Columbus · OH · Vetted Directory

Top Landlord-Tenant Lawyers in Columbus

Whether you are a landlord trying to evict or recover unpaid rent, or a tenant fighting an unfair eviction or a withheld deposit, a Columbus landlord-tenant lawyer protects your rights. Ohio's landlord-tenant law (Revised Code Chapter 5321) sets clear rules: written notice before eviction, a 30-day deposit return, and a court-only process, because self-help lockouts are illegal. Eviction cases run through the Franklin County Municipal Court. Below are vetted Columbus landlord-tenant firms, most offering an initial consultation.

3-day notice
Before eviction
30 days
Deposit return
Chapter 5321
Ohio tenant law
Franklin Co.
Eviction court

Updated May 12, 2026

When you need a Columbus landlord-tenant lawyer

For landlords, the time to call is when a tenant stops paying, breaks the lease, or refuses to leave, and you want the eviction done right the first time. A botched notice or filing can cost you weeks of lost rent. For tenants, call when you are facing an eviction you think is wrong, your landlord is keeping your deposit, your unit needs repairs the landlord ignores, or you have been locked out. Columbus has a large rental market around Ohio State and downtown, and disputes are common on both sides.

Ohio law gives both sides clear rights, but the process is technical and the deadlines are short. A local landlord-tenant lawyer knows Chapter 5321, the Franklin County Municipal Court, and how to move quickly when timing matters.

Talk to a Columbus landlord-tenant lawyer if any of the following describes your situation.

  • You are a landlord who needs to evict a non-paying or holdover tenant.
  • You are a tenant served with an eviction notice you believe is unfair.
  • Your landlord is keeping your security deposit without a good reason.
  • Your landlord will not make repairs that affect health or safety.
  • You were locked out or had utilities shut off to force you to leave.
  • You need a lease drafted or reviewed before signing.
  • There is a dispute over property damage or normal wear and tear.
  • You are a landlord facing a tenant's habitability or rent-escrow claim.
  • You want to recover unpaid rent or damages after a tenant leaves.
  • You simply want to understand your rights before you act.

How a Columbus eviction actually moves

Step 1: the landlord serves a written three-day notice to vacate, which Ohio requires before filing. Step 2: if the tenant does not leave, the landlord files a forcible entry and detainer action in the Franklin County Municipal Court. Step 3: the court sets a hearing, often within a couple of weeks, where both sides can appear. Step 4: if the landlord wins, the court issues a judgment for possession and, if needed, a writ to have the tenant removed by the bailiff. Step 5: a second cause for unpaid rent or damages can be decided at the same time or later. A tenant with a real defense, such as improper notice or retaliation, can change the outcome, which is why representation on either side matters.

What this typically costs in Columbus

$300–$750
Flat-fee eviction
~$123
Franklin Co. filing fee
$200–$350/hr
Disputes & defense
Double + fees
Wrongful deposit

Many Columbus landlord-tenant lawyers handle a straightforward eviction for a flat fee of about $300 to $750, plus the Franklin County filing fee of roughly $123. Disputes over deposits, repairs, lease terms, or eviction defense are usually billed hourly at about $200 to $350. Where a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, Ohio law lets a tenant recover double the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees, which can make tenant-side cases worth pursuing. Ask each firm whether the quote covers the hearing and any follow-up enforcement.

What is specific about Ohio and Columbus landlord-tenant law

  • Chapter 5321 governs. Ohio's Landlords and Tenants Act sets the rights and duties of both sides, including notice, habitability, and deposit rules.
  • Security deposits. Under Revised Code 5321.16, a landlord must return the deposit or an itemized list of deductions within 30 days after move-out and a forwarding address. Wrongful withholding exposes the landlord to double damages plus attorney fees.
  • Three-day notice and no self-help. A landlord must serve a written three-day notice before filing to evict, and lockouts or utility shutoffs to force a tenant out are illegal in Ohio.
  • Rent escrow for repairs. If a landlord ignores required repairs after proper notice, a tenant may deposit rent with the court clerk rather than simply withholding it. Doing this wrong can lead to eviction, so legal advice helps.
  • Franklin County Municipal Court. Columbus eviction cases run through this court, which handles a high volume of landlord-tenant matters. Knowing its procedures and magistrates speeds things up.

