There's a "hot bed" issue I'm seeing in Oklahoma related to landlord-tenant law. Although I don't handle very many landlord-tenant cases, when they come through, they're typically very good.
One thing landlords (and most likely their management companies) need to remember, is that you lose some rights when you make a decision to take a tenant. In the same sense, tenants have duties and responsibilities when it comes to to their leasing obligations.
Landlords should remember 3 key things:
- When you take a tenant, you create a "sale" of your property. The landlord-tenant relationship essentially sells your property to the tenant for the period of time stated in the rental agreement. You must permit your tenants to occupy the premises with little interruption.
- You must continue to maintain the premises. You're responsible for keeping all common areas clean and safe, keeping up on maintenance issues, installing smoke detectors and other safety devices, and provide running water.
- You need the court to evict. In Oklahoma, landlords lack the ability to forceably remove someone from the tenancy without court involvement. There are strict penalties for landlords who use "constructive eviction" to force a tenant out. A "holdover tenant" creates a new month-to-month tenancy, with legal remedies available for the landlord.
Oklahoma, like many states, has fair landlord-tenant laws that protect both the renter and landlord. The Oklahoma Bar Association publishes two pamphlets that discuss your rights as landlord, and a tenant. Further, the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission publishes this summary of Oklahoma landlord-tenant laws. I suggest that you contact an attorney if you're involved in any type of dispute as a landlord or a tenant. The attorney will be able to give you advice regarding your situation, and help you resolve the conflict. I'd be happy to discuss your situation, if you'll call me at (405) 748-0318, or email me at .