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 !
" #$%& '(%)*+%,-%-!
! &*%(%%.!
*)-%-/!
0%)*-/*%/%/%!
1)-2+%%(!
3)-%(+%-/*% &&%4!5&
6)-2+%2+%.
7%$-*)-%)*-/
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#&*&+; &&&0
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1&*% *#%&0
3-$%/*%%%&*%*% *#%&9%0
6#& ; )&*'-+%&&%%&0
7--+(&+-%- ; *%%1
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!( ;/&736.-"03.!7.@-.7367
0;%&+%%%*%&) % (%(%/B)&7
0";%&+%%%*%&) % (%(%/&(&)*(%& 
(%(%/*)-%#-&&; /*  %(( -)*(%-&*& 7
1<(+)*)
3( ;/&7!7.(!..%#@?;".7!7"
3"( ;/&7!7.(!..%#@?;".7!7"
3!( ;/&7!7.(!..%#@?;".7!7"
3( ;/&7!7.(!..%#@?;".7!7"
30( ;/&7!7.(!..%#@?;".7!7"
31( ;/&7!7.(!..%#@?;".7!7"
33( ;/&7!7.(!..%#@?;".7!7"
8%) "
8"B)&"
8!(( -)*-
8%%#&-$%;/-
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86DB- %(%&&0
870
8%*-/1
%)*-/1
"+)&*(%)&+(%)*-/3
! #%&3
! %%)*-/;-+&*#+.&# %&%$-#6
!"&&&- E&; +&#--)%2+&6
!&- &+%*F%F#(%; &% #%7
 &#&.; #)&%&7
0#%&-+%/(&&7
1A%&--(&%$-%)-)/*%#%? +%-( /
&-)"8
3<-*-/ $%/*(&&&&%#*+ (&&&&)&
+&#&%#%#--+(&&; --+(-/ )"
6+)&*  %""
7<$/-*(%(%/,%*""
"8? +%*  % $%(&&&&* #+"!
" %G&;%-*% #%+-)&*%%*%%(%&? +%&+(( /
.%%%&&) &%$-&;; /* #+"
""#%&%+-)* #+#&+)&*"0
"!%#*+ %$ %'- +&*% #+"0
"#&*%+ *+ %/. *+ %/+%&; %%&&)
%&"1
"0*-)$-)*(%&&(%  %"1
"1G&+&--+(-/*(%&&+ &%#+ )&"1
"3+)&*"3
"6<&**%  %% #+%#-/%/;+&*%#*
%/)-;(%&&*+& *-&"3
"7G&;%-*% #%%#*+ ;"6
!8;#.&+%%%#%$-)*%(&&&&* #+&(&)*
(%& (%(%/"6
!8*&(&)*(%& (%(%/!8
! 2+%!
!"G&* +%-( /% #%%(%*%+)&#&+)&*
 %!
!!G&(%(%/!!
!*%-* !!
!0<&%+-)*-!!
!1$ *%*+%+%A%-+%!!
"8- #%%)# &#%;&+(* /-$-)*%
--+(!
H +&  % A#"
§41-1. Who deemed tenant at will.
Any person in the possession of real property, with the assent of
the owner, is presumed to be a tenant at will, unless the contrary is
shown, except as herein otherwise provided.
R.L. 1910, § 3783.
§41-2. Tenant holding over as tenant at will - Expiration of
unwritten contract.
When premises are let for one or more years, and the tenant, with
the assent of the landlord, continues to occupy the premises after
the expiration of the term, such tenant shall be deemed to be a
tenant at will; provided, that no lease or rental contract of
premises shall be continued, unless the original contract was in
writing, and all other lease or contracts shall expire by limitation
with the calendar year, without notice.
R.L. 1910, § 3784; Laws 1910-11, c. 64, p. 146, § 1.
§41-3. Tenant holds from one period to another, when.
When rent is reserved, payable at intervals of three (3) months
or less, the tenant shall be deemed to hold from one period to
another, equal to the intervals between the days of payment, unless
there is an express contract to the contrary.
R.L. 1910, § 3785.
§41-4. Time of notice to terminate tenancy.
Thirty (30) days' notice in writing is necessary to be given by
either party before he can terminate a tenancy at will, or from one
period to another, of three (3) months or less; but where in any case
rent is reserved, payable at intervals of less than thirty (30) days,
the length of notice need not be greater than such interval between
the days of payment.
R.L. 1910, § 3786.
§41-5. Termination of tenancy from year to year.
All tenancies from year to year, may be determined by at least
three (3) months' notice, in writing, given to the tenant prior to
the expiration of the year.
R.L. 1910, § 3787.
§41-6. Notice to quit where rent not paid.
If a tenant, for a period of three (3) months or longer, neglect
or refuse to pay rent when due, ten (10) days' notice in writing to
quit, shall determine the lease, unless such rent be paid before the
expiration of said ten (10) days.
R.L. 1910, § 3789.
H +&  % A#!
§41-7. Notice when rent not paid under tenancy for less than three
(3) months.
If a tenant, for a period of less than three (3) months, shall
neglect or refuse to pay rent when due, five (5) days' notice, in
writing, to quit, shall determine the lease, unless such rent be paid
before the expiration of said five (5) days.
R.L. 1910, § 3790.
§41-8. Notice to quit not required, when.
When the time for the termination of a tenancy is specified in
the contract, or where a tenant at will commits waste, or in the case
of a tenant by sufferance, and in any case where the relation of
landlord and tenant does not exist, no notice to quit shall be
necessary.
R.L. 1910, § 3791.
§41-9. Service of notice - Termination of tenancy.
The notice to terminate the tenancy required in this chapter may
be served on the tenant, or, if he cannot be found, by delivering the
same to some person over the age of twelve (12) years, residing on
the premises, having first made known to such person the contents
thereof; or, if service cannot be made by the use of reasonable
diligence on the tenant or on any person over the age of twelve (12)
years residing on the premises, the same may be served by posting
said notice at some conspicuous place on the building on said
premises and if there be no buildings on said premises then said
notice shall be posted at some conspicuous place on said premises and
if said notice is posted, a copy of said notice shall be mailed to
the tenant at his last-known address by registered mail and such
notice shall operate to terminate the tenancy at the end of the
period after the date of such posting and mailing that it would have
been terminated by personal service of such notice on the date of
such posting and mailing; provided, that in no event shall such
posting and mailing terminate any tenancy within a period of less
than ten (10) days from the date of such posting and mailing.
R.L. 1910, § 3792; Laws 1941, p. 169, § 1.
§41-10. Tenant may not assign, when.
No tenant for a term not exceeding two (2) years, or at will, or
by sufferance, shall assign or transfer his term or interest, or any
part thereof, to another, without the written assent of the landlord
or person holding under him.
R.L. 1910, § 3793.
§41-11. Landlord may reenter after unauthorized assignment.
If any tenant shall violate the provisions of the preceding
section, the landlord, or person holding under him, after giving ten
H +&  % A#
(10) days' notice to quit possession, shall have a right to reenter
the premises and take possession thereof, and dispossess the tenant,
subtenant or undertenant.
R.L. 1910, § 3794.
§41-12. Attornment unnecessary to conveyance.
A conveyance of real estate, or of any interest therein, by
landlord, shall be valid without the attornment of the tenant; but
the payment of rent by the tenant to the grantor, at any time before
notice of sale, given to said tenant, shall be good against the
grantee.
R.L. 1910, § 3795.
§41-13. Attornment to stranger void.
The attornment of a tenant to a stranger shall be void, and shall
not affect the possession of his landlord unless it be made with the
consent of the landlord, or pursuant to a judgment at law, or the
order or decree of a court.
R.L. 1910, § 3796.
§41-14. Rights of sublessees.
Sublessees shall have the same remedy upon the original covenant
against the principal landlord, as they might have had against their
immediate lessor.
R.L. 1910, § 3797.
§41-15. Rights of alienees of lessors and lessees.
Alienees of lessors and lessees of land shall have the same legal
remedies in relation to such lands as their principal.
R.L. 1910, § 3798.
§41-16. Rents from life grants.
Rents from lands granted for life or lives may be recovered as
other rents.
R.L. 1910, § 3799.
§41-17. Recovery of arrears of rent from life grants after death.
A person entitled to rents dependent on the life of another, may
recover arrears unpaid at the death of that other.
R.L. 1910, § 3800.
§41-18. Rights and liabilities of executors and administrators.
Executors and administrators shall have the same remedies to
recover rents, and be subject to the same liabilities to pay them, as
their testators and intestates.
