Skip to main content

The City of Columbus is offering free credit monitoring due to a recent cyberattack. To learn more, click here.

Court cost updates: Jurors receive a higher per diem stipend, and the clerk computerization fee for new cases has increased. To learn more, click here.

The Franklin County Municipal Court will be closed half day Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, and all day Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 25 & 26, 2024, in recognition of the holidays.

Call: (614) 645-8214

Visit: 375 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Case Record Search

Home / Courts / Eviction Court / Filing an Eviction-What you need to know

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