Real estate; granting right of construction and repair; providing exemptions from certain licenses. Effective date.
Impact
The bill, by exempting property owners from certain licensure requirements, significantly alters the landscape of real estate management in Oklahoma. It gives property owners more autonomy over their properties, eliminating the necessity for them to hire licensed contractors for many basic construction and repair tasks. However, while it empowers property owners, it also raises concerns about the potential for inadequate oversight and unqualified work being done on properties, which could lead to safety issues or violations of building codes.
Summary
Senate Bill 1752, titled the 'Real Estate Owner's Rights Act', aims to enhance property owners' rights by allowing them to manage, rent, and sell their properties without the need for a real estate license or the involvement of licensed real estate professionals. This change means that property owners can perform various construction and repair work on their properties without having to obtain requisite licenses first, including work on plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, provided they comply with state and local permit requirements.
Contention
Notably, the bill has generated a debate regarding homeowner associations (HOAs) and municipal regulations. Critics argue that it could undermine local governmental authority and existing neighborhood covenants that govern property standards. The provision that allows owners to perform significant construction without a license is particularly controversial, as it may conflict with local laws aimed at maintaining safety, aesthetics, and community standards. Proponents, however, argue that the bill reduces unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for homeowners aiming to improve their properties.
Roofing; modifying the Roofing Contractor Registration Act; adding commercial labor-only endorsement registration; providing for subcontractor registration without commercial endorsement; requiring certain bond for certain purpose. Effective date.
Income tax credit; extending time for claiming tax credit for construction of energy efficient property. Requiring property to be completed in same year as credit is claimed. Effective date.