What are your rights and duties as a tenant?

              This information is provided by the
Oklahoma Bar Association
1
RESIDENTIAL TENANTS
Rights and Responsibilities
RULE NUMBER ONE:
Put It In Writing!
RULE NUMBER TWO:
Act In Good Faith!
As a residential tenant in Oklahoma, you have rights and duties relating to your home or apartment which cannot be bargained away in your lease. The residential Landlord- Tenant Law provides the legal framework for your lease and your relations with your landlord. Here are answers to some questions you may have.
Q: What if my dwelling is not open to me at the beginning of my lease?
A: By giving written notice to your landlord you may end your lease and have your prepaid rent or deposit returned.
Q: What happens to my security deposit?
A: Your landlord can require a security deposit; it must be kept in a federally insured account in Oklahoma, separate from the landlord’s own funds. You, as tenant, must request the return of the money in writing within six months after your lease is ended. Tenant should provide landlord with a forwarding address or new address where deposit is to be mailed. The landlord must return it, with a written explanation of any deduction for damages or rent owing, within 30 days after your written request. If you do not request a refund in writing, the landlord may keep your money once the six months is up.
If your landlord sells the house or apartment, you must receive:
1) A refund of your deposit or
2) The name and address of the new owner who will make the refund at the end of the lease. This choice is your landlord’s.
Q: What services am I entitled to?
A: 1) Except in the case of a single family residence, your landlord must keep all common areas used by more than one tenant safe and clean.
2) Your landlord must keep your premises in a safe, livable condition.
3) Your landlord must keep all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and other facilities and appliances in good and safe working order, unless otherwise agreed to by a “conspicuous” writing independent of your rental agreement.
4) Your landlord must, if your dwelling is other than a one or two-family residence, provide trash receptacles and frequent removal, unless this is provided by a government entity.
5) Your landlord must supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times, and reasonable heat, unless you live in a single-family dwelling or have a separate metered utility connection for these services.
Q: What do I do if my landlord does not make necessary repairs or provide necessary services?
A: You must give your landlord written notice of any needed repairs to keep your living quarters safe and healthy (It is recommended that written notice be mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, when possible).
Your choices (if the defect affects safety or health):
1) You may tell your landlord in the notice that if repairs are not made in 14 days you will move out in 30 days after the notice and your lease will be over.
2) If the repair costs less than $100, you may tell the landlord that you will have the repair made yourself and subtract the cost or value from your rent if the landlord does not repair in 14 days.