SB 274 requires landlords receiving certain affordable housing tax credits (under federal or Oklahoma law) to implement a criminal history screening policy for tenant applications. It prohibits blanket denials based on criminal records and mandates an individualized review considering factors like the offense's seriousness, time since conviction, rehabilitation efforts, and relevance to tenant behavior. Landlords must provide applicants with the right to submit supporting documentation during this review process. The policy applies to tax credit awards starting January 1, 2026, and the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency will ensure compliance with these requirements.
SB 815 requires courts to automatically seal all records in eviction cases (forcible entry and detainer proceedings) under specific conditions. If a case is dismissed or the defendant wins, records must be sealed immediately; if the plaintiff wins, records must be sealed two years after the judgment. Sealed records cannot appear in public databases, be sold, or shared with third parties, and are only accessible to the person involved, their attorney, or the court. This applies to all case documents, including complaints, pleadings, and court orders, ensuring privacy for individuals involved in these housing-related legal matters.
SB 71 creates an income tax credit for Oklahoma renters, directly affecting individuals who pay rent for their primary residence. It allows a credit of up to $110 for 2026 (adjusted annually for inflation based on the Consumer Price Index), which becomes refundable if it exceeds the taxpayer's income tax liability. The Oklahoma Tax Commission must provide a form requiring renters to submit their address, landlord name, monthly rent, and annual rent total to claim the credit. The bill takes effect November 1, 2025, and applies to tax years beginning in 2026.
SB 128 extends the required notice period for eviction cases (forcible entry and detainer) in Oklahoma from 3 days to 7 days before the court hearing for most cases, while maintaining a 3-day requirement for emergency evictions under specific subsections of Oklahoma law. It also updates summons language to be plain and understandable, requires public access to the summons form via the court website, and makes certain legal terms gender-neutral. The bill would have affected tenants and landlords in eviction proceedings by giving defendants more time to prepare. However, this bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 5, 2025, and is not currently law.
SB 1296 limits annual rent increases for Oklahoma landlords in month-to-month tenancies to 7% plus the Consumer Price Index, affecting residential tenants and landlords statewide. Landlords must provide tenants with 90 days' written notice before any increase and disclose the new rent amount and effective date. An exception applies if the landlord offers reduced rent through federal, state, or local housing programs. Violating these rules subjects landlords to paying tenants three months' rent plus actual damages, effective November 1, 2026.
