Ohio Renters’ Rights: Addressing Apartment Pest Infestations

Pest infestations—such as bed bugs, cockroaches, or rodents—can compromise your health and quality of life. If you’re renting an apartment in Ohio, you have legal protections under state law to make sure your home is safe and habitable. This guide explains your rights, your landlord’s responsibilities, and the steps you can take when facing pest issues in your Ohio rental.

Your Right to a Safe and Habitable Apartment

Ohio law requires landlords to comply with all applicable health and safety codes and ensure rentals are fit for living, which includes being free from pest infestations. This is outlined in the Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.04. Landlords must:

• Keep your rental unit safe and sanitary
• Make all necessary repairs to ensure the property remains in good condition
• Comply with health, safety, and housing codes, including those related to pest control

As a renter, you are responsible for keeping your unit clean and disposing of garbage properly, which helps prevent infestations (Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.05).

What to Do If You Have a Pest Infestation

If you discover pests in your apartment, here’s what you should do:

• Notify your landlord promptly in writing, describing the type of pest and location
• Request a solution and keep a copy of all correspondence
• Cooperate with any pest control treatments scheduled by your landlord

When the Landlord Does Not Respond

If your landlord does not address the infestation, Ohio law gives renters specific tools to request repairs or remediation. One option is to use the official "Rent Escrow" process.

• Form: "Application to Deposit Rent with Clerk of Court"
• When/How to Use: File this form with your county municipal or county court to deposit your rent with the court instead of the landlord. You should only do this if the landlord has not resolved the pest issue within a reasonable time after written notice (typically 30 days or sooner if the problem is urgent). Example: You emailed and mailed your landlord a notice of severe cockroach infestation, but after 30 days—no action. You can apply to deposit your rent in escrow until repairs are made.
• Learn how to use rent escrow at Ohio Legal Help. For official forms, refer to your local municipal or county court website.

It's important to use written communication (email or certified mail) when notifying your landlord of pests. This creates a record if you need to take further action.

Reporting Unresolved Health and Safety Issues

You may also report unresolved pest infestations to your local public health department. They can inspect the property and may cite the landlord for code violations.

• Find your local Ohio health department to file a complaint.

Ohio's Residential Rental Tribunal

Disputes relating to repairs and code violations are handled by your local municipal or county court in Ohio. These courts oversee landlord-tenant matters, including rent escrow and repair disputes.

FAQ: Ohio Renters and Pest Problems

1. Is my landlord responsible for pest control in my Ohio apartment?
   Yes. Under Ohio law, landlords must keep rentals safe and sanitary, which includes addressing pest infestations, unless you caused the problem by failing to keep your unit clean.
2. How do I start the rent escrow process?
   Give your landlord written notice of the pest problem. If not fixed in 30 days, file the Application to Deposit Rent with Clerk of Court at your local municipal or county court. You will deposit rent there until the issue is resolved.
3. Can I break my lease due to severe pest infestations?
   Possibly, if the infestation makes the apartment uninhabitable and the landlord fails to resolve it after proper notice. Always seek legal advice before ending a lease early.
4. What documents should I keep if I have a pest problem?
   Save all written notices to your landlord, photos of the infestation, pest control reports, and any correspondence related to the issue.
5. Who enforces tenant rights in Ohio?
   Local municipal or county courts handle rental disputes, and local public health departments enforce housing codes regarding infestations.

Conclusion: Know Your Rights and Take Action

• Ohio law requires landlords to address pest problems and maintain habitable rentals.
• Document and report issues promptly; use official forms and processes to protect your rights.
• Resources and local courts are available for renters needing further assistance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlords and Tenants
• Ohio Legal Help: Rent Escrow
• Directory: Ohio Municipal and County Courts – for rent escrow and tenant applications
• Ohio Health Department Directory – report pest infestations or code violations

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1. Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.04 – Landlord Obligations
2. Ohio Revised Code Section 5321.05 – Tenant Obligations
3. Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5321 – Landlord and Tenant Law
4. Ohio Legal Help: Rent Escrow
5. Ohio Municipal and County Courts Directory
6. Directory of Ohio Local Health Districts

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