Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB2109

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Report Pass
2/20/23  
Engrossed
3/23/23  
Refer
3/30/23  

Caption

Landlord and tenant; prohibiting retaliation; landlord's breach of rental agreement; effective date.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2109 would significantly alter the landscape of landlord-tenant relations in Oklahoma by providing stronger legal safeguards for tenants. The bill allows tenants who feel retaliated against to pursue legal remedies, which include recovering actual damages and reasonable attorney fees. It also addresses the obligations of landlords to maintain habitable living conditions by enabling tenants to take remedial actions if landlords fail to resolve health and safety issues. This creates a mechanism by which tenants can advocate for their rights more effectively.

Summary

House Bill 2109 is focused on enhancing tenant rights in relation to retaliatory actions by landlords in the state of Oklahoma. The bill stipulates that landlords with over ten dwelling units cannot retaliate against tenants who make complaints to government agencies about housing code violations or engage in actions such as forming tenant organizations. The intent is to protect tenants from potential intimidation or punitive measures that landlords might impose in response to complaints or legal actions taken against them.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2109 appears to be mixed. Proponents of the bill, primarily tenant advocacy groups, view it as a necessary measure to assert tenant protections against retaliatory conduct by landlords. They argue it is essential for ensuring safe and fair housing practices. Conversely, some members of the property management community and certain legislators express concerns that this bill could discourage landlords from properly managing their properties or could lead to challenges in addressing legitimate issues of tenancy and property management.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2109 include concerns over the potential increase in legal disputes between landlords and tenants, as landlords could face multiple legal challenges stemming from claims of retaliation. Critics argue that this bill may inadvertently lead to more contentious landlord-tenant relationships rather than promoting more amicable resolutions. Moreover, questions regarding the practical implications of the bill, such as definitions of retaliatory actions and the timeline for landlords to comply with repairs or services, remain pivotal discussion points in legislative debates.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2109

Landlord and tenant; prohibiting retaliation; landlord's breach of rental agreement; effective date.

OK HB3095

Landlord tenant; preemption; retaliation; effective date.

OK HB1628

Landlord and tenant; prohibiting landlord retaliation; remedies and damages; effective date.

OK HB1628

Landlord and tenant; prohibiting landlord retaliation; remedies and damages; effective date.

OK HB1083

Landlord tenant; preemption, retaliation; remedy; effective date.

OK HB2015

Landlord and tenant; landlord's breach of rental agreement; providing tenant may bring action; liability for damages; withholding payment of rent in certain circumstances; procedure; effective date.

OK HB1908

Landlord and tenant; landlord's breach of a rental agreement; notice; text; email; effective date.

OK HB3409

Landlord and tenant; modifying the amount a tenant may be reimbursed by the landlord for making repairs; effective date.

OK SB3100

LANDLORD RETALIATION ACT

OK SB200

Landlord and tenant; authorizing early termination of tenancy under certain circumstances; prohibiting certain provisions in rental agreement. Effective date.

Similar Bills

OK HB2109

Landlord and tenant; prohibiting retaliation; landlord's breach of rental agreement; effective date.

AZ HB2083

Landlord; tenant; fee disclosure; waiver

AZ SB1573

Landlord; tenant; fee disclosure; waiver.

AZ HB2794

Landlord; tenant; fee disclosure; waiver

AZ HB2268

Landlord; tenant; fee disclosure; waiver

AZ HB2868

Eviction for cause; landlord tenant

AZ SB1580

Landlord tenant; fees; disclosure

HI SB2132

Relating To The Residential Landlord-tenant Code.