R.L. 1910, § 3801.
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§41-19. Occupants without contract liable for rent.
The occupant of any lands, without special contract shall be
liable for the rent to any person entitled thereto.
R.L. 1910, § 3802.
§41-20. Contribution by joint tenants.
If a joint tenant, or tenant in common, or tenant in coparcenary,
have, by consent, management of the estate, and make repairs and
improvements with the knowledge, and without objection, of his
cotenant or coparcener, such cotenant or coparcener shall contribute
ratably thereto.
R.L. 1910, § 3803.
§41-21. Joint tenant may recover his share of rents.
A joint tenant, or tenant in common, or tenant in coparcenary,
may maintain an action against his cotenant or coparcener, or their
personal representatives, for receiving more than his just proportion
of the rents and profits.
R.L. 1910, § 3804.
§41-22. Recovery for waste or trespass by remainderman.
A person seized of an estate in remainder or reversion may
maintain an action for waste or trespass, for injury to the
inheritance, notwithstanding an intervening estate for life or years.
R.L. 1910, § 3805.
§41-23. Farm rent lien on crop.
Any rent due for farming land shall be a lien on the crop growing
or made on the premises. Such lien may be enforced by action and
attachment therein, as hereinafter provided.
R.L. 1910, § 3806.
§41-24. Crop rent.
When any such rent is payable in a share or certain proportion of
the crop, the lessor shall be deemed the owner of such share or
proportion, and may, if the tenant refuse to deliver him such share
or proportion, enter upon the land and take possession of the same,
or obtain possession thereof by action of replevin.
R.L. 1910, § 3807.
§41-25. Repealed by Laws 2002, c. 460, § 46, eff. Nov. 1, 2002.
§41-26. Purchaser of crop with notice liable for rent.
The person entitled to rent may recover from the purchaser of the
crop, or any part thereof, with notice of the lien, the value of the
crop purchased, to the extent of the rent due and damages.
R.L. 1910, § 3808.
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§41-27. Landlord may have attachment, when.
When any person who shall be liable to pay rent (whether the same
be due or not, if it be due within one (1) year thereafter, and
whether the same be payable in money or other things), intends to
remove, or is removing, or has, within thirty (30) days, removed, his
property, or his crops, or any part thereof, from the leased
premises, the person to whom the rent is owing may commence an
action, and upon making an affidavit stating the amount of rent for
which such person is liable, and one or more of the above facts, and
executing an undertaking as in other cases, an attachment shall issue
in the same manner and with the like effect as is provided by law in
other actions.
R.L. 1910, § 3809.
§41-28. Attachment for rent lien on crops.
In an action to enforce a lien on crops for rent of farming
lands, the affidavit for attachment shall state that there is due
from the defendant to the plaintiff a certain sum, naming it, for
rent of farming lands, describing the same, and that the plaintiff
claims a lien on the crop made on such land. Upon making and filing
such affidavit and executing an undertaking as prescribed in the
preceding section, an order of attachment shall issue as in other
cases, and shall be levied on such crop, or so much thereof as may be
necessary; and all other proceedings in such attachment shall be the
same as in other actions.
R.L. 1910, § 3810.
§41-29. Repealed by Laws 1970, c. 107, § 1, emerg. eff. April 1,
1970.
§41-30. Taxation of improvements.
All improvements put on leased lands, that do not become a part
of the realty, shall be assessed to the owner of such improvements as
personal property; and the taxes imposed on such improvements shall
be collected by levy and sale of the interest of such owner, the same
as in all other cases of the collection of taxes on personal
property.
R.L. 1910, § 3812.
§41-31. Repealed by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 39, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-32. Repealed by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 39, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-33. Lease presumed to be for one year.
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A lease of real property, other than lodgings, in places where
there is no usage on the subject, is presumed to be for one (1) year
from its commencement, unless otherwise expressed in the lease.
R.L. 1910, § 3815.
§41-34. Repealed by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 39, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-35. Continued possession renews the lease, when.
If a lessee of real property remains in possession thereof, after
the expiration of the lease and the lessor accepts rent from him, the
parties are presumed to have renewed the lease on the same terms and
for the same time, not exceeding one (1) year.
R.L. 1910, § 3817.
§41-36. Renewal of lease presumed unless notice of termination
given.
A lease of real property, for a term not specified by the
parties, is deemed to be renewed, as stated in the last section, at
the end of the term implied by law, unless one of the parties gives
notice to the other of his intention to terminate the same, at least
as long before the expiration thereof as the term of the lease
itself, not exceeding one (1) month.
R.L. 1910, § 3818.
§41-37. Rent payable, when.
When there is no contract or usage to the contrary, the rent of
agricultural and wild land is payable yearly at the end of each year.
Rents of lodgings are payable monthly at the end of each month. Other
rents are payable quarterly at the end of each quarter from the time
the hiring takes effect. The rent for shorter period than the
periods herein specified is payable at the termination of such
period.
R.L. 1910, § 3819.
§41-38. Duty of tenant in case of proceedings.
Every tenant who receives notice of any proceeding to recover the
real property occupied by him or the possession thereof must
immediately inform his landlord of the same, and also deliver to the
landlord the notice, if in writing, and is responsible to the
landlord for all damages which said landlord may sustain by reason of
any omission to inform him of the notice, or to deliver it to him if
in writing.
R.L. 1910, § 3820.
§41-39. Repealed by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 39, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-40. Forfeiture of lease - Release from record - Penalty.
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When any lease on land heretofore or hereafter taken shall have
become forfeited, it shall be the duty of the lessee, his, her, or
their heirs, successors, assigns or legal representatives, within
sixty (60) days from the date this act shall take effect, if such
forfeiture occurs prior thereto, and within sixty (60) days from date
of forfeiture of any and all other leases, to have such leases
released from record in the county where such land is situated,
without cost to the owner or owners thereof; and upon failure to make
such release, the owner or owners of the land under lease may notify
in writing the holder of the record title to such lease, that the
same has become forfeited and demand a release of record of such
lease, as herein provided; and if the owner or holder of such lease,
or the officer, agent, or other persons whose duty it is to release
such lease, shall fail or neglect to release same within thirty (30)
days after demand to release has been made in writing, he shall be
guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a
fine of not exceeding One Hundred Dollars ($100.00).
Laws 1915, c. 248, § 1.
§41-41. Repealed by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 39, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-42. Repealed by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 39, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-43. Repealed by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 39, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-51. Abandonment or surrender of nonresidential rental property -
Definitions.
As used in this act:
1. "Landlord" means the owner, lessor or sublessor of a
nonresidential rental property, but does not mean an “owner” as
defined by Section 192 of Title 42 of the Oklahoma Statutes;
2. “Nonresidential rental property” means any land or building
which is rented or leased to a tenant for other than residential
purposes and the rental agreement of which is not regulated under the
provisions of the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act,
Section 101 et seq. of Title 41 of the Oklahoma Statutes or the Self-
Service Storage Facility Lien Act, Section 191 et seq. of Title 42 of
the Oklahoma Statutes; and
3. "Tenant" means any person entitled under a rental agreement
to occupy the nonresidential rental property.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 138, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1988. Amended by Laws
1999, c. 212, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1999.
§41-52. Abandonment or surrender of nonresidential rental property -
Disposition of personal property of tenant - Notice - Storage costs -
Liability of landlord - Application of proceeds of sale.
H +&  % A#7
A. If a tenant abandons, surrenders possession of, or is evicted
from nonresidential rental property and leaves goods, furnishings,
fixtures, or any other personal property on the premises of the
nonresidential rental property, the landlord may take possession of
the personal property ten (10) days after the tenant receives
personal service of notice or fifteen (15) days after notice is
mailed, whichever is latest, and if the personal property has no
ascertainable or apparent value, the landlord may dispose of the
personal property in a reasonable commercial manner. In any such
case, the landlord has the option of complying with the provisions of
subsection B of this section.
B. If the tenant abandons, surrenders possession of, or is
evicted from the nonresidential rental property and leaves goods,
furnishings, fixtures, or any other personal property of an
ascertainable or apparent value on the premises of the nonresidential
rental property, the landlord may take possession of the personal
property and give notice to the tenant, demanding that the personal
property be removed within the dates set out in the notice but not
less than fifteen (15) days after delivery or mailing of such notice,
and that if the personal property is not removed within the time
specified in the notice, the landlord may sell the personal property
at a public sale. The landlord may dispose of perishable commodities
in any manner the landlord considers fit. Payment by the tenant of
all outstanding rent, damages, storage fees, court costs and
attorneys' fees shall be a prerequisite to the return of the personal
property. For purposes of this section, notice sent by registered or
certified mail to the tenant's last-known address with forwarding
requested shall be deemed sufficient notice.
