A lease is a binding contract, and the written document is what courts and landlords enforce. Before you sign, read every page: the lease term, rent amount, late fees, security deposit terms and return conditions, who handles maintenance and repairs, which utilities you pay, and how much notice either side must give.
Pay attention to what is not in the lease too. Verbal promises about pets, parking, or repairs rarely survive contact with a deposit dispute, so get important agreements in writing, even if it is just a short addendum both sides sign.
Ohio law covers habitability, security deposits, and eviction procedures, but knowing your rights is not the same as avoiding problems. A clear lease, a written move-in condition form with photos, and a landlord who responds to maintenance issues cover most of what goes wrong.
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