Ohio Code § 1923.061

§ 1923.061.

(A) Any defense in an action under this chapter may be asserted at trial. (B) In an action for possession of residential premises based upon nonpayment of the

rent or in an action for rent when the tenant or manufactured home park resident is

in possession, the tenant or resident may counterclaim for any amount the tenant or

resident may recover under the rental agreement or under Chapter 4781. or 5321. of

the Revised Code.  In that event, the court from time to time may order the tenant or resident to pay

into court all or part of the past due rent and rent becoming due during the pendency

of the action.  After trial and judgment, the party to whom a net judgment is owed shall be paid

first from the money paid into court, and any balance shall be satisfied as any other

judgment.  If no rent remains due after application of this division, judgment shall be entered

for the tenant or resident in the action for possession.  If the tenant or resident has paid into court an amount greater than that necessary

to satisfy a judgment obtained by the landlord, the balance shall be returned by the

court to the tenant or resident.