Ohio § 1301.203

Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 1301.203, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1301.203.

(A) Whether a transaction in the form of a lease creates a lease or security interest

is determined by the facts of each case. (B) A transaction in the form of a lease creates a security interest if the consideration

that the lessee is to pay the lessor for the right to possession and use of the goods

is an obligation for the term of the lease and is not subject to termination by the

lessee, and: (1) The original term of the lease is equal to or greater than the remaining economic

life of the goods; (2) The lessee is bound to renew the lease for the remaining economic life of the goods

or is bound to become the owner of the goods; (3) The lessee has an option to renew the lease for the remaining economic life of the

goods for no additional consideration or for nominal additional consideration upon

compliance with the lease agreement;  or (4) The lessee has an option to become the owner of the goods for no additional consideration

or for nominal additional consideration upon compliance with the lease agreement. (C) A transaction in the form of a lease does not create a security interest merely because: (1) The present value of the consideration the lessee is obligated to pay the lessor

for the right to possession and use of the goods is substantially equal to or is greater

than the fair market value of the goods at the time the lease is entered into; (2) The lessee assumes risk of loss of the goods; (3) The lessee agrees to pay, with respect to the goods, taxes, insurance, filing, recording,

or registration fees, or service or maintenance costs; (4) The lessee has an option to renew the lease or to become the owner of the goods; (5) The lessee has an option to renew the lease for a fixed rent that is equal to or

greater than the reasonably predictable fair market rent for the use of the goods

for the term of the renewal at the time the option is to be performed;  or (6) The lessee has an option to become the owner of the goods for a fixed price that

is equal to or greater than the reasonably predictable fair market value of the goods

at the time the option is to be performed. (D) Additional consideration is nominal if it is less than the lessee's reasonably predictable

cost of performing under the lease agreement if the option is not exercised.  Additional consideration is not nominal if: (1) When the option to renew the lease is granted to the lessee, the rent is stated to

be the fair market rent for the use of the goods for the term of the renewal determined

at the time the option is to be performed;  or (2) When the option to become the owner of the goods is granted to the lessee, the price

is stated to be the fair market value of the goods determined at the time the option

is to be performed. (E) The “remaining economic life of the goods” and “reasonably predictable” fair market

rent, fair market value, or cost of performing under the lease agreement must be determined

with reference to the facts and circumstances at the time the transaction is entered

into.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 1301.203

What does Ohio Revised Code § 1301.203 cover?

Section 1301.203 is part of the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutory law of Ohio. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Ohio § 1301.203?

A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 1301.203" (Ohio). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Ohio law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Ohio official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

How does Ohio § 1301.203 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Ohio can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Ohio.