Can a landlord include trash and recycling fees as a separate charge outside of rent?

Yes, but only if your written lease clearly states you are responsible; otherwise, these services are the landlord’s obligation.

What should I do if I am billed for services the lease says are included?

Send a written letter to your landlord, include a copy of the relevant lease page, and seek help from your local court if needed.

Can a landlord cut off trash service if I refuse to pay a disputed charge?

No. Cutting off essential services as retaliation is illegal under Ohio law.

Are there city-specific rules that could override the state law?

Yes. Some cities require landlords to handle trash even if the lease says otherwise. Check with your local housing department.

Does paying rent to escrow with the court cover my utilities?

Yes, depositing rent with the court covers utilities as outlined in your lease until your dispute is resolved.

Ohio Rental Rules: Can Landlords Charge for Trash and Recycling?

Utilities, Services & Billing Ohio published June 21, 2025

As an Ohio renter, understanding who pays for trash and recycling services is important for your budgeting and for resolving disputes with your landlord. Fees for utilities and services, like trash pickup and recycling, can affect your monthly costs. In Ohio, the responsibilities for these charges are shaped by your lease and state law. Here, we'll break down what you need to know.

Who Is Responsible for Trash and Recycling Services?

Ohio law allows landlords and tenants to agree on utility responsibilities, including trash and recycling, in the rental agreement. This means:

If your lease states you must pay for trash and recycling, you are legally responsible for these bills.
If your lease says nothing about these fees, your landlord is likely responsible by default.
Some cities or counties in Ohio require the property owner (the landlord) to pay for trash pickup, so local regulations may also apply.

Always check your written lease and ask about trash and recycling charges before signing. If you're unsure, you can contact your local county or city office for clarity on specific ordinances.

What Does Ohio Law Say?

The main law for renters and landlords in Ohio is the Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlords and Tenants Act^[1]. This law requires landlords to keep rentals safe and in good repair, including providing “garbage receptacles and removal” unless the responsibility is given to the tenant in writing (Ohio Revised Code 5321.04).

If you do not have a written rental agreement, or if your lease is silent on trash/recycling, your landlord must provide and pay for these services under state law.
If your landlord asks you to cover trash or recycling, this must be included in the lease, listed as either an extra charge or part of your rent.

This legal protection helps ensure tenants have access to basic sanitation services, unless another arrangement is clearly spelled out in the lease.

How Can a Renter Dispute Trash or Recycling Charges?

If your landlord is billing you for trash or recycling unexpectedly, or if you believe the charges are not consistent with your rental agreement, you have options:

Start by reviewing your rental lease to confirm what was agreed upon regarding utility payments.
If you think a charge is improper, write a dated letter to your landlord explaining your concern and referencing your lease.
If a resolution isn’t reached, you can file a complaint with the local municipal court or seek a remedy through the local housing division.

Official Forms Renters Can Use

Tenant’s Notice to Landlord of Violation of Duties (Form: No formal number, template available from Ohio Supreme Court Civil Procedure)
Use this if you need to inform your landlord in writing about a possible violation, such as improper billing for trash or recycling. For example, if your lease says the landlord pays for trash, but you’re billed anyway, this letter is your official notice. Always keep a copy for your records.
Application to Deposit Rent with Clerk of Court (Ohio Revised Code 5321.07)
If your landlord does not resolve the issue after you provide written notice, you may be able to pay your rent to the court instead of your landlord. This step provides legal leverage, but specific procedures apply. Learn how to do this on the Ohio Legal Help site: How Rent Escrow Works.

If you're unsure about a charge, document your communication and always request receipts or written explanations. This protects your rights should you need to escalate the dispute.

Where to Get Help with Rental Disputes

In Ohio, rental disputes (including over trash and recycling charges) may be handled by the local Municipal Court's Housing Division or the county court, depending on where you live.

The Ohio courts can review lease disagreements, enforce the Ohio Landlord and Tenant Act, and provide forms to help you document your dispute.

Summary

Charges for trash and recycling in Ohio depend mainly on your written lease, but state law protects tenants when the lease is silent. Dispute improper charges through written notice, court forms, or by depositing rent with the court. For most renters, clear communication—and knowing your legal rights—is the best path to resolve utility billing issues.

FAQs

Can a landlord include trash and recycling fees as a separate charge outside of rent?
Yes, but only if your written lease clearly states that you are responsible and outlines how charges are calculated. Otherwise, these services are the landlord’s responsibility.
What should I do if I am billed for services the lease says are included?
Send a written letter to your landlord with a copy of your lease page. If unresolved, consider contacting your local municipal court’s housing division for assistance.
Can a landlord cut off trash service if I refuse to pay a disputed charge?
No. Landlords cannot shut off essential services, including trash collection, as retaliation or leverage. This is prohibited by Ohio law.
Are there any city-specific rules that could override the state law?
Yes, some Ohio cities require landlords to provide and pay for trash services regardless of the lease. Check with your local city housing department for details.
Does the rent I pay to the court through escrow still cover utilities?
Yes. Depositing rent with the court covers all terms of your lease, including utilities, until the dispute is resolved.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Ohio Municipal and County Courts Lookup – Find your local court for rental disputes or help with forms.
Ohio Legal Help – Renter Help – Guidance, forms, and assistance for tenant rights and disputes.
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – The full text of Ohio’s landlord-tenant law.
Ohio Attorney General – Your Rights as a Tenant

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlords and Tenants Act