{"id":375664,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-homestead-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-08-13T15:57:51","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T20:57:51","slug":"ohio-homestead-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/ohio-law\/ohio-homestead-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Ohio Homestead Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ohio Homestead Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The Ohio<\/span> homestead exemptions<\/span> under the Revised Code protect up to $182,625 of equity in a primary residence<\/span>, or $365,250 for married couples filing jointly, from creditors during bankruptcy proceedings. As an “opt-out” state requirement, Ohio<\/span> residents<\/span> must apply state limits to safeguard real property<\/span> like single-family homes, condominiums, or mobile homes<\/span> after residing in the state for at least 730 days.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Filing for bankruptcy doesn\u2019t automatically mean that you\u2019ll lose your home. While the bankruptcy trustee can sell your home to pay off your creditors, you may be able to claim your state homestead exemption<\/span> to keep that from happening. In general, the homestead exemption<\/span> protects some or all of the equity you have in your principal place of residence<\/span>. As far as state aid goes, the Ohio<\/span> homestead exemption<\/span> is exceptionally generous.<\/p>\n

This article examines and explains how the homestead exemption<\/span> works in the state of <\/span>Ohio<\/span>. It also clarifies how much the homestead exemption<\/span> is and how you can qualify for the exemption.<\/p>\n

Any Ohio<\/span> residents<\/span> contemplating bankruptcy should consider contacting a local bankruptcy attorney<\/a> before filing. They\u2019ll review your case and help you determine if you can protect your home in bankruptcy.<\/p>\n

Overview of the Homestead Exemption<\/span><\/h2>\n

The homestead exemption<\/span> exists to help homeowners<\/span> protect their primary residence<\/span> when they file bankruptcy. Usually, the exemption applies to Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases, but it is available to people who file Chapter 13 as well.<\/p>\n

The homestead exemption<\/span> doesn\u2019t protect your real property<\/span>. Instead, it protects the equity you have in the property. Imagine that you have a house worth $300,000. Over the years, you\u2019ve managed to accrue $200,000 in equity. Depending on where you live, the homestead exemption<\/span> may be much lower than the amount of equity.<\/p>\n

If the homestead exemption<\/span> in the above example is only $30,000, the rest of your equity ($170,000) will be at risk. The trustee may decide to sell the property for $300,000, pay off your creditors, and give you whatever remains after paying your mortgage in full.<\/p>\n

Ohio<\/span> Homestead Exemption<\/span>: Overview<\/h2>\n

Like most states, Ohio<\/span> offers debtors certain protections when they file bankruptcy. One of the most important is the homestead exemption<\/span>. Ohio<\/span> has robust protections, which is good news for Ohioans<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Why? Ohio<\/span> is an \u201copt-out\u201d state, which means that your only option is to submit a state homestead exemption<\/span> application<\/span>. While you can\u2019t claim the federal homestead exemption<\/span>, Ohio<\/span>\u2019s <\/span>homestead exemption<\/span> is much higher than the federal homestead exemption<\/span> and that of most other states.<\/p>\n

Ohio<\/span> Homestead Exemption<\/span> Limits<\/h2>\n

According to the Ohio<\/span> Revised Code<\/a>, the homestead exemption<\/span> for a debtor who files bankruptcy in Ohio<\/span> is $182,625. This amount is as of 2026. This means you can protect up to $182,625 in equity in your principal place of residence<\/span>. Married couples in Ohio<\/span> who file a joint bankruptcy can claim a double\u00a0homestead exemption<\/span>, for a total of $365,250.<\/p>\n

Is the Exemption Higher for Disabled Homeowners<\/span> and Older Adults?<\/h2>\n

Ohio<\/span> does not provide an enhanced <\/span>homestead exemption<\/span> for disabled persons<\/span>. Nor does it offer a higher homestead exemption<\/span> for senior citizens<\/span> over 65 years of age<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What Types of Property Are Eligible for the Homestead Exemption<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Certain rules apply when a debtor wishes to claim the homestead exemption<\/span>. If you don\u2019t meet the eligibility<\/span> requirements, you won\u2019t be able to apply the exemption, and your house will be vulnerable to sale.<\/p>\n

Some of the requirements for Ohio<\/span>\u2019s <\/span>homestead exemption<\/span> include:<\/p>\n