Ohio § 1317.21

Full text of Ohio Ohio Revised Code § 1317.21, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1317.21.

(A) Notwithstanding division (B) of section 1302.92 of the Revised Code and excluding layaway arrangements made pursuant to section 1317.22 of the Revised Code , when a seller justifiably withholds the delivery of specific goods because of the

buyer's breach of a layaway arrangement, then both of the following apply: (1) The amount of the liquidated damages to which the seller is entitled shall not exceed

the lesser of twenty-five dollars or ten per cent of the value of specific goods subject

to the layaway arrangement. (2) The buyer is entitled to a refund of the balance of deposits and payments that he

previously made pursuant to the layaway arrangement, determined after deducting the

liquidated damages described in division (A)(1) of this section. (B)(1) If a buyer fails to comply with the layaway arrangement, then, except as provided

in division (C) and except for a buyer cancellation under division (F) of this section,

the seller shall send a notice to the buyer in accordance with division (B)(2) of

this section that contains all of the following information: (a) The fact that the buyer has failed to comply with the layaway arrangement; (b) A statement indicating whether the buyer has failed to comply with the layaway arrangement

because he failed to pay the full layaway price when it was due, or because he failed

to make one or more deposits or other payments when they were required to be made

pursuant to the layaway arrangement, and a statement of the total amount presently

owed by the buyer in order to remedy the breach and reinstate the layaway arrangement; (c) Unless, within ten days from the date of the giving of the notice in accordance with

division (B)(2) of this section, the buyer complies with the layaway arrangement that

he has breached by paying the total amount presently owed to remedy the breach and

reinstate the layaway arrangement, the seller may return the specific goods subject

to the layaway arrangement to the retail inventory of the seller and offer the same

for sale to other buyers. (2) A seller shall give the notice required by division (B)(1) of this section to a buyer

as follows: (a) In a writing that is sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by regular

mail evidenced by a properly completed and stamped certificate of mailing by regular

mail, to the buyer's address as set forth by the buyer in the layaway arrangement

or subsequent written notification of address change if applicable, or otherwise to

the buyer's last known mailing address; (b) At least ten days prior to the date that the seller intends to return the specific

goods subject to the layaway arrangement to the retail inventory of the seller and

offer the same for sale to other buyers. (C) If the layaway price of the specific goods subject to the layaway arrangement is

one hundred dollars or less, the seller need not send the notice required under this

section if the seller furnished a written copy of the layaway arrangement to the buyer

at the time the initial deposit or payment was paid and the copy indicated that the

seller may retain liquidated damages in accordance with division (A) of this section

in the event that the buyer breaches the layaway arrangement. (D) Notwithstanding division (A) of this section, if the buyer breaches the layaway arrangement

and if the seller is required to give the notice described in division (B)(1) of this

section but fails to do so in accordance with division (B)(2) of this section, then

both of the following apply: (1) The seller forfeits his right to liquidated damages under division (A) of this section

in connection with the buyer's breach of the layaway arrangement; (2) The buyer is entitled to a refund of the entire amount of the deposits or payments

that he previously made pursuant to the layaway arrangement. (E) If a seller who is required to give the notice described in division (B)(1) of this

section gives it in accordance with division (B)(2) of this section, and if the buyer

fails, within ten days from the date of the giving of the notice in accordance with

that division, to comply with the layaway arrangement that he has breached by paying

the total amount presently owed in order to remedy the breach and reinstate the layaway

arrangement, then both of the following apply: (1) The seller may return any specific goods subject to the layaway arrangement to the

retail inventory of the seller and offer it for sale to other persons. (2) The right of the seller to liquidated damages under division (A) of this section

in connection with the buyer's breach of the layaway arrangement is not impaired and

the buyer is entitled only to a refund of the balance of the deposits and payments

that he previously made pursuant to the layaway arrangement as determined in accordance

with that division. (F) The buyer may cancel the contract by giving written notice of cancellation to the

seller at any time.  Upon receipt of the notice, the seller shall consider the layaway arrangement terminated

and shall provide a refund to the buyer pursuant to this section and section 1317.23 of the Revised Code .

Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio § 1317.21

What does Ohio Revised Code § 1317.21 cover?

Section 1317.21 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 § 1317.21?

A common citation format is "Ohio Revised Code § 1317.21" (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 § 1317.21 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.