Tenant Lease Agreement Laws in Oklahoma
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A law-abiding contract is usually required if you are looking to lease property in Oklahoma for residential or commercial use. Lease agreements or contracts serve as a clear basis and condition on the expectations of the landlord and tenant for the temporary use of the property. An agreement or contract also serves as protection for both parties in case disagreements arise. Lease agreements are legally binding contracts, so it is important that both parties are fully aware of the conditions and expectations acknowledged on them. - One probable concern of a new lessee is access to the property rented. All landlords must be able to ensure that the premise leased by a party is vacant for his use. The lessee will have full rights and access to the property as agreed in the contract agreement. In turn, once the lessee has completed his term, the landlord has the full right to regain total access and rights to the property. If the lessee does not render the property in the time allotted, the landlord may take further legal action to regain access and recover damages.
- In most cases landlords will require a security deposit upon initial completion of the rental agreement. Security deposits range in cost and are at the discretion of the landlord. The deposit is an assurance that the landlord can recover possible damages to the property. According to Oklahoma law, the deposit must be kept in an escrow account separate from the private account of the landlord. The deposit is to be used for damages to the property and unpaid rent upon the completion of the term. Renters must request the deposit in writing within six months of the end of the lease and provide a forwarding address for the refund. The landlord has up to 30 days to release the remaining deposit.
- Once the lease has been established, there are few conditions where the lease can be terminated. A few reasons can be:
1. Failure of the tenant to pay rent
2. Safety violations on the part of the landlord or tenant
3. Failure to comply with the agreements of the contract, such as occupancy requirements
Under these circumstances, the landlord may be granted the right to evict the tenant. In the last two circumstances, if the landlord is at fault, the lessee may be allowed by law to break the lease.