C. After notice is given as provided in subsection B of this
section, the landlord shall store all personal property of the tenant
in a place of safekeeping and shall exercise reasonable care of the
personal property. The landlord shall not be responsible to the
tenant for any loss not caused by the landlord's deliberate or
negligent act. The landlord may elect to store the personal property
on the premises of the nonresidential rental property that was
abandoned or surrendered by the tenant or from which the tenant was
evicted, in which event the storage cost may not exceed the fair
rental value of the premises. If the tenant's personal property is
removed to a commercial storage company, the storage cost shall
include the actual charge for the storage and removal from the
premises to the place of storage.
D. If the tenant makes timely response in writing of an
intention to remove the personal property from the premises and does
not do so within the later of the time specified in the notice
provided for in subsection B of this section or within fifteen (15)
days of the delivery or mailing of the tenant's written response, it
shall be conclusively presumed that the tenant abandoned the personal
H +&  % A#8
property. If the tenant removes the personal property within the
time limitations provided in this subsection, the landlord is
entitled to the cost of storage for the period during which the
personal property remained in the landlord's safekeeping plus all
other costs that accrued under the rental agreement.
E. If the tenant fails to take possession of the personal
property as prescribed in subsection D of this section and make
payment of all amounts due and owing, the personal property shall be
deemed abandoned and the landlord may thereupon sell the personal
property in any reasonable manner without liability to the tenant.
F. Notice of sale shall be mailed to the owner and any other
party claiming any interest in said personal property, if known, at
their last-known post office address, by certified or registered mail
at least ten (10) days before the time specified therein for such
sale. For purposes of this section, parties who claim an interest in
the personal property include holders of security interests or other
liens or encumbrances as shown by the records in the office of the
county clerk of the county where the lien would be foreclosed.
G. The landlord or any other person may in good faith become a
purchaser of the personal property sold. The landlord may dispose of
any personal property upon which no bid is made at the public sale.
H. The landlord may not be held to respond in damages in an
action by a tenant claiming loss by reason of the landlord's election
to destroy, sell or otherwise dispose of the personal property in
compliance with the provisions of this section. If, however, the
landlord deliberately or negligently violated the provisions of this
section, the landlord shall be liable for actual damages.
I. Any proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the
personal property, as provided in subsection B of this section, shall
be applied by the landlord in the following order:
1. To the reasonable expenses of taking, holding, preparing for
sale or disposition, giving notice and selling or disposing thereof;
2. To the satisfaction of any properly recorded security
interest;
3. To the satisfaction of any amount due from the tenant to the
landlord for rent or otherwise; and
4. The balance, if any, shall be paid into court within thirty
(30) days of the sale and held for six (6) months and, if not claimed
by the owner of the personal property within that period, shall
escheat to the county.
Added by Laws 1988, c. 138, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1988.
§41-61. Computation of time.
The time within which an act is to be done, as provided for in
Title 41 of the Oklahoma Statutes, shall be computed by excluding the
first day and including the last day. If the last day is a legal
holiday as defined by Section 82.1 of Title 25 of the Oklahoma
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Statutes, it shall be excluded. The provisions of this section are
hereby declared to be a clarification of the law as it existed prior
to the effective date of this act and shall not be considered or
construed to be a change of the law as it existed prior to the
effective date of this act. Any action or proceeding arising under
Title 41 of the Oklahoma Statutes prior to the effective date of this
act for which a determination of the period of time prescribed by
this section is in question or has been in question due to the
enactment of Section 20, Chapter 293, O.S.L. 1999, shall be governed
by the method for computation of time as prescribed by this section.
Added by Laws 2000, c. 260, § 3, emerg. eff. June 1, 2000.
§41-71. Repealed by Laws 1939, p. 341, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 24,
1939.
§41-72. Repealed by Laws 1939, p. 341, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 24,
1939.
§41-73. Repealed by Laws 1939, p. 341, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 24,
1939.
§41-74. Repealed by Laws 1939, p. 341, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 24,
1939.
§41-75. Repealed by Laws 1939, p. 341, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 24,
1939.
§41-76. Repealed by Laws 1939, p. 341, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 24,
1939.
§41-77. Repealed by Laws 1939, p. 341, § 1, emerg. eff. Feb. 24,
1939.
§41-101. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Oklahoma
Residential Landlord and Tenant Act".
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-102. Definitions.
Unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Building and housing codes" means any law, ordinance or
governmental regulation concerning fitness for habitation or the
construction, maintenance, operation, occupancy, use or appearance of
any premises or dwelling unit;
2. "Deposit" means any money or other property required by a
landlord from a tenant as a security and which is to be returned to
H +&  % A#"
the tenant upon termination of the rental agreement, less any
deductions properly made and allowed by this act;
3. "Dwelling unit" means a structure, or that part of a
structure, which is used as a home, residence or sleeping place by
one or more persons, and includes any site, space or lot leased to
the owner or resident of a manufactured or mobile home;
4. "Good faith" means honesty in fact in the conduct of the
transaction concerned;
5. "Landlord" means the owner, lessor or sublessor of the
dwelling unit or the building of which it is a part, manufactured or
mobile home site, space or lot, and it also means a manager of the
premises who fails to comply with the disclosure provisions of
Section 116 of this title;
6. "Occupant" means any person who abides within a dwelling
unit, or any person who owns or occupies a manufactured or mobile
home, but who is not a tenant or an unemancipated minor child of a
tenant, and who is not legally obligated by the terms of a rental
agreement;
7. "Organization" means a corporation, government, governmental
subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or
association, two or more persons having a joint or common interest
and any other legal or commercial entity;
8. "Owner" means one or more persons, jointly or severally, in
whom is vested:
a. all or any part of the legal title to the property, or
b. all or part of the beneficial ownership and a right to
present use and enjoyment of the property, and such
term includes a mortgagee in possession;
9. "Person" means an individual or organization;
10. "Premises" means a dwelling unit and the structure of which
it is a part, the facilities and appurtenances therein, the site,
space or lot leased to the owner or resident of a mobile or
manufactured home, and the grounds, areas and facilities held out for
the use of the tenant generally or the use of which is promised to
the tenant;
11. "Rent" means all payments, except deposits and damages, to
be made to the landlord under the rental agreement;
12. "Rental agreement" means all agreements and valid rules and
regulations adopted under Section 126 of this title, which establish,
embody or modify the terms and conditions concerning the use and
occupancy of a dwelling unit and premises;
13. "Roomer" or "boarder" means a tenant occupying a dwelling
unit:
a. which lacks at least one major bathroom or kitchen
facility, such as a toilet, refrigerator or stove,
b. in a building
H +&  % A#!
(1) where one or more of such major facilities are
supplied to be used in common by the occupants of
the roomer or boarder's dwelling unit and one or
more other dwelling units, and
(2) in which the landlord resides;
14. "Single-family residence" means a structure used and
maintained as a single dwelling unit. A dwelling unit, including
those with common walls, shall be deemed a single-family residence if
it has direct access to a street or thoroughfare and shares neither
heating facilities, hot water equipment, nor any other essential
facility or service with any other dwelling unit; and
15. "Tenant" means any person entitled under a rental agreement
to occupy a dwelling unit.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1978. Amended by Laws
1995, c, 149, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 2003, c. 112, § 1, emerg.
eff. April 21, 2003.
§41-103. Application of act.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this act, this act applies
to, regulates and determines rights, obligations and remedies under a
rental agreement, wherever made, for a dwelling unit located within
this state.
B. Any agreement, whether written or oral, shall be
unenforceable insofar as said agreement, or any provision thereof,
conflicts with any provision of this act.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 3, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-104. Arrangements not covered by act.
Unless created to avoid the application of this act, the
following arrangements are not governed by this act:
1. Residence at an institution, public or private, if incidental
to detention or the provision of medical, geriatric, educational,
counseling, religious or similar service;
2. Occupancy under a contract of sale or contract for deed of a
dwelling unit or of the property of which it is a part, if the
occupant is the purchaser or a person who succeeds to his interest;
3. Occupancy by a member of a fraternal or social organization
in a structure operated for the benefit of the organization;
4. Transient occupancy in a hotel, motel or other similar
lodging;
5. Occupancy by an owner of a condominium unit or a holder of a
proprietary lease in a cooperative; and
6. Occupancy under a rental agreement covering premises used by
the occupant primarily for agricultural purposes.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 4, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
H +&  % A#
§41-105. Mitigation of damages - Rights, obligations and remedies -
Enforcement.
