When a rental unit in Oklahoma has unsafe conditions, a tenat’s first action is to report the issue to the proper government departments. Code inspectors have the power to order repairs or fine non-compliant landlords.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:
- Plumbing.
- Utilities.
- Heating (except in single-family residences).
- Hot water (except in single-family residences).
- Garbage containers and removal (except in one- or two-family residences or when the government provides the service).
- Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
- Appliances.
- Common areas (except in single-family residences).
- Features that affect health, safety, or habitability.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in Oklahoma?
In most cases, a tenant in Oklahoma must notify the landlord in writing about the issue and ask them to fix it within 14 days before reporting it.
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in Oklahoma?
Tenants in Oklahoma report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on the municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Oklahoma City | Code Enforcement | Online Form |
| Tulsa | Neighborhood Inspections | Online Form |
| Norman | Code Compliance | Online Form |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer may contact the tenant for more information. Then, the officer usually inspects the property and cites the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Oklahoma City?
A tenant in Oklahoma City can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (405) 297-2317 or using the provided online form. Most issues will fall under “Property Maintenance” or “Renter/Tenant.” Select a location, provide a description including contact information (and photos, if available), and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Tulsa?
A tenant in Tulsa can report a health or safety violation by calling Neighborhood Inspections at (918) 596-2100 or using the provided online form (requires account registration). Select a location and issue, provide a description and supplemental documentation if available, and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Norman?
A tenant in Norman can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Compliance at (405) 366-5332 or using the provided online form. Most issues will fall under “Property Maintenance (Interior) Violation.” Provide a contact email, location information, and an issue description, then submit.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in Oklahoma?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in Oklahoma, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix any code violations. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined, and the local government might file to condemn the property.
Sources
- 1 41 Okla. Stat. § 118(A)(1) - (A)(3) (2020)
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“A landlord shall at all times during the tenancy: 1. Except in the case of a single-family residence, keep all common areas of his building, grounds, facilities and appurtenances in a clean, safe and sanitary condition; 2. Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the tenant’s dwelling unit and premises in a fit and habitable condition; 3. Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by him…”
Source Link - 2 41 Okla. Stat. § 118(A)(4) & (A)(5) (2020)
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“A landlord shall at all times during the tenancy: Except in the case of one-or two-family residences or where provided by a governmental entity, provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for the frequent removal of such wastes; and 5. Except in the case of a single-family residence or where the service is supplied by direct and independently-metered utility connections to the dwelling unit, supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat.”
Source Link - 3 2018 Int’l Fire Code § 907.2.8.2 & 2.8.3 (2018)
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Oklahoma currently incorporates the 2018 edition of the International Fire Code, which provides: “An automatic smoke detection system… shall be installed [subject to exceptions]… single- and multiple-station smoke alarms shall be installed [per code requirements]…”
Source Link - 4 2018 Int’l Fire Code § 915.1.1 (2018)
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Oklahoma currently incorporates the 2018 edition of the International Fire Code, which provides: “Carbon monoxide detection shall be provided in Group I-1, I-2, I-4 and R occupancies and in classrooms in group E occupancies where any of the conditions in 915.1.2 through 915.1.6 exist.”
Source Link - 5 41 Okla. Stat. § 118(B) (2020)
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“The landlord and tenant of a dwelling unit may agree by a conspicuous writing independent of the rental agreement that the tenant is to perform specified repairs, maintenance tasks, alterations or remodeling.”
Source Link - 6 41 Okla. Stat. § 121(A) (2020)
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“Except as otherwise provided in this act, if there is a material noncompliance by the landlord with the terms of the rental agreement or a noncompliance with any of the provisions of Section 118 of this act which noncompliance materially affects health or safety, the tenant may deliver to the landlord a written notice specifying the acts and omissions constituting the breach and that the rental agreement will terminate upon a date not less than thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice if the breach is not remedied within fourteen (14) days, and thereafter the rental agreement shall so terminate as provided in the notice unless the landlord adequately remedies the breach within the time specified.”
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