Evicting a bad tenant in Ohio costs ~$6,273.
How Ohio handles evictions
Three-day notice to leave required before filing, with mandatory statutory tenant-rights language — courts dismiss cases where it's missing.
The eviction process in Ohio, step by step
Governed by Ohio Rev. Code ch. 1923 (Forcible Entry and Detainer).
- 1
Serve the 3-day notice to leaveDays 0–3
Must conspicuously include the statutory tenant-rights language (R.C. § 1923.04); month-to-month tenancies need the 30-day termination notice first (§ 5321.17).
- 2
File the FED complaintDays ~3–4
Municipal/county court; Franklin County: $123 one-cause (possession only) or $160 two-cause (+ money judgment).
- 3
Hearing set and served~2 weeks
Clerk sets the first hearing and serves the tenant ($25 service in Franklin).
- 4
First-cause hearing on possessionDays ~14–30
Restitution of the premises granted; any money claim gets a separate second-cause hearing later.
- 5
Writ of restitution / red tagOn praecipe
Bailiff posts (red-tags) the door; the tenant has 5 days including weekends to vacate (R.C. § 1923.14).
- 6
Supervised set-outDays 5–10 after tagging
Lockout performed after the 5-day period and before the end of the 10th day; landlord supplies labor ($45 set-out fee in Franklin).
Ohio court fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing fee | $123 one-cause / $160 two-cause (Franklin County) |
| Service | $25 (up to 3 defendants at one address) |
| Writ of restitution / set-out | $45 (or $80 combined praecipe + set-out) |
Required notice periods in Ohio
Nonpayment of rent
3-day notice to leave the premises (with required tenant-rights summary)
Lease violation
3-day notice to leave the premises
No cause / end of term
30 days' notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, then the 3-day notice
Statute: Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1923.04, 5321.17
Most of that loss is preventable.
Bad tenants almost always leave a paper trail — the problem is that most landlords don't check carefully. Here's what a proper screening catches before you sign the lease.
Ohio eviction cost FAQ
How much does it cost to evict someone in Ohio?
In Franklin County (Columbus) a one-cause eviction (possession only) costs $123 to file, or $160 if you also seek a money judgment, plus $25 for service and about $45 for the writ-of-restitution set-out. All-in is roughly $150–$205 before attorney fees; statewide FED filing commonly runs $80–$175 by court.
How long does an eviction take in Ohio?
Commonly 4–6 weeks: a 3-day notice to leave (R.C. § 1923.04), a hearing set within about two weeks of filing, then a writ of restitution where the bailiff red-tags the door for 5 days before a supervised set-out that must occur by the 10th day after tagging (R.C. § 1923.14).
How much notice do I give before evicting for nonpayment in Ohio?
A 3-day notice to leave the premises (R.C. § 1923.04), served by certified mail, personal delivery, or by leaving it at the residence. It must contain the exact statutory language telling the tenant to leave and to seek legal help if in doubt — courts dismiss cases where this language is missing.
What is the "red tag" in an Ohio eviction?
After you win possession and request a writ of restitution, the court's bailiff posts (red-tags) the tenant's door. The tenant then has 5 days, including weekends and holidays, to move out; if they don't, a supervised set-out happens between the 5th and 10th day after tagging (R.C. § 1923.14).
Can I remove the tenant myself after winning in Ohio?
No. Only the court bailiff/officer may execute the writ of restitution and set-out. Ohio bars self-help evictions and utility shutoffs (R.C. § 5321.15); wrongful self-help exposes the landlord to the tenant's actual damages plus attorney fees.
How much is the eviction filing fee in Ohio?
$123, filed with the Municipal Court. Service, writ, and execution fees are typically extra and vary by county/court.
What court handles evictions in Ohio?
Evictions in Ohio are handled by the Municipal Court.
Sources & methodology
Filing fees and timelines reflect the Municipal Court and public tribunal fee schedules; cost figures are estimates compiled from public court schedules, Eviction Lab, and state guides — actual costs vary by county, contest status, and market conditions. Last reviewed 2026-07-02. Primary statute: Ohio Rev. Code ch. 1923 (Forcible Entry and Detainer).
- Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.04 (3-day notice)
- Ohio Rev. Code § 1923.14 (writ of restitution)
- Franklin County Municipal Court — Filing an Eviction
- Franklin County — Set-Out / Writ procedures (PDF)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.