This bill aims to enhance tenant protections against landlord retaliation in Oklahoma by prohibiting landlords from taking adverse actions, such as increasing rent or decreasing services, after a tenant has made good faith complaints regarding health or safety violations. It defines specific forms of retaliation and outlines circumstances under which landlords can still increase rent or decrease services without being considered retaliatory. The bill also establishes remedies for tenants who experience retaliation, including the right to recover actual damages and reasonable attorney fees, and clarifies that certain actions by landlords will not be deemed retaliatory if they are justified.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws related to landlord obligations and tenant rights, particularly in cases of noncompliance with rental agreements that affect health and safety. It introduces new procedures for tenants to enforce landlord obligations, including the requirement for tenants to provide written notice of noncompliance and allows for the deduction of repair costs from rent under specific conditions. The bill also specifies that no action for possession based on nonpayment of rent can be maintained if the tenant is exercising their rights under the new provisions. The effective date for these changes is set for November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-121