Debt collector laws in Ohio

The Ohio debt collection law

Ohio has no general debt collection act; the federal rules above still apply.

Official text

Read the law

Your right to sue in Ohio

Ohio has no separate debt collection act. The Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (R.C. Chapter 1345) lets a consumer sue for a violation: actual economic damages plus up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages, or in some cases three times damages or $200, whichever is more, plus lawyer fees if the violation was knowing. (R.C. 1345.09) Whether it applies to a particular collector depends on the facts. Federal FDCPA rights still apply.

The federal FDCPA adds a claim of its own: actual damages, up to $1,000 more and attorney's fees, if you sue within 1 year (15 U.S.C. 1692k).

Ohio rules on medical debt

No Ohio law bans medical debt on credit reports as of October 2026. The Ohio Medical Debt Fairness Act (H.B. 257, 136th General Assembly) would cap interest and ban credit reporting, but it is still 'As Introduced' with no signing or effective date. Existing law protects your home from forced sale on a medical-debt judgment (R.C. 2329.66(A)(1)(a)).

Extra Ohio protections

• A collection agency that sues on an assigned debt must have a separate written assignment and must sue in the county where you live. (R.C. 1319.12(C), (D))
• Your home is protected from forced sale on a judgment for medical bills: the judgment lien can only be enforced when the home is sold or transferred. (R.C. 2329.66(A)(1)(a))

Complaints about collectors in Ohio

• Ohio: Ohio Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section
• Federal: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes complaints about debt collectors at consumerfinance.gov/complaint · (855) 411-2372.
• You can also report a collector to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Licenses for collection agencies in Ohio

License required

Not confirmed

In nearby states

• Pennsylvania: No statewide license
• West Virginia: Yes
• Indiana: Yes
• Michigan: Yes

If a collector breaks the rules in Ohio

1. Keep a record

   Keep letters, voicemails, emails and texts, and a log of every call.

2. Look up the company

   Get the collector's full name, address and any license number.

3. Put your request in writing

   Use a letter to dispute a debt or to stop collector calls; keep a copy and the mailing receipt.

4. Report the collector

   Complain to Ohio Attorney General, Consumer Protection Section. You can also complain to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.

5. Know your right to sue in Ohio

   Under Ohio law: Ohio has no separate debt collection act. The Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act (R.C. Chapter 1345) lets a consumer sue for a violation: actual economic damages plus up to $5,000 in noneconomic damages, or in some cases three times damages or $200, whichever is more, plus lawyer fees if the violation was knowing.

Questions about collector laws in Ohio

Keep reading about Ohio

• Ohio: every collection right on one page
• Statute of limitations in Ohio: 6 years
• Wage garnishment in Ohio: 25% (federal limit)
• Sued by a debt collector in Ohio: 28 days
• “Is my debt too old?” checker for Ohio
• Dispute a debt and ask for proof (validation letter)
• Tell a collector to stop or limit contact
• Debt collector licensing by state
• Guide: how to dispute a debt
• Guide: how to stop collector calls