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Can I terminate my tenants' lease for having pets in Ohio?

Can I terminate my tenants' lease for having pets in Ohio?

Q: Can a tenant refuse viewings in Ohio?

Tenants in Ohio cannot outright refuse viewings if the landlord has provided proper notice. However, tenants can request that viewings occur at specific times to accommodate their schedules. If a tenant has valid reasons for not allowing access, such as safety concerns, they should communicate this to the landlord.

Full question:

My house is in Ohio and I just found out from the realtor my tenants have 2 pets a dog and a cat in the house. The lease states 'Tenants not permitted to keep any pets on the premise'. Can I terminate their contract and have them to vacate the premise by giving them 30 days notice?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Subcategory: Lease Termination
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Ohio

Answer:

In Ohio, a landlord can terminate a month-to-month tenancy by providing 30 days' notice. According to Ohio law (Ohio Rev. Code § 5321.17), both landlords and tenants can end a month-to-month rental agreement with a 30-day notice prior to the next rental period.

If your tenants are violating the lease by keeping pets, you may have grounds to terminate the lease. Specifically, if the lease prohibits pets and the tenants are keeping them, this could be considered a breach of the rental agreement. In such cases, the law allows you to terminate the tenancy with proper notice.

It’s important to ensure that you follow the correct legal procedures for termination, which may include providing written notice that specifies the reason for termination. If the tenants do not vacate the premises after the notice period, you may need to take further legal action to regain possession of the property.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can a tenant refuse a showing in Ohio?

In Ohio, tenants generally cannot refuse a showing if the landlord provides proper notice. Landlords are typically required to give reasonable notice, usually 24 hours, before entering the property for showings. However, tenants can request that showings occur at specific times to minimize inconvenience. If a tenant continues to refuse access without a valid reason, it may be considered a breach of the lease agreement.

Can my landlord make me leave for showings?

Landlords in Ohio cannot force tenants to leave the property for showings. However, they can schedule showings with proper notice, and tenants are expected to allow access during those times. If a tenant refuses to cooperate, the landlord may have grounds to address the issue, but eviction solely for refusing showings would not be typical.

How to get around no pet policy?

While it's not advisable to circumvent a no pet policy, some tenants may negotiate with landlords for exceptions or pay a pet deposit. However, violating the lease by keeping pets without permission can lead to eviction. It's best to discuss any pet-related concerns directly with the landlord to find a mutually agreeable solution.

What happens if your landlord finds out you have pets?

If a landlord discovers that a tenant has pets in violation of a no pet policy, they may issue a notice of lease violation. This could lead to potential eviction proceedings if the tenant does not comply with the lease terms. It's important for tenants to address the situation proactively, either by removing the pets or discussing the issue with the landlord.

Can a tenant refuse viewings in Ohio?

How long do tenants have to move out after house is sold in Ohio?

In Ohio, if a rental property is sold, the new owner typically must honor existing leases. Tenants may need to vacate only when their lease expires or if proper notice is given under the lease terms. If the property is sold and the new owner wants to terminate the lease, they must provide the required notice, usually 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.