Columbus firms that handle landlord-tenant matters

Updated May 12, 2026. Verified across Super Lawyers, Justia, FindLaw, and firm records. We do not accept payment for placement. Where a firm's aggregate client rating is not yet compiled, we say so rather than invent one.

1

The Schlegel Law Firm

Landlord representationColumbus, OhioAttorney Jonathan J. Schlegel

A Columbus firm whose attorney, Jonathan J. Schlegel, has represented hundreds of Ohio landlords in eviction and property disputes, known for efficient, Franklin County-compliant filings and clear communication. A strong fit for landlords who want a fast, by-the-book eviction. Ratings not yet aggregated here.

Consultation Available Landlord-SideEvictionsFranklin County
Request Free Consult
2

Cassone Law Offices LLC

Landlord-tenantColumbus, Ohio15+ years experience

A Columbus firm where attorney Michael Cassone brings over 15 years of experience to landlord-tenant matters, including evictions, leases, and disputes. A good fit if you want an experienced lawyer who tailors the approach to your situation on either side.

Consultation Available EvictionsLeasesExperienced
Request Free Consult
3

Barney DeBrosse, LLC

Landlords & tenantsColumbus, OhioBoth sides

A Columbus firm that helps both landlords and tenants with rights, obligations, negotiations, and lawsuits, as well as drafting rental and lease agreements. A good fit if you want a firm comfortable representing either side of a dispute.

Consultation Available Both SidesLease DraftingDisputes
Request Free Consult
4

Andrew J. Ruzicho, Attorney at Law

Landlord representationColumbus, OhioEviction attorney since 1994

A Columbus eviction attorney who has handled landlord-tenant matters since 1994, with experience across all aspects of the landlord-tenant relationship. A good fit for landlords who want a focused, long-tenured eviction practice.

Consultation Available Landlord-SideEvictionsLong Tenure
Request Free Consult
5

MPC Law, LLC

Tenant representationColumbus, OhioTenant rights

A Columbus firm focused on tenant rights, helping renters facing eviction, deposit disputes, and habitability problems. A good fit for tenants who want a lawyer in their corner against an eviction or a withheld deposit.

Consultation Available Tenant-SideEviction DefenseDeposits
Request Free Consult

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Landlord-tenant in Columbus — FAQ

How fast can a landlord evict a tenant in Columbus?
Faster than in many states, but there is a process. A landlord must first serve a written three-day notice to vacate, then file an eviction (a forcible entry and detainer action) in the Franklin County Municipal Court. From filing to a hearing is often a couple of weeks, and if the landlord wins, a writ to remove the tenant follows. Skipping the notice or doing a self-help lockout is illegal in Ohio.
How much does a landlord-tenant lawyer cost in Columbus?
Many Columbus landlord-tenant lawyers handle a straightforward eviction for a flat fee of about $300 to $750, plus the Franklin County filing fee of roughly $123. Hourly rates run about $200 to $350 for disputes over deposits, repairs, or lease terms. Tenant-side representation is often hourly too. Ask whether the quote covers the hearing and any follow-up.
When must a Columbus landlord return my security deposit?
Ohio law (Revised Code 5321.16) requires a landlord to return the deposit, or an itemized list of deductions, within 30 days after you move out and give a forwarding address. If a landlord wrongfully keeps the deposit, you can recover double the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees. A lawyer can send a demand or file suit if needed.
Can my landlord shut off utilities or change the locks to force me out?
No. Ohio prohibits self-help evictions. A landlord cannot lock you out, remove your belongings, or cut off utilities to force you to leave. They must go through the court eviction process. If a landlord does any of this, you may have a claim, and a landlord-tenant lawyer can act quickly to protect you.
What can I do if my landlord will not make repairs?
Ohio gives tenants a rent-escrow remedy: if the landlord fails to make required repairs after proper written notice, you may be able to deposit your rent with the Franklin County Municipal Court clerk rather than withhold it outright. Doing this incorrectly can expose you to eviction, so it is worth talking to a lawyer before you act.
Which court handles Columbus eviction cases?
Eviction cases in Columbus are filed in the Franklin County Municipal Court, which has a dedicated environmental and housing process for landlord-tenant matters. A local landlord-tenant lawyer knows the court's procedures, deadlines, and magistrates, which matters when timing is tight.

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