A. An aggrieved party under the provisions of this act has a
duty to mitigate damages.
B. Any right, obligation or remedy declared by this act is
enforceable in any court of appropriate jurisdiction including small
claims court and may be prosecuted as part of an action for forcible
entry or detainer unless the provision declaring it specifies a
different and limited effect. In any action for breach of a rental
agreement or to enforce any right or obligation provided for in this
act, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorneys'
fees.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 5, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-106. Settlement of claim.
A claim or right arising under this act or a rental agreement, if
disputed in good faith, may be settled by agreement and requires no
further consideration.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 6, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-107. Good faith performance or enforcement.
Every duty under this act and every act which must be performed
as a condition precedent to the exercise of a right or remedy under
this act imposes an obligation of good faith in its performance or
enforcement.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 7, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-108. Beneficial owner to maintain premises.
Any agreement, assignment, conveyance, trust deed or security
instrument which authorizes a person other than the beneficial owner
to act as landlord of a dwelling unit shall not relieve the
beneficial owner of the duty to conform with this act and any other
law, code, ordinance or regulation concerning the maintenance and
operation of the premises.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 8, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-109. Rent.
A. In the absence of agreement, the occupants of a dwelling unit
shall pay to the landlord as rent the fair rental value for the use
and occupancy of the dwelling unit.
B. Rent shall be payable at the time and place agreed to by the
parties. Unless otherwise agreed, the entire rent shall be payable
at the dwelling unit at the beginning of any term of one (1) month or
less, while one (1) month's rent shall be payable at the beginning of
each month of a longer term.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 9, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
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§41-110. Term of tenancy.
Unless the rental agreement fixes a definite term in writing, the
tenancy is week-to-week in the case of a roomer or boarder who pays
weekly rent, and in all other cases month-to-month.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 10, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-111. Termination of tenancy.
A. Except as otherwise provided in the Oklahoma Residential
Landlord and Tenant Act, when the tenancy is month-to-month or
tenancy at will, the landlord or tenant may terminate the tenancy
provided the landlord or tenant gives a written notice to the other
at least thirty (30) days before the date upon which the termination
is to become effective. The thirty-day period to terminate shall
begin to run from the date notice to terminate is served as provided
in subsection E of this section.
B. Except as otherwise provided in the Oklahoma Residential
Landlord and Tenant Act, when the tenancy is less than month-to-
month, the landlord or tenant may terminate the tenancy provided the
landlord or tenant gives to the other a written notice served as
provided in subsection E of this section at least seven (7) days
before the date upon which the termination is to become effective.
C. Unless earlier terminated under the provisions of the
Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act or unless otherwise
agreed upon, a tenancy for a definite term expires on the ending date
thereof without notice.
D. If the tenant remains in possession without the landlord's
consent after the expiration of the term of the rental agreement or
its termination under the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant
Act, the landlord may immediately bring an action for possession and
damages. If the tenant's holdover is willful and not in good faith
the landlord may also recover an amount not more than twice the
average monthly rental, computed and prorated on a daily basis, for
each month or portion thereof that said tenant remains in possession.
If the landlord consents to the tenant's continued occupancy, a
month-to-month tenancy is thus created, unless the parties otherwise
agree.
E. The written notice, required by the Oklahoma Residential
Landlord and Tenant Act, to terminate any tenancy shall be served on
the tenant or landlord personally unless otherwise specified by law.
If the tenant cannot be located, service shall be made by delivering
the notice to any family member of such tenant over the age of twelve
(12) years residing with the tenant. If service cannot be made on
the tenant personally or on such family member, notice shall be
posted at a conspicuous place on the dwelling unit of the tenant. If
the notice is posted, a copy of such notice shall be mailed to the
tenant by certified mail or by mailing such notice through the Firm
Mailing Book for Accountable Mail as provided by the United States
H +&  % A#1
Post Office. If service cannot be made on the landlord personally,
the notice shall be mailed to the landlord by certified mail. For
the purpose of this subsection, the word "landlord" shall mean any
person authorized to receive service of process and notice pursuant
to Section 116 of this title.
F. The provisions of this section shall not apply to an occupant
who has no rental agreement with the landlord and with whom the
landlord has not consented to creating a tenancy. A landlord shall
have the right to demand that such an occupant vacate the dwelling
unit or the premises or both and shall not be required to commence
eviction proceedings. If the occupant wrongfully fails to comply
within a reasonable time, the occupant shall, upon conviction, be
guilty of a trespass and may be punished by a fine not to exceed Five
Hundred Dollars ($500.00).
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 11, eff. Oct. 1, 1978. Amended by Laws
1980, c. 168, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 1980; Laws 1982, c. 251, § 1, emerg.
eff. May 11, 1982; Laws 2016, c. 294, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2016; Laws
2019, c. 115, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2019.
§41-112. Duties of parties upon termination of tenancy.
Except as otherwise provided in this act, whenever either party
to a rental agreement rightfully elects to terminate, the duties of
each party under the rental agreement shall cease and be determined
upon the effective date of said termination, and the parties shall
thereupon discharge any remaining obligations under this act as soon
as practicable.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 12, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-113. Rental agreements.
A. A rental agreement may not provide that either party thereto:
1. Agrees to waive or forego rights or remedies under this act;
2. Authorizes any person to confess judgment on a claim arising
out of the rental agreement;
3. Agrees to pay the other party's attorney's fees;
4. Agrees to the exculpation, limitation or indemnification of
any liability arising under law for damages or injuries to persons or
property caused by or resulting from the acts or omissions of either
party, their agents, servants or employees in the operation or
maintenance of the dwelling unit or the premises of which it is a
part; or
5. Agrees to the establishment of a lien except as allowed by
this act in and to the property of the other party.
B. A provision prohibited by subsection A of this section and
included in a rental agreement is unenforceable.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 13, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
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§41-113.1. Denial or termination of tenancy because of guide, signal
or service dog.
A landlord shall not deny or terminate a tenancy to a blind,
deaf, or physically handicapped person because of the guide, signal,
or service dog of such person unless such dogs are specifically
prohibited in the rental agreement entered into prior to November 1,
1985.
Added by Laws 1982, c. 251, § 3, emerg. eff. May 11, 1982. Amended
by Laws 1985, c. 19, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1985.
§41-113.2. Assistance animal – Reasonable housing accommodation
request.
A. As used in this section, "assistance animal" means an animal
that works, provides assistance or performs tasks for the benefit of
a person with a disability, or provides emotional support that
alleviates one or more identified symptoms or effects of a person's
disability. "Assistance animal" includes a service animal
specifically trained or equipped to perform tasks for a person with a
disability, or an emotional support animal that provides support to a
person with a disability who has a disability-related need for such
support.
B. A person with a disability may submit a request for a
reasonable accommodation to maintain an assistance animal in a
dwelling pursuant to the Fair Housing Act, as amended, 42 U.S.C.,
Section 3601 et seq., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42
U.S.C., Section 12101 et seq., and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C., Section 701 or any other federal,
state or local law. Unless the person making the request has a
disability or disability-related need for an assistance animal that
is readily apparent, the landlord may request reliable supporting
documentation that (1) is necessary to verify that the person meets
the definition of disability pursuant to the Fair Housing Act, (2)
describes the needed accommodation, and (3) shows the relationship
between the person's disability and the need for the requested
accommodation. The landlord may independently verify the
authenticity of any supporting documentation. Supporting
documentation that was acquired through purchase or exchange of funds
for goods and services shall be presumed to be fraudulent supporting
documentation.
C. A landlord shall not be liable for injuries by a person's
assistance animal permitted on the landlord's property as a
reasonable accommodation to assist the person with a disability
pursuant to the requirements of subsection B of this section.
D. If a person obtains a reasonable housing accommodation under
this section by knowingly making a false claim of having a disability
that requires the use of an assistance animal or by knowingly
providing fraudulent supporting documentation in connection with such
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claim, the landlord may remedy the person's noncompliance by the
procedures authorized pursuant to the Oklahoma Residential Landlord
and Tenant Act in Section 132 of Title 41 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Additionally, a prevailing landlord in an eviction action under this
section may be awarded court costs and fees, plus damages not to
exceed One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) from the tenant.
