National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Ohio?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

A typical uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Ohio takes about 4 to 6 weeks.

From our Ohio guide: “An uncontested nonpayment case commonly takes four to six weeks from notice to set-out.”

If the tenant contests: Six to nine weeks in contested or busiest courts.

The Ohio eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    3 to 5 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    3-day notice (often 3 to 5 days in practice)

    From our guide: “Three-day notice: 3 to 5 days”

  2. 2Court case

    14 to 21 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Hearing 2 to 3 weeks after filing

    From our guide: “Filing to possession hearing: 2 to 3 weeks” and “most courts set it two to three weeks after filing”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    5 to 10 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ executed and bailiff notice given in 5 to 10 days

    From our guide: “Writ of restitution and bailiff notice: 5 to 10 days”

What can slow it down

  • Franklin County guidance excludes weekends and holidays from the three-day notice count, so many landlords give five days in practice.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Ohio eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Ohio scores 9 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (landlord-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Ohio attorney before acting.