Bill > SB149

This bill introduces several key changes to landlord-tenant law in Oklahoma. First, it expands the ability of district courts to refer eviction cases to mediation, allowing for more collaborative dispute resolution. The bill establishes strong protections against landlord retaliation, preventing landlords from evicting tenants or reducing services for 180 days after a tenant has made good-faith complaints about housing conditions, filed reports with appropriate agencies, or initiated legal proceedings related to dwelling tenantability. If a landlord violates these anti-retaliation provisions, they could be liable for actual damages, punitive damages ranging from $100 to $2,000, and potentially be required to pay the tenant's court costs and attorney fees. Additionally, the bill mandates that municipalities with over 100,000 residents maintain a public online list of rental property code violations, including details such as property owner names, violation dates, specific code breaches, and associated fines. The provisions aim to protect tenant rights, promote transparency in rental housing, and provide mechanisms for addressing housing quality and dispute resolution, with the bill set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Justice

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb149&Session=2600