Bill > HB2015

This bill modifies existing landlord-tenant laws to provide tenants with more avenues to address landlord breaches of rental agreements, particularly those affecting health and safety. It clarifies that a tenant can take legal action if a landlord fails to make necessary repairs or provide essential services after receiving written notice and a reasonable opportunity (up to 14 days) to fix the issue. If the tenant prevails in such an action, they may be awarded actual and consequential damages, injunctive relief, or an amount equivalent to two months' rent. The bill also allows tenants to withhold rent under specific circumstances, such as when repairs exceed one month's rent, by depositing the rent into a separate account for the purpose of making those repairs. Furthermore, it expands the tenant's options when a landlord fails to supply essential services like heat or water, allowing them to terminate the agreement, procure services and deduct costs from rent, or seek damages. Importantly, the prevailing party in any legal action brought under these provisions can recover reasonable attorney fees, and the bill specifies that a landlord's liability for damages begins once they have notice of a noncompliance and refuse or fail to address it.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=hb2015&Session=2600