Federal law mandates all states include certain requirements in all Lease and Rental agreements. All agreements should include:
- The personal and identifying information of the tenant and landlord,
- A legal description of the property,
- Whether pets are allowed,
- Certain safety, health, and other occupational considerations,
- Security deposit specifics,
- Rent specifics, such as when rent is due and specific payment methods.
It’s important to understand that most states will differ on certain leasing and rental requirements. Failing to familiarize yourself with Oklahoma’s leasing and rental nuances could result in severe consequences, affecting your renting future, finances, and legal rights.
1. Oklahoma Residential Lease Agreement Sample
The sample lease agreement below describes a contract between “Landlord” Kevin Lee and “Tenant” Olivia Graham. She agrees to rent a duplex in Columbia for $1,000 per month for a fixed term beginning on June 01, 2017 and ending on August 09, 2017. The tenant agrees to pay for all utilities and services for the Premises.
This is a good example of what provisions a simple lease agreement might contain, and how one should look in its final form.
2. Oklahoma Landlord and Tenant Laws
Oklahoma imposes specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants when executing a Lease/Rental Agreement. For example, Oklahoma statutes provide for the following:
Security Deposit
- Oklahoma landlord-tenant law does not impose a limit on how much a landlord may request from a tenant for a security deposit. (No statute)
- Landlords are required to keep security deposits in a separate escrow bank account maintained by the State of Oklahoma. (O.S. § 115(a))
- Security deposits must be returned to tenants within thirty (30) days of the termination of the tenancy. Additionally, within six months of termination, tenants must request in writing to have the deposit returned, otherwise, a landlord may keep it. (O.S. § 115(b))
Landlord Right of Entry
- Oklahoma landlords are required to give tenants one (1) day notice before entering the premises. This includes entry for maintenance and repair purposes and the landlord must only enter at reasonable times. (O.S. § 128(a) and (c))
- In cases of emergency, landlords are allowed to enter the premises without giving a tenant advanced notice. (O.S. § 128(b))
Additionally, Oklahoma law requires:
Domestic Violence
- There is no statute governing tenant domestic violence situations in the state of Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault provides a directory of local support organizations across the state.