Ohio Shortens Statute of Limitations for Contract Claims

On March 16, 2021, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 13 into law, which shortens the statute of limitations (“SOL”) period for lawsuits based on breach of contract. Specifically, by amending Ohio Revised Code 2305.07, the Bill reduces the SOL from eight years to six years for written contracts and from six years to four years for oral contracts. Senate Bill 13 will take effect June 14, 2021.

Claims that have accrued before the June 14, 2021, effective date must be brought before June 14, 2027, or the remaining period under the prior 8-year SOL, whichever comes sooner. However, there are a number of exceptions to these new statutes of limitation for specific types of contracts or claims that are subject to other limitations periods found in the Revised Code.

Kristin L. Wedell 216-685-1827 kwedell@dmclaw.com