Added by Laws 2018, c. 223, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2018.
§41-113a. Disclosure of flood or flooding problems in rental
agreement.
A. If the premises to be rented has been flooded within the past
five (5) years and such fact is known to the landlord, the landlord
shall include such information prominently and in writing as part of
any written rental agreements. Failure to provide such information
shall entitle any tenant who is a party to the rental agreement to
sue the landlord of the premises in a court of appropriate
jurisdiction and to recover the personal property damages sustained
by the tenant from flooding of the premises.
B. For the purpose of this section, "flooded and flooding" shall
mean general and temporary conditions of partial or complete
inundation of normally dry land areas and structures upon said areas
from the overflow of lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, creeks and any
other inland waters.
Added by Laws 1986, c. 194, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 1986.
§41-114. Alienees - Rights, obligations and remedies.
Alienees of landlords and tenants shall have the same legal
rights, obligations and remedies as their principals.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 14, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-115. Damage or security deposits.
A. Any damage or security deposit required by a landlord of a
tenant must be kept in an escrow account for the tenant, which
account shall be maintained in the State of Oklahoma with a federally
insured financial institution. Misappropriation of the security
deposit shall be unlawful and punishable by a term in a county jail
not to exceed six (6) months and by a fine in an amount not to exceed
twice the amount misappropriated from the escrow account.
B. Upon termination of the tenancy, any security deposit held by
the landlord may be applied to the payment of accrued rent and the
amount of damages which the landlord has suffered by reason of the
tenant's noncompliance with this act and the rental agreement, all as
itemized by the landlord in a written statement delivered by mail to
be by return receipt requested and to be signed for by any person of
statutory service age at such address or in person to the tenant if
he can reasonably be found. If the landlord proposes to retain any
portion of the security deposit for rent, damages or other legally
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allowable charges under the provisions of this act or the rental
agreement, the landlord shall return the balance of the security
deposit without interest to the tenant within forty-five (45) days
after the termination of tenancy, delivery of possession and written
demand by the tenant. If the tenant does not make such written
demand of such deposit within six (6) months after termination of the
tenancy, the deposit reverts to the landlord in consideration of the
costs and burden of maintaining the escrow account, and the interest
of the tenant in that deposit terminates at that time.
C. Upon cessation of a landlord's interest in the dwelling unit
including, but not limited to, termination of interest by sale,
assignment, death, bankruptcy, appointment of receiver or otherwise,
the person in possession of the tenants' damage or security deposits
at his option or pursuant to court order shall, within a reasonable
time:
1. Transfer said deposits to the landlord's successor in
interest and notify the tenants in writing of such transfer and of
the transferee's name and address; or
2. Return the deposits to the tenants.
D. Upon receipt of the transferred deposits under paragraph 1 of
subsection C of this section, the transferee, in relation to such
deposits, shall have all the rights and obligations of a landlord
holding such deposits under this act.
E. If a landlord or manager fails to comply with this section or
fails to return any prepaid rent required to be paid to a tenant
under this act, the tenant may recover the damage and security
deposit and prepaid rent, if any.
F. Except as otherwise provided by the rental agreement, a
tenant shall not apply or deduct any portion of the security deposit
from the last month's rent or use or apply such tenant's security
deposit at any time in lieu of payment of rent.
G. This section does not preclude the landlord or tenant from
recovering other damages to which he may be entitled under this act.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 15, eff. Oct. 1, 1978. Amended by Laws
1980, c. 168, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 1980; Laws 1981, c. 125, § 1; Laws
2015, c. 94, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2015.
§41-116. Person to accept service or notice - Identity of owner and
manager - Failure to comply with section.
A. As a part of any rental agreement the lessor shall
prominently and in writing identify what person at what address is
entitled to accept service or notice under this act. The landlord or
any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on his behalf
shall disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement
of the tenancy the name and address of:
1. The person or persons authorized to manage the premises;
2. The owner or owners of the premises; or
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3. The name and address of a person authorized to act for and on
behalf of the owner for the purpose of receipt of service of process
and receiving and receipting for notices.
The information required to be furnished by this section shall be
kept current and this section extends to and is enforceable against
any successor owner, landlord or manager.
B. A person who fails to comply with this section becomes a
landlord for the purposes of this act and an agent of each person who
is otherwise a landlord for:
1. Receipt of service of process and receiving and receipting
for notices and demands; and
2. Performing the obligations of a landlord under this act and
under the rental agreement and expending and making available for the
purpose all rents collected from the premises.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 16, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-117. Commencement of tenancy - Delivery of possession - Wrongful
possession - Limitations on use - Rights regarding occupants -
Reasonable occupancy limitation.
A. At the commencement of the term a landlord shall deliver full
possession of the premises to the tenant in compliance with the
rental agreement and Section 118 of this title. Except as otherwise
provided in this act, the landlord may bring an action for possession
against any other person wrongfully in possession and may recover his
damages.
B. A rental agreement may provide reasonable limitations upon
use of a dwelling unit or premises by a tenant or occupant. A
landlord shall have the right to demand that an occupant vacate the
dwelling unit or the premises or both if such occupant breaches any
condition of the rental agreement which would be enforceable against
the tenant. If a landlord makes a written request to the tenant or
to the occupant for the occupant to depart from the dwelling unit or
the premises or both, the occupant shall comply. If the occupant
wrongfully fails to comply within a reasonable time, the occupant
shall, upon conviction, be deemed guilty of a trespass and may be
punished by a fine of not to exceed Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) or
by confinement in the county jail for a period not to exceed thirty
(30) days or by both such fine and imprisonment.
C. An occupancy limitation of two (2) persons per bedroom
residing in a dwelling unit shall be presumed reasonable for this
state. The two-person limitation shall not apply to a child or
children born to the tenants during the course of the lease.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 17, eff. Oct. 1, 1978. Amended by Laws
1995, c. 149, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.
§41-118. Duties of landlord and tenant.
A. A landlord shall at all times during the tenancy:
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1. Except in the case of a single-family residence, keep all
common areas of his building, grounds, facilities and appurtenances
in a clean, safe and sanitary condition;
2. Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep
the tenant's dwelling unit and premises in a fit and habitable
condition;
3. Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all
electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-
conditioning and other facilities and appliances, including
elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by him;
4. Except in the case of one- or two-family residences or where
provided by a governmental entity, provide and maintain appropriate
receptacles and conveniences for the removal of ashes, garbage,
rubbish and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling
unit and arrange for the frequent removal of such wastes; and
5. Except in the case of a single-family residence or where the
service is supplied by direct and independently metered utility
connections to the dwelling unit, supply running water and reasonable
amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat.
B. The landlord and tenant of a dwelling unit may agree by a
conspicuous writing independent of the rental agreement that the
tenant is to perform specified repairs, maintenance tasks,
alterations or remodeling.
C. Prior to the commencement of a rental agreement, if a
landlord knows or has reason to know that the dwelling unit or any
part of the premises was used in the manufacture of methamphetamine,
the landlord shall disclose this information to a prospective tenant.
Provided however, if the landlord has had the level of contamination
assessed within the dwelling unit or pertinent part of the premises,
and it has been determined that the level of contamination does not
exceed one-tenth of one microgram (0.1 mcg) per one hundred square
centimeters (100 cm2) of surface materials within the dwelling unit
or pertinent part of the premises, no disclosure shall be required.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 18, eff. Oct. 1, 1978. Amended by Laws
2010, c. 282, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2010.
§41-119. Conveyance of property - Attornment of tenant.
A. A conveyance of real estate, or of any interest therein, by a
landlord shall be valid without the attornment of the tenant, but the
payment of rent by the tenant to the grantor at any time before
written notice of the conveyance is given to the tenant shall be good
against the grantee.
B. The attornment of a tenant to a stranger shall be void, and
shall not affect the possession of the landlord unless it is made
with the consent of the landlord, or pursuant to a judgment at law,
or the order or decree of a court.
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C. Unless otherwise agreed and except as otherwise provided in
this act, upon termination of the owner's interest in the dwelling
unit including, but not limited to, terminations of interest by sale,
assignment, death, bankruptcy, appointment of a receiver or
otherwise, the owner is relieved of all liability under the rental
agreement and of all obligations under this act as to events
occurring subsequent to written notice to the resident of the
termination of the owner's interest. The successor in interest to
the owner shall be liable for all obligations under the rental
agreement or under this act. Upon receipt by a resident of written
notice of the termination of the owner's interest in the dwelling
unit, a resident shall pay all future rental payments, when due, to
the successor in interest to the owner.
