Can I be automatically denied for having any criminal record in Ohio?

No, Ohio landlords cannot have a blanket policy banning all applicants with any criminal history. They must consider details about the conviction.

Do landlords need to tell me why my application was denied?

Yes, you can ask your landlord for the specific reason, and if it is based on criminal history, you can request more details or file a complaint.

Is it legal for landlords to consider arrests without convictions?

Landlords are generally discouraged from considering arrests that did not lead to convictions when making rental decisions.

Where can I file a discrimination complaint as a renter in Ohio?

You can file with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or HUD using their official online or printable forms.

Ohio Renters: Landlord Rules on Criminal History Checks

Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Ohio published: June 21, 2025

If you are renting in Ohio and have a criminal record, you may wonder whether a landlord can ask about your criminal history during the application process. This is an important issue, especially for renters seeking a fair chance at housing. Understanding the rules around criminal background checks can help you protect your rights and find safe, stable housing.

Can Landlords Ask About Criminal History?

In Ohio, landlords are generally allowed to ask about your criminal history when you apply for a rental. They may conduct background checks, including looking for past convictions, as part of their tenant screening process. However, there are important limits and protections under fair housing laws to help ensure you are not unfairly discriminated against.

What the Law Says in Ohio

Federal Law: The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status, or national origin.
State Law: The Ohio Fair Housing Law (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4112) provides similar protections for renters in Ohio.
While a criminal record is not a protected class, landlords may not use criminal history policies in a way that results in discrimination based on one of these protected categories.

For example, it is illegal for a landlord to reject all applicants with a criminal record only if they are of a certain race or national origin. Guidance from HUD (the federal housing department) explains that blanket bans on all criminal records may violate federal fair housing rules.^[1]

How Landlords Use Criminal Background Checks

Most Ohio landlords use criminal background checks to screen rental applicants. They usually look for recent convictions for violent or drug-related offenses and may deny applications based on certain findings. However, landlords must:

Apply screening policies consistently to all applicants
Base decisions on accurate, up-to-date information
Avoid blanket bans that automatically deny anyone with any record
Provide you with a chance to explain the circumstances, especially if the offense is old or minor

If you believe you were denied housing because of a criminal record, and you feel this impacted you unfairly based on your race, national origin, or another protected class, you may have the right to file a fair housing complaint.

Fair Housing Complaints and Official Forms

Ohio Civil Rights Commission – Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
When to use: If you believe a landlord has discriminated against you (for example, applying stricter criminal history standards to certain groups), file this form. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission investigates these complaints under state law.
Ohio Civil Rights Commission: File a Housing Complaint
HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
When to use: If you believe your federal fair housing rights were violated by criminal background screening practices, you can submit this form online to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
HUD Discrimination Complaint Form 903 Online

Both forms walk you through describing the discrimination, what happened, and provide guidance on next steps. You can file with one or both agencies as appropriate.

Which Tribunal Handles Rental Disputes in Ohio?

Ohio does not have a separate housing tribunal. Disputes between tenants and landlords, including issues around discrimination or improper denial, are usually addressed by the Ohio Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Section and the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC). Legal actions can also be handled through local civil or small claims courts, but complaints about discrimination always start with these agencies.

Key Takeaway: While Ohio landlords may ask about criminal history, they must not use this information in a way that discriminates against protected groups. If you feel unfairly denied, you have the right to file a complaint.

FAQ: Criminal History and Renting in Ohio

Can I be automatically denied for having any criminal record?
No, Ohio landlords cannot have a policy that automatically bans all applicants with any criminal history. They must consider the nature and date of the offense and provide you with a fair evaluation.
If I was denied an apartment, can I ask why?
Yes, you have the right to request the specific reason for denial. If your criminal record was the reason and you feel the process was unfair, you may file a complaint.
Are arrests treated the same as convictions?
No, landlords are generally discouraged from considering mere arrests without convictions. Most fair housing agencies focus on convictions rather than arrests that did not result in a finding of guilt.
What should I do if I believe I experienced discrimination?
Gather as much information as possible (written policies, emails, application forms) and file a complaint using the forms and contacts listed above.
Can my application be reconsidered if my conviction is old or unrelated?
You can always ask the landlord to review your application, especially if the conviction is not recent or not related to the safety of the property or tenants.

Conclusion: What Renters in Ohio Should Know

Ohio landlords can ask about criminal history but must follow fair housing rules
You are protected from discrimination based on race, national origin, and other categories—even in background checks
If you believe you were denied unfairly, you can file a complaint with state or federal agencies

Understanding your rights helps you secure housing opportunities and take action if you feel treated improperly due to your criminal background. Stay informed, keep documentation, and reach out for support if needed.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Ohio Civil Rights Commission (OCRC) – Handles discrimination complaints and investigations
HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity – Oversees federal housing laws and complaints
Ohio Legal Help: Housing Section – Free legal guidance and resources for renters
Ohio Attorney General's Renter Protections – General support for tenant-landlord issues

^[1] U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Guidance on Application of Fair Housing Act Standards to the Use of Criminal Records (2016).
^[2] Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4112 – Fair Housing Law.
^[3] Federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968).