Being a landlord comes with a lot of responsibilities, one of which is making sure that your tenants are living in a safe and habitable environment. As a landlord in Ohio, it's important to be aware of the state's laws regarding repairs and maintenance. Here's a breakdown of what landlords must repair for their tenants and how quickly under Ohio law.

The Landlord's Responsibility

Under Ohio law, landlords are required to keep their properties in a habitable condition. This means that the landlord is responsible for repairing any defects or damages that affect the health and safety of the tenants. Examples of such defects or damages include:

Leaking roofs, walls or windows

Broken plumbing

Inadequate heating or cooling

Pest infestations

Faulty electrical wiring

Lack of hot water

Structural damage

Unsafe flooring or stairs

If any of these issues arise, it's the landlord's responsibility to fix them as soon as possible. Ohio law requires landlords to make repairs in a "reasonable" amount of time, which is typically defined as 30 days. However, if the issue is a serious health or safety concern, such as a gas leak or a lack of heat during winter, the landlord is required to make the repairs within 24 hours.

Tenant's Responsibilities

While landlords are responsible for maintaining the property, tenants also have some responsibilities when it comes to keeping the rental unit in good condition. Tenants are required to report any defects or damages to the landlord as soon as they become aware of them. This allows the landlord to take action and make the necessary repairs.

If a tenant causes damage to the property, either intentionally or through negligence, the landlord may require the tenant to pay for the repairs. For example, if a tenant accidentally breaks a window, the landlord can deduct the cost of the repair from the tenant's security deposit.

Landlord's Right to Enter the Property

In order to make repairs or perform maintenance on the property, landlords have the right to enter the rental unit. However, Ohio law requires landlords to provide tenants with reasonable notice before entering the property, typically 24 hours. This allows tenants to prepare for the landlord's visit and ensure that someone is present to let them in.

If a landlord enters the property without providing proper notice, or without a valid reason, they may be in violation of Ohio's landlord-tenant laws. Tenants have the right to sue landlords for damages if they feel their rights have been violated.

Conclusion

Being a landlord in Ohio comes with a lot of responsibilities, including the responsibility to maintain a habitable living environment for tenants. If you're a landlord, it's important to be aware of the state's laws regarding repairs and maintenance, and to take action quickly when issues arise.

Tenants also have responsibilities when it comes to keeping the rental unit in good condition and reporting any defects or damages to the landlord. By working together, landlords and tenants can ensure that rental properties are safe and habitable for everyone involved.

So, if you're a landlord, make sure you're up-to-date on Ohio's landlord-tenant laws and take action promptly to make repairs when necessary. And if you're a tenant, don't hesitate to report any issues to your landlord and take good care of the property while you're living there.