Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Ohio

I live in Cincinnati, OH. I have lived in my current apartment for 10 months. My building has storage units in the basement. When I moved in I was told "if you have a lock you can grab a storage unit and use it." Now, 10 months later I received an email that says the storage units now cost $35 a month and anyone who is using a unit needs to contact the landlord to have the fee added. It stated if they are not contacted within 3 days all locks will be cut off and belongings will be discarded. 1) Can they add a fee for something I was originally told was free (even though it is not stated in the lease? 2) can they force me out with only 3 days notice? Thanks


Asked on 12/10/12, 5:15 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Eric Willison Eric Eastman Willison

In Ohio, relations between landlords and tenants are governed by the lease agreement and Ohio Revised Code Section 5321. R.C. 5321 does not speak directly to this situation, so much will depend upon what your lease agreement says.

If your lease agreement gives you the right to the use of the storage facility then the landlord will not be able to change the terms of your contract unilaterally, but rather must have your consent to any change.

If the lease agreement is silent as to the storage facility, then the court will have to make a decision as to whether the use of that space was part of your overall lease agreement or whether it was a different agreement that would have a shorter term than the lease under which you are occupying the rented premises.

If you have anything in writing whereby they allowed you to put your stuff into the storage area, that would be helpful in determining what your rights are.

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Answered on 12/10/12, 9:06 pm


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