Legislation by Rep. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, designed to strengthen tenant protections has passed the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

House Bill 2015 also updates Oklahoma landlord-tenant statutes to provide tenants with clear legal recourse if a landlord fails to meet their legal obligations under a rental agreement or as required by law. The measure outlines procedures tenants may follow in cases of noncompliance and establishes circumstances in which tenants may seek damages or withhold rent until issues are addressed.

Pae said the measure is intended to modernize existing statutes and provide both tenants and landlords with clearer expectations and protections.

"Renters deserve to know they have options when a landlord fails their responsibilities and doesn't uphold their side of a contract," Pae said. "House Bill 2015 brings greater clarity and balance to Oklahoma’s landlord-tenant laws while ensuring that disputes can be handled through a fair and structured process."

HB2015 passed the House 52-30 and now advances to the Oklahoma Senate for consideration, where it is authored by Sen. Todd Gollihare.