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Filing an Eviction - What You Need to Know

GENERAL INFO

The landlord must provide the tenant with a Notice to Leave the Premises at least three (3) days before filing the Eviction Complaint. (ORC 1923.04). It is ideal to give three (3) business days’ notice.

In general, only the deeded property owner can sign and file an Eviction Complaint without an attorney. All other Eviction Complaints must be signed and filed by an attorney on behalf of the owner or property management company. Corporations, Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), and Trusts must be represented by an attorney at all stages of the eviction process, including filing the complaint seeking eviction and appearing in court. A person is not permitted to use a power of attorney to represent another person in court. For questions about legally filing and pursuing an eviction action, consult with an attorney or visit the Self Help Center.

When filing the action, file an original Eviction Complaint with an attached copy of the Notice to Leave the Premises that has been served on the defendant(s)/tenant(s). All originals, copies, and filing fees should be taken to the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk’s office at: 375 S. High St, 3rd Fl., Columbus, OH 43215.

The hearing on the eviction will be scheduled from fourteen (14) to twenty-one (21) days from the date of filing, depending on the type of service requested. The tenant will receive a summons that provides information about the date and time of the hearing.

WHAT YOU NEED TO FILE

Copy of the Notice to Leave the Premises previously served on the defendant(s)/tenants(s)
Original Eviction Complaint filled out clearly and legibly
Two additional copies of the Eviction Complaint and all attachments for each defendant/tenant that is being evicted
Copy of the written lease, if one exists
Accurate and complete information in the caption and the body of the Eviction Complaint
- Spell the name of the defendant(s)/tenant(s) correctly and include complete addresses for the property and the location where the defendant(s)/tenant(s) will be served.
- A complete address must include the number, street name (including whether it is a street, avenue, boulevard, etc., and if it includes a north, south, east or west designation), any apartment or unit number or letter, and an accurate zip code.

FORMS

Affadavit
Application to Remove Eviction from Public Records
Answer
Cares Act Compliance Affidavit
Complaint (1 Count)
Complaint (2 Counts)
Continuance (1 Week)
Counterclaim
Notice to Leave the Premises