Oklahoma Senate Bill SB687

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Landlord and tenant; authorizing district court to refer eviction cases to mediation; prohibiting landlord recovery of rental dwelling under certain circumstances. Effective date.

Impact

One of the most notable aspects of SB687 is its provision that prohibits landlords from recovering possession of a rental dwelling if they retaliate against a tenant exercising their legal rights. This includes circumstances where tenants have lodged complaints about property conditions, with protections extending up to 180 days post-complaint. This change reflects a growing trend in tenant protection as states recognize the challenges that renters face when confronting landlords over property maintenance or habitability issues.

Summary

Senate Bill 687 introduces significant amendments to landlord-tenant laws in Oklahoma. It permits district courts to refer eviction cases to mediation, aiming to provide tenants with an opportunity for dispute resolution without immediately facing eviction proceedings. The legislation stipulates that mediation can occur at any time while a court case is pending, promoting dialogue and potential resolution between landlords and tenants, which may increase housing stability for renters facing disputes.

Contention

The bill addresses a crucial gap in tenant rights by establishing procedures that hold landlords accountable for retaliatory actions. Violations of this provision could lead to civil liabilities for landlords, including actual damages, punitive damages, and the coverage of tenant legal costs. However, some stakeholders may raise concerns about the implications of such protections, asserting that they could deter landlords from property management or disincentivize rental investments. Furthermore, the requirement for larger municipalities to maintain public lists of code violations tied to rental properties might be seen as a burden, introducing additional administrative responsibilities for local governments.