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Contents
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For accuracy and specific guidance on landlord-tenant laws, consult an attorney before making any decisions or taking action.
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While federal laws provide a foundation for tenant screening, state-specific regulations can make all the difference for landlords. In Ohio, for instance, landlords enjoy unique flexibility—there’s no cap on application fees, as long as they align with actual screening costs. But with this freedom comes responsibility, as Ohio’s tenant screening laws also define what information can be collected, how it can be used, and the rules around background check fees.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Ohio’s tenant screening laws for 2025, from application essentials to navigating compliance with ease.
Related: The Landlord's Guide To Tenant Screening
Several federal, state, and local laws govern the Ohio tenant screening process. These laws form the legal framework landlords must adhere to when evaluating potential tenants.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination against applicants during the tenant screening process. This law protects various classes, including race, color, sex, disability, religion, familial status, national origin, and citizenship status.
In addition to the protected classes in the federal Fair Housing Act, Ohio's fair housing law extends protections against discrimination based on stereotypes to cover ancestry and military status.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, landlords must provide an adverse action notice if an application is denied based on information from the applicant’s credit report. This notice informs applicants of the decision and outlines their rights under the act.
Additionally, landlords must disclose the name and address of the credit reporting agency that supplied the report.
Ohio doesn’t have a statewide limit on the amount landlords can charge for tenant screening and application fees. This means landlords can charge whatever amount they wish as an application fee. However, it’s required for the amount to reflect the actual costs incurred during the screening process.
Additionally, landlords need to note that application fees are considered non-refundable. This means that once a prospective tenant pays the application fee, they are not entitled to a refund, regardless of whether they are accepted or denied for the rental.
Related: Rental Application Fee Laws By State
There’s no statute in Ohio that requires landlords to disclose their complete tenant screening criteria. However, they must adhere to fair housing laws, which prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics during the tenant selection process.
Despite not being required legally, landlords should maintain written rental policies that outline their screening criteria. They should also apply these policies consistently to all applicants to ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
It’s important to note that Ohio doesn’t have any specific laws that restrict tenant screening reports. However, the Federal Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) mandates that landlords obtain written consent from applicants before conducting credit checks.
Additionally, landlords need to ensure that their background check procedures comply with civil rights laws, such as the Fair Housing Act.
Before initiating any background or credit checks, landlords must secure a signed consent form from the applicant. This requirement is in accordance with both the FCRA and relevant Ohio laws. If an applicant chooses not to provide consent, landlords have the right to withdraw their application.
When using third-party screening services, landlords must confirm that these providers are certified under the FCRA. This certification ensures that both the landlord's and the applicant's information is managed securely and in compliance with federal regulations.
Related: What Is A Tenant Screening Report? Plus Examples
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Here’s a concise overview of the typical steps involved in the tenant screening process in Ohio.
Begin the screening process by asking pre-qualification questions. This helps determine if applicants meet essential criteria, such as income level, rental history, and their desired move-in timeline.
Next, gather crucial information from applicants. This includes their contact details, previous addresses, employment history, proof of income, and consent for background checks.
Once you have the necessary information, conduct thorough background checks. This should cover credit history, criminal records, and rental history. Utilizing an online screening service can facilitate quick and legal access to these reports.
When selecting an online tenant screening service, prioritize the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information provided about potential tenants. Additionally, consider factors such as cost, data security, and the speed of report delivery.
Landlord Tip: Landlord Studio offers detailed tenant screening reports for landlords across the US, including Ohio. The reports include the tenant credit scores, rental history, background checks, and eviction records. Reports can be generated in as little as 30 minutes, with prices starting at $45. Create your free Landlord Studio account to generate a tenant screening report today.
After reviewing the reports, evaluate the applications using consistent criteria to ensure compliance with Ohio's tenant screening laws.
It’s essential for landlords to promptly inform applicants of their decisions. Providing clear reasons for any denials fosters transparency and helps maintain a positive relationship with potential tenants.
Familiarizing yourself with Ohio tenant screening laws is essential for landlords looking to reduce legal risks and ensure compliance with both federal and state regulations. During any screening process, landlords must avoid discriminatory practices and focus on assessing a tenant’s reliability and ability to pay rent punctually.
Fortunately, reliable property management tools like Landlord Studio can simplify this process while ensuring compliance with tenant screening laws in Ohio 2025. Landlord Studio offers affordable screening solutions that prioritize legal compliance, provide thorough reporting, and deliver quick turnaround times.
Take the first step towards improving your tenant screening experience in Ohio by signing up for a free account today!
