Bill > HB2015

This bill modifies existing landlord-tenant laws in Oklahoma to provide tenants with more recourse when a landlord fails to uphold their obligations under a rental agreement, particularly concerning issues that materially affect health or safety. Specifically, it allows a tenant to take legal action to enforce a landlord's obligations if the landlord doesn't begin to correct a breach within fourteen days of receiving written notice, and if the tenant is successful in court, they may be awarded actual damages, consequential damages, injunctive relief (court orders to do or not do something), or damages equivalent to two months' rent, along with attorney fees. The bill also clarifies that a landlord's liability for damages begins once they have notice of a noncompliance and either refuse to fix it or fail to meaningfully start repairs within a reasonable time, not exceeding fourteen days. Furthermore, if the cost of necessary repairs exceeds one month's rent, a tenant can now withhold rent and deposit it into a separate account specifically for making those repairs, after providing written notice to the landlord. The bill also updates provisions regarding a landlord's failure to supply essential services like heat or water, allowing tenants to terminate the agreement, deduct costs for obtaining those services, or recover damages. Finally, it establishes that if a legal action brought under these provisions is found to be in bad faith, the prevailing party can recover damages equivalent to two months' rent.

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