Ohio Code § 1301.203

Ohio Code § 1301.203. Reproduced from the official Ohio Revised Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 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.

Source: official Ohio text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

  • Citation: Ohio Revised Code § 1301.203
  • Jurisdiction: Ohio
  • Code: Ohio Revised Code
  • Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)

Verify the text

Statute text is transcribed from the official Ohio Revised Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

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

Common questions

What is the source of Ohio Revised Code § 1301.203?

The text above is transcribed from the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutes of Ohio. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does Ohio Revised Code § 1301.203 address?

It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is Ohio Revised Code § 1301.203 still in force?

Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Ohio source before relying on this text.

Can this page be used as legal advice?

No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Ohio law to your facts requires a licensed Ohio attorney who can review the specifics.