D. Unless otherwise agreed and except as otherwise provided in
this act, a manager of premises that includes a dwelling unit is
relieved of liability under a rental agreement and this act as to
events occurring after written notice to the tenant of the
termination of his management.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 19, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-120. Failure of landlord to deliver possession of dwelling unit
to tenant.
A. If the landlord fails to deliver possession of the dwelling
unit to the tenant, rent abates until possession is delivered and the
tenant may terminate the rental agreement by giving a written notice
of such termination to the landlord, whereupon the landlord shall
return all prepaid rent and deposit, or the tenant may, at his
option, demand performance of the rental agreement by the landlord
and maintain an action for possession of the dwelling unit against
any person wrongfully in possession and recover the actual damages
sustained by him.
B. If a person's failure to deliver possession is willful and
not in good faith, an aggrieved person may recover from that person
an amount not more than twice the monthly rental as specified in the
rental agreement, computed and prorated on a daily basis, for each
month, or portion thereof, that said person wrongfully remains in
possession.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 20, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-121. Landlord's breach of rental agreement - Deductions from
rent for repairs - Failure to supply heat, water or other essential
services - Habitability of dwelling unit.
A. Except as otherwise provided in this act, if there is a
material noncompliance by the landlord with the terms of the rental
agreement or a noncompliance with any of the provisions of Section 18
of this act which noncompliance materially affects health or safety,
the tenant may deliver to the landlord a written notice specifying
H +&  % A#"!
the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental
agreement will terminate upon a date not less than thirty (30) days
after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied within
fourteen (14) days, and thereafter the rental agreement shall so
terminate as provided in the notice unless the landlord adequately
remedies the breach within the time specified.
B. Except as otherwise provided in this act, if there is a
material noncompliance by the landlord with any of the terms of the
rental agreement or any of the provisions of Section 18 of this act
which noncompliance materially affects health and the breach is
remediable by repairs, the reasonable cost of which is less than One
Hundred Dollars ($100.00), the tenant may notify the landlord in
writing of his intention to correct the condition at the landlord's
expense after the expiration of fourteen (14) days. If the landlord
fails to comply within said fourteen (14) days, or as promptly as
conditions require in the case of an emergency, the tenant may
thereafter cause the work to be done in a workmanlike manner and,
after submitting to the landlord an itemized statement, deduct from
his rent the actual and reasonable cost or the fair and reasonable
value of the work, not exceeding the amount specified in this
subsection, in which event the rental agreement shall not terminate
by reason of that breach.
C. Except as otherwise provided in this act, if, contrary to the
rental agreement or Section 18 of this act, the landlord willfully or
negligently fails to supply heat, running water, hot water, electric,
gas or other essential service, the tenant may give written notice to
the landlord specifying the breach and thereafter may:
1. Upon written notice, immediately terminate the rental
agreement; or
2. Procure reasonable amounts of heat, hot water, running water,
electric, gas or other essential service during the period of the
landlord's noncompliance and deduct their actual and reasonable cost
from the rent; or
3. Recover damages based upon the diminution of the fair rental
value of the dwelling unit; or
4. Upon written notice, procure reasonable substitute housing
during the period of the landlord's noncompliance, in which case the
tenant is excused from paying rent for the period of the landlord's
noncompliance.
D. Except as otherwise provided in this act, if there is a
noncompliance by the landlord with the terms of the rental agreement
or Section 18 of this act, which noncompliance renders the dwelling
unit uninhabitable or poses an imminent threat to the health and
safety of any occupant of the dwelling unit and which noncompliance
is not remedied as promptly as conditions require, the tenant may
immediately terminate the rental agreement upon written notice to the
landlord which notice specifies the noncompliance.
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E. All rights of the tenant under this section do not arise
until he has given written notice to the landlord or if the condition
complained of was caused by the deliberate or negligent act or
omission of the tenant, a member of his family, his animal or pet or
other person or animal on the premises with his consent.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 21, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-122. Damage to or destruction of dwelling unit - Rights and
duties of tenant.
A. If the dwelling unit or premises are damaged or destroyed by
fire or other casualty to an extent that enjoyment of the dwelling
unit is substantially impaired, unless the impairment is caused by
the deliberate or negligent act or omission of the tenant, a member
of his family, his animal or pet or other person or animal on the
premises with his consent, the tenant may:
1. Immediately vacate the premises and notify the landlord in
writing within one (1) week thereafter of his intention to terminate
the rental agreement, in which case the rental agreement terminates
as of the date of vacating; or
2. If continued occupancy is possible, vacate any part of the
dwelling unit rendered unusable by the fire or casualty, in which
case the tenant's liability for rent is reduced in proportion to the
diminution in the fair rental value of the dwelling unit.
B. If the rental agreement is terminated under this section the
landlord shall return all deposits recoverable under Section 15 of
this act and all prepaid and unearned rent. Accounting for rent in
the event of termination or apportionment shall be made as of the
date of the fire or other casualty.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 22, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-123. Wrongful removal or exclusion from dwelling unit.
If a landlord wrongfully removes or excludes a tenant from
possession of a dwelling unit, the tenant may recover possession by a
proceeding brought in a court of competent jurisdiction, or terminate
the rental agreement after giving notice of such intention to the
landlord, and in either case recover an amount not more than twice
the average monthly rental, or twice his actual damages, whichever is
greater. If the rental agreement is terminated, the landlord shall
return all deposits recoverable under Section 15 of this act and all
prepaid and unearned rent.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 23, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-124. Damages for unlawful entry, lawful entry in unreasonable
manner harassment - Limitation on remedies.
A. If the landlord makes an unlawful entry or a lawful entry in
an unreasonable manner or harasses the tenant by making repeated
unreasonable demands for entry, the tenant may obtain injunctive
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relief to prevent the recurrence of the conduct or, upon written
notice, terminate the rental agreement. In either case the tenant
may recover actual damages.
B. Neither injunctive relief nor damages shall be available to a
tenant if the basis for the landlord's action is the landlord's
execution of a writ in the manner prescribed by Section 1148.10A of
Title 12 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 24, eff. Oct. 1, 1978. Amended by Laws
1995, c. 149, § 4, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.
§41-125. Defective condition of premises - Report to landlord.
Any defective condition of the premises which comes to the
tenant's attention, and which the tenant has reason to believe is
unknown to the landlord, shall be reported by the tenant to the
landlord as soon as practicable.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 25, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-126. Tenant's use and occupancy of premises - Rules and
regulations.
A. A landlord, from time to time, may adopt a rule or
regulation, however described, concerning the tenant's use and
occupancy of the premises. Such a rule or regulation is enforceable
against the tenant only if:
1. Its purpose is to promote the convenience, peace, safety or
welfare of the tenants in the premises, preserve the landlord's
property from abusive use, or make a fair distribution of services
and facilities held out for the tenants generally; and
2. It is reasonably related to the purpose for which it is
adopted; and
3. It applies to all tenants in the premises in a fair manner;
and
4. It is sufficiently explicit in its prohibition, direction or
limitation of the tenant's conduct to fairly inform the tenant what
such tenant must or must not do to comply; and
5. It is not for the purpose of evading the obligations of the
landlord; and
6. The tenant has notice of it at the time such tenant enters
into the rental agreement, or when it is adopted.
B. If a rule or regulation is adopted after the tenant enters
into the rental agreement and that rule or regulation works a
substantial modification of such tenant's bargain, the rule or
regulation so adopted is not valid and enforceable against the tenant
unless he consents to it in writing.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 26, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-127. Duties of tenant.
The tenant shall at all times during the tenancy:
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1. Keep that part of the premises which such tenant occupies and
uses as safe, clean and sanitary as the condition of the premises
permits;
2. Dispose from such tenant's dwelling unit all ashes, garbage,
rubbish and other waste in a safe, clean and sanitary manner;
3. Keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or used by
the tenant as clean and sanitary as their condition permits;
4. Use in a safe and nondestructive manner all electrical,
plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other
facilities and appliances including elevators in the premises;
5. Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage,
impair or remove any part of the premises or permit any person,
animal or pet to do so;
6. Not engage in conduct or allow any person or animal or pet,
on the premises with the express or implied permission or consent of
the tenant, to engage in conduct that will disturb the quiet and
peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other tenants;
7. Comply with all covenants, rules, regulations and the like
which are in accordance with Section 126 of this title; and
8. Not engage in criminal activity that threatens the health,
safety or right of peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other
tenants or is a danger to the premises, and not engage in any drug-
related criminal activity on or near the premises either personally
or by any member of the tenant's household or any guest or other
person under the tenant's control.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 27, eff. Oct. 1, 1978. Amended by Laws
1998, c. 306, § 11, eff. Nov. 1, 1998.
