Stark County, Ohio: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Canton Municipal Court, Civil Division (Small Claims) in Canton. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: see the fee table. Claims up to $6,000. Ohio return time: 30 days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $879. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Canton Municipal Court, Civil Division (Small Claims) |
|---|---|
| City | Canton |
| County filing fee | Tiered by amount in controversy, roughly $46+; verify current schedule via Clerk of Courts |
| Small claims limit | $6,000 (statewide) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 6 years |
| Deposit statute | Ohio Revised Code § 5321.16 (Security deposits - procedures) |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $6,000 (statewide).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 30 days | Termination of the rental agreement and delivery of possession by the tenant |
Ohio return rule: 30 days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Canton Municipal Court, Civil Division (Small Claims). Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Stark County.
- The Ohio business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Ohio Secretary of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Check the Ohio filing procedure before you go.
Service methods: certified mail by clerk.
Procedure source (medium confidence): The time set for such trial shall be not less than fifteen or more than forty days after the commencement of the action.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Stark County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $666 | $666 | $1,332 | Fits under the $6,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $879 | $879 | $1,758 | Fits under the $6,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,013 | $1,013 | $2,026 | Fits under the $6,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,109 | $1,109 | $2,218 | Fits under the $6,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Stark County compare with other Ohio counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $879: rank 23 of 62 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 31.4% of households rent in Stark County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Marion County | $890 |
| Putnam County | $880 |
| Stark County | $879 |
| Clark County | $875 |
| Ross County | $875 |
| Wayne County | $871 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 62 of 62 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Stark County
- Alliance
- Beach City
- Brewster
- Canal Fulton
- Canton
- East Canton
- East Sparta
- Hartville
- Hills and Dales
- Louisville
- Magnolia
- Massillon
- Meyers Lake
- Minerva
- Navarre
- North Canton
- Waynesburg
- Wilmot
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Community Legal Aid: Free civil legal help for eligible low-income residents, including housing and eviction matters.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Stark County?
County filing fee: Tiered by amount in controversy, roughly $46+; verify current schedule via Clerk of Courts.
Where do I file a deposit claim in Stark County?
Canton Municipal Court, Civil Division (Small Claims) is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.