Can't Pay Rent in Ohio: What Are My Options?

What the law says

1. 1

   Even if you owe rent, your landlord cannot shut off your utilities (water, electric, gas) or change your locks to try to force you out. Ohio law only allows your landlord to get you out through the eviction process in court.

   Sources:

   1. § 5321.15(A), Ohio Revised Code. Law.
   2. Can my landlord turn off my utilities to force me out?, Ohio Legal Help. A nonprofit group.
2. 2

   Your landlord cannot take your belongings to collect rent you owe, unless a court orders it.

   Source:

   1. § 5321.15(B), Ohio Revised Code. Law.
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   Suppose your landlord locks you out, shuts off your utilities (water, electric, gas), or takes your things to force you out or collect rent. Then you can sue. A court can order your landlord to pay for your losses and your lawyer's fees. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.

   Sources:

   1. Our editorial rules.
   2. § 5321.15(A), Ohio Revised Code. Law.

Talk to your landlord

4. 4

   If you know you will not be able to pay rent on time, tell your landlord before the due date. Do not wait until after you have already missed a payment. Reach out to your landlord as soon as you know there is a problem.

   Source:

   1. Don't wait. Negotiate., Ohio Legal Help. A nonprofit group.
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   Paying late is not likely to make your landlord happy. But your landlord might accept a payment plan, if that is all you can afford. You can also offer to pay back everything you owe within a reasonable amount of time.

   Source:

   1. Put yourself in their shoes, Ohio Legal Help. A nonprofit group.
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   For example, say you owe your landlord $600 in back rent. Offering an extra $50 a month on its own may not get you far. Offering $300 now, plus an extra $50 added to your rent each month until you are paid up, is more likely to work.

   Source:

   1. Put yourself in their shoes, Ohio Legal Help. A nonprofit group.
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   Once you and your landlord agree on a payment plan or an amount, put it in writing. Sign it, and make sure your landlord signs it too.

   Source:

   1. Get it in writing, Ohio Legal Help. A nonprofit group.

Get help paying rent

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   You may get federal help paying rent, such as a Section 8 housing choice voucher (help that pays part of your rent). Or you may live in public housing or subsidized housing (private housing where the government helps pay part of the rent). If so, ask your housing program for an interim recertification (a request to lower what you pay in rent through that program).

   Source:

   1. Where can I get help with paying my rent?, Ohio Legal Help. A nonprofit group.
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   Some Community Action Agencies still have rental assistance (money to help pay rent). Apply through your local Community Action Agency. The state's Office of Housing Support also funds short-term emergency housing help for Ohioans with low income. Email ohsassistance@development.ohio.gov to find your local agency.

   Sources:

   1. Where can I get help with paying my rent?, Ohio Legal Help. A nonprofit group.
   2. Housing and Rental Assistance, Ohio Department of Development. A government guide.
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    If you are a veteran, you may qualify for financial help with rent. Contact your county's Veteran Service Office to find out what is available.

    Source:

    1. Can I be evicted for paying late?, Ohio Legal Help. A nonprofit group.

If you still cannot pay

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    If your unpaid rent is sent to a debt collector, a federal law limits what they can do. A debt collector cannot call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. They cannot call you at work if you asked them not to. They cannot threaten you or lie about what you owe.

    Source:

    1. Stop debt collector harassment, Ohio Legal Help. A nonprofit group.
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    Ohio law lets your landlord start a court case to evict you if you do not pay rent. That case usually takes 4 to 6 weeks, and your belongings are not put outside right away. The notice your landlord must send and the court steps are covered in Facing Eviction in Ohio: What Can I Do?

    Source:

    1. Can I be evicted if I am unable to pay rent?, Ohio Legal Help. A nonprofit group.