§41-128. Consent of tenant for landlord to enter dwelling unit -
Emergency entry - Abuse of right of entry - Notice - Abandoned
premises - Refusal of consent.
A. A tenant shall not unreasonably withhold consent to the
landlord, his agents and employees, to enter into the dwelling unit
in order to inspect the premises, make necessary or agreed repairs,
decorations, alterations or improvements, supply necessary or agreed
services or exhibit the dwelling unit to prospective or actual
purchasers, mortgagees, tenants, workmen or contractors.
B. A landlord, his agents and employees may enter the dwelling
unit without consent of the tenant in case of emergency.
C. A landlord shall not abuse the right of access or use it to
harass the tenant. Except in case of emergency or unless it is
impracticable to do so, the landlord shall give the tenant at least
one (1) day's notice of his intent to enter and may enter only at
reasonable times.
D. Unless the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises,
a landlord has no other right of access during a tenancy except as is
provided in this act or pursuant to a court order.
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E. If the tenant refuses to allow lawful access, the landlord
may obtain injunctive relief to compel access or he may terminate the
rental agreement.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 28, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-129. Tenant's breach of rental agreement - Wrongful abandonment.
A. Unless otherwise agreed, use by the tenant of the dwelling
unit for any purpose other than as his place of abode shall
constitute a breach of the rental agreement and shall be grounds for
terminating the rental agreement.
B. If the tenant wrongfully quits and abandons the dwelling unit
during the term of the tenancy, the landlord shall make reasonable
efforts to make the dwelling unit available for rental. If the
landlord rents the dwelling unit for a term beginning before the
expiration of the rental agreement, said rental agreement terminates
as of the commencement date of the new tenancy. If the landlord
fails to use reasonable efforts to make the dwelling unit available
for rental or if the landlord accepts the abandonment as a surrender,
the rental agreement is deemed to be terminated by the landlord as of
the date the landlord has notice of the abandonment. If, after
making reasonable efforts to make the dwelling unit available for
rental after the abandonment, the landlord fails to rerent the
premises for a fair rental during the term, the tenant shall be
liable for the entire rent or the difference in rental, whichever may
be appropriate, for the remainder of the term. If the tenancy is
from month-to-month or week-to-week, the term of the rental agreement
for this purpose is deemed to be a month or a week, as the case may
be.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 29, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-130. Abandoning, surrendering or eviction from possession of
dwelling unit - Disposition of personal property.
A. If the tenant abandons or surrenders possession of the
dwelling unit or has been lawfully removed from the premises through
eviction proceedings and leaves household goods, furnishings,
fixtures, or any other personal property in the dwelling unit, the
landlord may take possession of the property, and if, in the judgment
of the landlord, the property has no ascertainable or apparent value,
the landlord may dispose of the property without any duty of
accounting or any liability to any party. The landlord may dispose
of perishable property in any manner the landlord considers fit.
B. If the tenant abandons or surrenders possession of the
dwelling unit or has been lawfully removed from the premises through
eviction proceedings and leaves household goods, furnishings,
fixtures, or any other personal property in or around the dwelling
unit, the landlord may take possession of the property, and if, in
the judgment of the landlord the property has an ascertainable or
H +&  % A#"6
apparent value, the landlord shall provide written notice to the
tenant by certified mail to the last-known address that if the
property is not removed within the time specified in the notice, the
property will be deemed abandoned. Any property left with the
landlord for a period of thirty (30) days or longer shall be
conclusively determined to be abandoned and as such the landlord may
dispose of said property in any manner which he or she deems
reasonable and proper without liability to the tenant or any other
interested party.
C. The landlord shall store all personal property of the tenant
in a place of safekeeping and shall exercise reasonable care of the
property. The landlord shall not be responsible to the tenant for
any loss not caused by the landlord's deliberate or negligent act.
The landlord may elect to store the property in the dwelling unit
that was abandoned or surrendered by the tenant, in which event the
storage cost may not exceed the fair rental value of the premises.
If the tenant's property is removed to a commercial storage company,
the storage cost shall include the actual charge for the storage and
removal from the premises to the place of storage.
D. If the tenant removes the personal property within the time
limitations provided in this section, the landlord is entitled to the
cost of storage for the period during which the property remained in
the landlord's safekeeping plus all other costs that accrued under
the rental agreement.
E. The landlord may not be held to respond in damages in an
action by a tenant claiming loss by reason of the landlord's election
to destroy, sell or otherwise dispose of the property in compliance
with the provisions of this section. If, however, the landlord
deliberately or negligently violated the provisions of this section,
the landlord shall be liable for actual damages.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 30, eff. Oct. 1, 1978. Amended by Laws
1983, c. 273, § 12, operative July 1, 1983; Laws 1987, c. 218, § 1,
eff. Nov. 1, 1987; Laws 1988, c. 138, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1988; Laws
1989, c. 347, § 3, eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1990, c. 88, § 1, eff.
Sept. 1, 1990; Laws 1995, c. 149, § 5, eff. Nov. 1, 1995; Laws 1999,
c. 212, § 2, eff. Nov. 1, 1999; Laws 2019, c. 61, § 1, eff. Nov. 1,
2019.
NOTE: Laws 1987, c. 181, § 10 repealed by Laws 1988, c. 138, § 4,
eff. Nov. 1, 1988.
§41-130.1. Death of tenant - Disposition of personal property.
A. Upon written request of a landlord, the landlord's tenant
shall:
1. Provide the landlord with the name, address, and telephone
number of a person to contact in the event of the tenant's death; and
2. Sign a statement authorizing the landlord in the event of the
tenant's death to:
H +&  % A#"7
a. grant to the person designated under paragraph 1 of
this subsection access to the premises at a reasonable
time and in the presence of the landlord or the
landlord's agent,
b. allow the person designated under paragraph 1 of this
subsection to remove any of the tenant's property found
at the leased premises, and
c. refund the tenant's security deposit, less lawful
deductions, to the person designated under paragraph 1
of this subsection.
B. A tenant may, without request from the landlord, provide the
landlord with the information specified in subsection A of this
section.
C. Except as provided in subsection D of this section, in the
event of the death of a tenant who is the sole occupant of a rental
dwelling:
1. The landlord may remove and store all property found in the
tenant's leased premises;
2. The landlord shall turn over possession of the property to
the person who was designated by the tenant under subsection A or B
of this section or to any other person lawfully entitled to the
property if the request is made prior to the property being discarded
pursuant to paragraph 5 of this subsection;
3. The landlord shall refund the tenant's security deposit, less
lawful deductions, including the cost of removing and storing the
property, to the person designated under subsection A or B of this
section or to any other person lawfully entitled to the refund;
4. Any person who removes property from the tenant's leased
premises shall sign an inventory of the property being removed at the
time of removal and submit the signed inventory to the landlord; and
5. The landlord may discard the property removed by the landlord
from the tenant's leased premises if:
a. the landlord has mailed a written request by certified
mail, return receipt requested, to the person
designated under subsection A or B of this section,
requesting that the property be removed,
b. the person failed to remove the property by the
thirtieth day after the postmark date of the notice,
and
c. the landlord, prior to the date of discarding the
property, has not been contacted by anyone claiming the
property.
D. In a written lease or other agreement, a landlord and a
tenant may agree to a procedure different than the procedure in this
section for removing, storing, or disposing of property in the leased
premises of a deceased tenant.
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E. If a tenant, after being furnished with a notice of request,
knowingly violates subsection A of this section by failing to provide
the required information and statement, the landlord shall have no
responsibility after the tenant's death for removal, storage,
disappearance, damage, or disposition of property in the tenant's
leased premises.
F. If a landlord, after being furnished with a copy of this
section, knowingly violates subsection C of this section, the
landlord shall be liable to the estate of the deceased tenant for
actual damages.
Added by Laws 2006, c. 23, § 1, eff. Nov. 1, 2006.
§41-131. Delinquent rent.
A. If rent is unpaid when due, the landlord may bring an action
for recovery of the rent at any time thereafter or the landlord may
wait until the expiration of the period allowed for curing a default
by the tenant, as prescribed in subsection B of this section, before
bringing such action.
