What can a tenant in Ohio do if their landlord fails to make necessary repairs?

In Ohio, if a landlord fails to make necessary repairs, a tenant is permitted to make the repairs themselves and deduct the costs from their rent. This is often referred to as the "repair and deduct" remedy. Under Ohio law, tenants have the right to take certain actions if their landlord does not maintain the property in a habitable condition, which includes making essential repairs that are the landlord’s responsibility.

When a tenant chooses to utilize this remedy, they must typically follow specific steps: they should provide the landlord with written notice of the needed repairs, give the landlord a reasonable time to make those repairs, and ensure the costs for repairs are reasonable. This protects the tenant's rights while also encouraging landlords to fulfill their obligations.

While reporting the landlord to local authorities and withholding rent are common thoughts among tenants facing such issues, these actions come with more complications and may not provide a direct resolution to the repair issue. Likewise, terminating the lease may not be a viable option unless the situation meets certain legal thresholds defined by law, such as a significant breach of habitability. Therefore, the ability to repair and deduct is clear and straightforward for tenants looking to address repair issues in Ohio.