Are Landlords Required to Provide A/C in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma's temperatures are always high during the summer. With an average high of 94 during the peak of summer in July, Oklahoma heat is the biggest obstacle to manage between June and August each year. With temperatures like these, you'd think it was a no-brainer if air conditioning should be a requirement in Oklahoma homes - but is it?

According to the Oklahoma Bar Association, "except in the case of a single-family residence, your landlord must keep all common areas used by more than one tenant safe and clean; keep your premises in a safe, livable condition; keep all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and other facilities and appliances supplied by the landlord in good and safe working order."

Keep in mind that the air-conditioning just has to be in working order, not necessarily replaced. If the landlord is able to have the unit repaired, then they can do so without providing a brand new unit. The most important thing tenants should remember is that landlords have 14 days to make the repair after they have been notified by the tenant.

@mickeydollens Did you know a residential tenant in Oklahoma can deduct up to one month’s rent for repairs that are going unmet by lousy landlords? #tenants #tenantsrights #dignity #respect #fairness ♬ original sound - MickeyDollens

The recent provision to the Tenant Rights requires landlords to fix and maintain air-conditioning units already present at the time of renting. Another stipulation of providing air-conditioning, specifically in apartments in Oklahoma, is if it written in the lease.

Just to be on the safe side, tenants in Oklahoma should communicate with their landlords often and leave a "paper trail," or make sure there is a record of all of their conversations. Think ahead before you move into an apartment or rental property and pay careful attention to your agreements.