House Bill No. 2015, introduced by Pae, amends Section 121 of Title 41 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which addresses landlord and tenant obligations. The bill allows tenants to take legal action to enforce landlord obligations under certain conditions, including providing written notice of noncompliance and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to remedy the issue. It specifies that if a tenant prevails in such an action, they may recover actual damages, attorney fees, and other forms of relief. Additionally, the bill outlines circumstances under which tenants may withhold rent and prohibits landlords from pursuing possession actions based on nonpayment of rent if the tenant is exercising their rights under the law.

The bill also introduces provisions for tenants to address essential service failures by landlords, allowing them to procure necessary services and deduct costs from rent. It clarifies that if a landlord's noncompliance renders a dwelling unit uninhabitable, the tenant may terminate the rental agreement. Furthermore, if a landlord brings an action for possession or recovery of rent in bad faith, the tenant may recover attorney fees and damages equivalent to two months' rent. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-121
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Policy Committee Recommendation: 41-121