Mahoning County Eviction Court β€” Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything Ohio landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer in Mahoning County β€” fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$100
Filing fee
2–4 weeks
Hearing wait
4–6 weeks
Total process
E-File βœ“
Filing method

πŸ›οΈ Mahoning County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Mahoning County β€” What Landlords Should Know

Mahoning County follows standard Ohio eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Mahoning County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Mahoning County eviction attorney β€” free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Mahoning County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 3-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 30-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Ohio law.

2

File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer at Mahoning County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Mahoning County Courthouse (120 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44503). The filing fee is $100. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Mahoning County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $25. You must NOT serve the summons yourself β€” improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Mahoning County are typically scheduled 2–4 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Ohio Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself β€” this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Ohio.

Mahoning County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $100 Paid to Mahoning County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $25 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$21–$25 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions β€” Mahoning County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Mahoning County?

The typical Mahoning County eviction takes 4–6 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement β€” assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Mahoning County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Mahoning County?

The court filing fee in Mahoning County is $100. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($25), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$21–$25), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $146–$150.

What court handles evictions in Mahoning County?

Evictions in Mahoning County are filed at the Mahoning County Courthouse, located at 120 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44503. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer.

Can I file an eviction online in Mahoning County?

Yes, Mahoning County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Mahoning County?

Ohio law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Mahoning County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Mahoning County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ β€” notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Ohio.

Relevant Ohio Statutes