Ohio Demand Letter Generator

Ohio rules for demand letters

Small claims court in Ohio

The general small claims limit in Ohio is $6,000. The Ohio small claims sources we checked do not require a demand before filing, but a written demand is still useful evidence. Ohio's small claims statute does not require a demand before filing.

The small claims court finder shows the filing fee for your amount, where to file and how to serve; our Ohio small claims guide walks through the whole case.

Security deposits in Ohio

Within 30 days after the rental agreement ends and the tenant delivers possession, the landlord must deliver a written notice itemizing any deductions, together with the amount due. A landlord who does not comply can be ordered to return the money due plus damages equal to the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney fees. The tenant must give the landlord a forwarding address in writing; a tenant who does not is not entitled to the damages or attorney fees. Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.16(B)

Ohio law requires you to give the landlord a forwarding or new address in writing, where the itemized notice and the amount due can be sent. Do this when you move out and keep a copy. If you do not, you cannot recover the extra damages or attorney fees, only the money due.

Consumer protection notice in Ohio

The sources we checked show no general written-notice requirement before a consumer lawsuit under the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act. No pre-suit demand letter is required. In an individual action, a consumer may rescind the transaction or recover actual economic damages plus up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages.

What a demand letter should say

A demand letter is a short, factual request for payment. It names who owes whom, how much, and why; it sets a date to pay; and it says what you will do next if you are not paid. Keep it to what you could prove to a judge: the agreement, the dates, the amount, and any payments already made.

• Your name and mailing address, the date, and the other side's name and address.
• The amount you are asking for and how you got to it.
• A short account of what was agreed and what went wrong.
• A clear deadline and how to pay.
• Your next step if you are not paid, such as filing in small claims court.

Send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt, and keep a copy for the court file.

What this tool does not do

• It does not send the letter, store it, or put anything you type in the web address. Everything stays in your browser.
• It does not calculate interest, judge whether your claim is strong, or say what a court would award.
• It does not check your statute of limitations. Use the statute of limitations calculator.
• It is general information and a template, not legal advice.