B. A landlord may terminate a rental agreement for failure to
pay rent when due, if the tenant fails to pay the rent within five
(5) days after written notice of landlord's demand for payment. The
notice may be given before or after the landlord files any action
authorized by subsection A of this section. Demand for past due rent
is deemed a demand for possession of the premises and no further
notice to quit possession need be given by the landlord to the tenant
for any purpose.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 31, eff. Oct. 1, 1978. Amended by Laws
1995, c. 149, § 6, eff. Nov. 1, 1995.
§41-132. Tenant's failure to comply with rental agreement or perform
duties - Rights and duties of landlord.
A. Except as otherwise provided in the Oklahoma Residential
Landlord and Tenant Act, if there is a noncompliance by the tenant
with the rental agreement or with Section 127 of this title which
noncompliance can be remedied by repair, replacement of a damaged
item, or cleaning and the tenant fails to comply as promptly as
conditions require in the case of an emergency or within ten (10)
days after written notice served as provided in subsection E of
Section 111 of this title by the landlord specifying the breach and
requiring that the tenant remedy it within that period of time, the
landlord may enter the dwelling unit and cause the work to be done in
a workmanlike manner and thereafter submit the itemized bill for the
actual and reasonable cost or the fair and reasonable value thereof
as rent on the next date rent is due, or if the rental agreement has
terminated, for immediate payment. If the landlord remedies the
breach as provided in this subsection, the landlord may not terminate
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the rental agreement by reason of the tenant's failure to remedy the
breach.
B. Except as otherwise provided in the Oklahoma Residential
Landlord and Tenant Act, if there is a material noncompliance by the
tenant with the rental agreement or with any provision of Section 127
of this title, the landlord may deliver to the tenant a written
notice served as provided in subsection E of Section 111 of this
title specifying the acts and omissions constituting the
noncompliance and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a
date not less than fifteen (15) days after receipt of the notice
unless remedied within ten (10) days. If the breach is not remedied
within ten (10) days from receipt of the notice, the rental agreement
shall terminate as provided in the notice. If within the ten (10)
days the tenant adequately remedies the breach complained of, or if
the landlord remedies the breach according to the provisions of
subsection A of this section, the rental agreement shall not
terminate by reason of the breach. Any subsequent breach of the
lease or noncompliance under this section shall be grounds, upon
written notice to the tenant, for immediate termination of the lease.
C. Notwithstanding other provisions of this section, if there is
a noncompliance by the tenant with the rental agreement or with any
of the provisions of Section 127 of this title, which noncompliance
causes or threatens to cause imminent and irremediable harm to the
premises or to any person and which noncompliance is not remedied by
the tenant as promptly as conditions require after the tenant has
notice of it, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement by
immediately filing a forcible entry and detainer action.
D. Any criminal activity that threatens the health, safety or
right of peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other tenants
committed by a tenant or by any member of the tenant's household or
any guest or other person under the tenant's control or is a danger
to the premises and any drug-related criminal activity on or near the
premises by the tenant or by any member of the tenant's household or
any guest or other person under the tenant's control shall be grounds
for immediate termination of the lease.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 32, eff. Oct. 1, 1978. Amended by Laws
1982, c. 251, § 2, emerg. eff. May 11, 1982; Laws 1989, c. 347, § 4,
eff. Nov. 1, 1989; Laws 1991, c. 150, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1991; Laws
1996, c. 339, § 13, eff. Nov. 1, 1996; Laws 1998, c. 306, § 12, eff.
Nov. 1, 1998.
§41-133. Lien on tenant's property.
A landlord shall have a lien upon that part of the property
belonging to the tenant which has a reasonable relationship as nearly
as practicable to the amount of the debt owed, which may be in a
rental unit used by him at the time notice is given, for the proper
charges owed by the tenant, and for the cost of enforcing the lien,
H +&  % A#!"
with the right to possession of the property until the debt
obligation is paid to the landlord. Provided, however, that such
lien shall be secondary to the claim of any prior bona fide holder of
a chattel mortgage or to the rights of a conditional seller of such
property, other than the tenant.
For purposes of this section, property shall mean any baggage or
other property belonging to the tenant which may be in the rental
unit used by the tenant but which shall not include all tools,
musical instruments or books used by the tenant in any trade or
profession, all family portraits and pictures, all wearing apparel,
any type of prosthetic or orthopedic appliance, hearing aid, glasses,
false teeth, glass eyes, bedding, contraceptive devices, soap,
tissues, washing machines, vaporizers, refrigerators, food, cooking
and eating utensils, all other appliances personally used by the
tenant for the protection of his health, or any baby bed or any other
items used for the personal care of babies.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 33, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-134. Enforcement of lien.
A landlord lien may be enforced as any other general lien as
provided in Section 91 of Title 42 of the Oklahoma Statutes.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 34, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-135. Construction of act.
This act shall be liberally construed and applied to promote and
effectuate its underlying purposes and policies.
Added by Laws 1978, c. 257, § 37, eff. Oct. 1, 1978.
§41-136. Removal of rented furniture - Procedure.
A. Upon termination of a furniture rental agreement, the lessor
or agent of the lessor shall not remove the furniture from the
possession or dwelling place of the lessee unless the lessee or an
agent of the lessee is present. Such furniture shall be marked with
either an identifying number or in some other distinguishable manner
prior to removal. Before the furniture is removed, the lessor or his
agent shall inspect the furniture and advise the lessee or the agent
of the lessee of each specific item of damage. If furniture is
removed when such person is not present or if the furniture is not
inspected before removal, the entire amount of any security deposit
held by the lessor shall be returned to the lessee.
B. If the lessor complies with the provisions of subsection A of
this section and recovers damaged furniture, any security deposit
held by the lessor may be applied to the amount of damages which the
lessor has suffered due to the fault of the lessee if the lessor
provides to the lessee a written itemized statement of damage
delivered by mail, to be by return receipt requested and to be signed
for by any person of statutory service age at such address. The
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lessor shall allow the lessee an opportunity to reinspect the
furniture in question before any security deposit may be retained or
any additional damage charge made.
C. In the case of undamaged furniture, the lessor shall return
any security deposit without interest to the lessee within thirty
(30) days of the termination of the rental agreement. If the
returned furniture is damaged, the lessor shall return the balance of
any security deposit above the cost of damage, without interest, to
the lessee within thirty (30) days of the inspection of the furniture
by the lessee. If the lessee chooses not to inspect the furniture,
the balance of the security deposit shall be returned to the lessee
within thirty (30) days of the mailing of the written itemized
statement of damage.
Added by Laws 1982, c. 76, § 1.
§41-201. Declining or terminating lease agreement based upon felony
conviction of tenant or occupant.
A. The owner of any real property, including any improvements
consisting of dwelling units, acquired or improved in connection with
an allocation of income tax credits pursuant to the provisions of
Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or in
connection with an allocation of income tax credits pursuant to the
provisions of Section 2357.403 of Title 68 of the Oklahoma Statutes
shall have the right to impose conditions in any lease agreement for
the occupancy of any dwelling located on real property as described
by this section which allow the owner to accept or decline to enter
into the lease agreement, or to terminate a previously executed lease
agreement based upon the discovery of incomplete or false
information, with respect to the prior felony conviction of any
person identified as a tenant pursuant to the terms of the lease
agreement, including occupants of the dwelling whether or not those
occupants formally execute a lease agreement.
B. The owner of real property as described in subsection A of
this section may either accept or decline to enter into a lease
agreement or to terminate a previously executed lease agreement based
upon felony convictions, whether pursuant to federal law or the laws
of any state or other governmental jurisdiction, for the following
types of offenses:
1. Possession of any drug or chemical;
2. Possession of any drug or chemical with intent to manufacture
or distribute;
3. Sex offenses, including but not limited to any form of sexual
assault, rape, indecent exposure, or other sexually related offense
if such offense was a felony;
4. Assault or battery or both if the offense was a felony;
5. Any felony involving violence against another person; and
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6. Such other felony offenses as the owner of the real property
as described in subsection A of this section includes in the terms of
the lease agreement.
C. The provisions of this section shall supersede the
administrative rule of any state agency, board, commission,
department, statewide beneficiary public trust or other entity of
state government to the extent of any conflict.
D. The provisions of this section shall be applicable with
respect to lease transactions occurring on or after the effective
date of this act without regard to the construction date of the
improvements to real property as described by subsection A of this
section.
Added by Laws 2019, c. 196, § 1, emerg. eff. April 29, 2019.
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