Oklahoma Common Disputes
How much notice does my landlord need to give before entering my apartment?
Your landlord must give at least one day's notice before entering your unit, except in emergencies. They can only enter at reasonable times and for legitimate purposes like repairs, inspections, or showing the unit.
What happens if my landlord won't make necessary repairs?
You must first give written notice of needed repairs. If the landlord doesn't make repairs within 14 days and the repair costs less than $100, you can make the repair yourself and deduct it from your rent.
Can my landlord keep my security deposit without explanation?
No, the landlord must return your deposit or provide a written explanation of deductions within 45 days of your written request. You must request the return in writing within 6 months of moving out.
What if my apartment becomes uninhabitable due to lack of essential services?
You can give written notice and either terminate the lease immediately, deduct costs of obtaining essential services from rent, or move to substitute housing temporarily without paying rent until services are restored.
How much notice do I need to give to end a month-to-month lease?
You must provide at least 30 days written notice before terminating a month-to-month lease. The termination is typically effective at the end of a calendar month if rent is paid monthly.
Can my landlord evict me without notice for late rent?
No, the landlord must provide written notice giving you 5 days to pay past due rent. If you don't pay within this period, they can then proceed with eviction proceedings.
What if my landlord changes the locks without going through proper eviction?
This is illegal. You can either recover possession through court proceedings or terminate the lease and recover up to twice your average monthly rent in damages.
Can my landlord make new rules after I've signed the lease?
The landlord can make new rules, but if they substantially modify your original agreement, they aren't enforceable unless you consent to them in writing.
What happens if my apartment floods due to a broken pipe?
Liability depends on circumstances like maintenance history and reporting timeline. The best protection is renter's insurance, which many rental agreements require.
Can my landlord deny me housing because I have a service animal?
No, landlords cannot deny housing due to service or assistance animals unless prohibited in agreements made before November 1, 1985. The Fair Housing Act protects assistance animals for disabled individuals.
What if my landlord won't tell me who owns the property?
The landlord must provide written information about the owner or property manager authorized to receive notices. If they don't, the person who signed your lease assumes all landlord responsibilities.
How quickly must I report problems with my apartment?
You must report any defective conditions as soon as practicable if you believe the landlord is unaware of them. Prompt reporting helps protect your rights and ensures timely repairs.
What happens to my lease if the property is sold?
Your lease transfers to the new owner with the same terms. The previous landlord must either return your security deposit or provide you with the new owner's name and address.
Can my landlord raise my rent without notice?
If you have a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be increased during the lease period. For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must provide at least 30 days written notice of any changes.
What happens to property I leave behind after moving out?
The landlord must send written notice by certified mail about claiming your property. If you don't retrieve it within 30 days, it's considered abandoned and the landlord can dispose of it.
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