Oklahoma Tenant Rights Laws

Everyone's familiar with landlord-tenant disputes, whether your exposure has been first-hand or through the grapevine. Because the landlord-tenant relationship is so susceptible to conflict, Oklahoma has a number of applicable statutes on the books, in addition to federal and local law. Read on to learn more about Oklahoma tenant rights laws and how they might affect you.

Tenant Rights: Discrimination, Repairs, and More

Oklahoma's rental laws cover a range of topics including discrimination, habitability, and notice requirements for ending the tenancy. For example, there are laws which prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and other protected characteristics. Prohibited conduct includes refusing to rent to someone or discriminating in the terms and conditions of a rental based on those protected traits.

You are also entitled to live in a unit that's in habitable condition. This means that in most cases your landlord must perform necessary repairs and maintain services such as heating, air conditioning, and plumbing (if those are supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord). However, if it's clearly indicated in writing that you will perform certain repairs and maintenance, those issues may be your responsibility.

Another area of contention is the security deposit. In Oklahoma, you must make a written request within six months after your lease ends to have your security deposit returned to you. Your landlord then has 45 days to return it to you with an explanation of any deductions made.

Oklahoma Tenant Rights Laws at a Glance

The chart below provides a summary of Oklahoma state laws governing the landlord-tenant relationship, including links to key statutes.

Note: State regulations are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

Oklahoma Tenant Rights Laws: Related Resources

• Oklahoma Lease and Rental Agreement Laws
• Oklahoma Tenant's Rights and Responsibilities
• Tenant Lease Agreement FAQs
• Tenants' Rights Basics
• U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development in Oklahoma
• Oklahoma Fair Housing Contacts

Receive a Free Review of Your Rental Problem

While these statutes are meant to protect you against unfair practices within the landlord-tenant relationship, it can be difficult to know how and when to assert your rights. Whether you're facing a new conflict or you've been engaged in an ongoing dispute with your landlord, you shouldn't have to battle it out on your own. Receive a free case review to better understand your rights and responsibilities under Oklahoma tenant rights laws.