Ohio Eviction

[Scott Stevenson]

Hello all! 

Quick question for those of you who own property in Ohio and have gone through an eviction process or at least started one. 

I have a tenant, who has been a good tenant for some time.. just recently (3 months ago) he started to become late with rent. Nothing crazy.. 5-6 days past the 1st of the month.

However, this month (it's the 12th) he has still yet to pay despite my numerous calls / texts to him. 

What would you all do in this situation?
Am I jumping the gun by considering to send him the 3 day notice?

I just don't want to become the landlord that is considered a "push-over" and have my tenant think that late rent payments are acceptable. 

Also, for anyone who has went through an eviction process in Ohio, what are the steps after the 3 day notice? Is this something that the local police / sheriff serve? 

I assume if the tenant does not vacate the property within the 3 days, that I can file the eviction in court. 

[Amy A.]

All states are different, but in most states there are very specific timelines for filing with the court and eviction court is only twice per month.  You might as well serve the first notice (with specific language for your state) and get it out of the way so you can proceed more quickly to court if you still need to.  If you miss a certain date, your 3 day notice could turn into a months-long wait.

Whenever a tenant is late, I give them a 7 day notice (as my state requires).  When they tell me they will pay me within that time anyway, I tell them that's good, but I still must give them the notice per company policy and it will be void once the check clears.