Ohio Eviction Notice Template (R.C. 1923.04)
Before a landlord can file an eviction case, most states require a written notice that tells the tenant what is wrong and how long they have to fix it or move out. Answer the questions below to create a clear, professional notice — then check it against your state and local rules before you serve it.
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Free to preview[Landlord or property manager name]
[Your address and phone for the tenant to reach you]
October 15, 2026
To: [Tenant name(s)]
and all other occupants of
[Rental property address]
Re: [Type of notice] — [Rental property address]
Dear [Tenant name(s)],
This letter is formal written notice to you as the tenant of the property at [Rental property address]. Type of notice: [Type of notice].
The reason for this notice is as follows:
[Reason for this notice]
Within [Notice period in days] days after this notice is delivered to you, you must [What the tenant must do within that time]. If this notice is delivered to you on October 15, 2026, that period ends on October 15, 2026.
This notice is given under Ohio Revised Code § 1923.04, which requires written notice to leave the premises at least 3 days before a landlord may file an eviction action.
If you do not do so within that time, I intend to file an eviction case with the court to recover possession of the property. You will have the opportunity to respond in court, and you may not be removed from the property unless a court orders it. I will not remove you or your belongings or change the locks without a court order.
If you have questions about this notice, or wish to discuss payment or resolving the issue, please contact me in writing at the address above.
Sincerely,
[Landlord or property manager name]
Date this notice was delivered: ____________________
Method of delivery: ____________________
Delivered by: ____________________
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How eviction notices work in Ohio
In Ohio, a landlord must serve a written notice to leave the premises at least 3 days before filing an eviction case for unpaid rent or another reason that ends the tenancy. State law sets no general cure period for lease violations, but if the tenant fails a statutory duty under R.C. 5321.05 that materially affects health and safety, the landlord's termination notice must give at least 30 days and the tenancy ends only if the tenant does not remedy it. A month-to-month tenancy ends with at least 30 days' notice before the periodic rental date.
The 3-day notice must include specific language required by R.C. 1923.04, warning the tenant that an eviction action may be initiated and recommending legal assistance if the tenant is unsure of their rights. It can be handed to the tenant in person, left at the tenant's usual home or at the premises, or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep a copy and note how and when it was delivered.
If the tenant does not leave, the landlord files a forcible entry and detainer action in court, and the tenant can appear and respond at a hearing. Ohio law, R.C. 5321.15, forbids landlords from locking out tenants, shutting off utilities or services, threatening unlawful acts, or seizing belongings to recover possession or rent outside the court process. A landlord who does so is liable for the tenant's damages and legal fees.
What to do, step by step
Check your state and local rules first
Look up the notice period, required wording and delivery method for your state, county and city. Many places set different periods for unpaid rent, lease violations and ending a tenancy, and some cities add their own just-cause rules.
Fill in the notice
Answer the questions above. Name every adult tenant on the lease, state the facts plainly and enter the exact number of days your rules require.
Serve it the way your state requires
States specify how a notice must be delivered — commonly hand delivery, leaving it with an adult at the home, posting and mailing, or certified mail. A notice served the wrong way may have to be redone.
Record how and when you served it
Write down the date, time, method and who delivered it, and keep a copy of the notice. Courts often ask for this proof of service.
Wait out the full notice period
Don't change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities. If the tenant fixes the problem, accept it as your rules require; if not, the next step is filing an eviction case in court.
What if the tenant doesn't respond to the notice?
An eviction notice is not an eviction. It is the written warning most states require before you can go to court. If the notice period ends and the tenant hasn't paid, fixed the violation or moved out, the next step is to file an eviction case — often called an unlawful detainer or summary possession case — with your local court.
Until a judge rules in your favor and a court officer such as a sheriff or marshal carries out the order, the tenant has the right to stay. Changing the locks, removing the tenant's belongings, cutting off utilities or otherwise forcing them out is a so-called self-help eviction, which is illegal in nearly every state and can expose you to damages.
Courts look closely at the notice itself. If the period was too short, the wording missed something your state requires or it was delivered the wrong way, the case can be dismissed and you may have to start over. Your local court's self-help center or a landlord association can tell you what your court expects.
Example Ohio eviction notice
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Greenway Rentals LLC
PO Box 2210, Lakeview, MN 55401 · (555) 201-4478
October 5, 2026
To: Taylor Brooks and Jamie Brooks
and all other occupants of
56 Willow St, Unit 3, Lakeview, MN 55402
Re: Notice to pay rent or quit — 56 Willow St, Unit 3, Lakeview, MN 55402
Dear Taylor Brooks and Jamie Brooks,
This letter is formal written notice to you as the tenant of the property at 56 Willow St, Unit 3, Lakeview, MN 55402. Type of notice: Notice to pay rent or quit.
The reason for this notice is as follows:
Rent of $1,450 for the month of September 2026, due on September 1, 2026, has not been paid, despite a reminder sent by email on September 10.
The total amount of rent now due is $1,450.00.
Within 14 days after this notice is delivered to you, you must pay the full amount of rent owed or move out of the property. If this notice is delivered to you on October 5, 2026, that period ends on October 19, 2026.
This notice is given under Ohio Revised Code § 1923.04, which requires written notice to leave the premises at least 3 days before a landlord may file an eviction action.
If you do not do so within that time, I intend to file an eviction case with the court to recover possession of the property. You will have the opportunity to respond in court, and you may not be removed from the property unless a court orders it. I will not remove you or your belongings or change the locks without a court order.
If you have questions about this notice, or wish to discuss payment or resolving the issue, please contact me in writing at the address above.
Sincerely,
Greenway Rentals LLC
Date this notice was delivered: ____________________
Method of delivery: ____________________
Delivered by: ____________________
Frequently asked questions
What must an Ohio 3-day notice say?
It must contain the statutory warning: You are being asked to leave the premises. If you do not leave, an eviction action may be initiated against you. If you are in doubt regarding your legal rights and obligations as a tenant, it is recommended that you seek legal assistance.
Does an Ohio tenant get time to fix a lease violation?
For violations of the tenant duties in R.C. 5321.05 that materially affect health and safety, the landlord must give written notice ending the tenancy no less than 30 days after receipt, and the tenancy ends only if the tenant fails to remedy the problem. For nonpayment, the 3-day notice to leave can be served once rent is unpaid.
How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Ohio?
At least 30 days before the periodic rental date, under R.C. 5321.17. Week-to-week tenancies need 7 days. After the date passes, the landlord serves the 3-day notice before filing if the tenant has not moved.
Can an Ohio landlord shut off utilities or change the locks?
No. Under R.C. 5321.15, a landlord of residential premises may not terminate utilities or services, exclude the tenant, or threaten any unlawful act to recover possession, and may not seize a tenant's belongings to collect rent without a court order. The tenant can recover damages and reasonable legal fees.
How much notice do I have to give a tenant?
It depends on your state, sometimes your city, the type of notice and the lease. Periods for unpaid rent can be as short as a few days or as long as a month, and notices ending a month-to-month tenancy are often 30 days or more. Check your state's landlord-tenant law and any local ordinance before serving.
Is an eviction notice the same as being evicted?
No. A notice only starts the process. If the tenant doesn't comply, the landlord must file a case in court and win a judgment. Only a court order, carried out by a sheriff, marshal or similar officer, can legally remove a tenant from the property.
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