I make sure I get my security deposit back in Ohio?
   Document the unit’s condition at move-in, share your signed checklist with your landlord, and keep copies of all correspondence. This will help if there’s any dispute at move-out.
4. What landlord disclosures am I entitled to in Ohio?
   You have a right to know the property owner’s name and address, and for homes built before 1978, you must receive the federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure.
5. Who handles rental disputes in Ohio?
   Rental disputes are processed through the local municipal or county court with jurisdiction over the property.

Conclusion: Checklist Success & Renter Protections

• Inspecting before move-in protects your security deposit and your rights under Ohio’s rental law.
• Request and keep all disclosures, and always provide written notice for repairs.
• If you face unresolved problems, contact your local municipal court or advocacy resource.

A detailed inspection is the best way to move in with confidence.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Municipal & County Courts Directory – Find your local court for rental disputes
• Ohio Attorney General: Tenant & Landlord Consumer Tips
• Cleveland Housing Court – Forms, help, and tenant resources
• Read Ohio's Landlord-Tenant Laws (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321)
• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Information

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1. [1] Read the full Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlords and Tenants
2. [2] See Section 5321.04 – Landlord Obligations for maintenance and repair details

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