Oklahoma Senate Bill SB1296

Oklahoma 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/26
• Refer: 2/3/26

Caption

Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; establishing certain restrictions on rent increases; providing exception to certain restrictions. Effective date.

Summary

SB 1296 would amend the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to place new limits on rent increases for month-to-month tenancies. Under the bill, a landlord could not raise rent without giving each affected tenant at least 90 days’ written notice before the increase takes effect. The notice would have to state the amount of the increase, the new rent, the effective date, and, if relevant, the basis for any exemption. The bill also caps rent increases during any 12-month period at 7% plus the Consumer Price Index above the existing rent. An exception is created for landlords who are already providing reduced rent through a federal, state, or local program or subsidy. The bill would take effect November 1, 2026.

Impact

If enacted, SB 1296 would add a new rent-increase restriction to Oklahoma’s landlord-tenant law, specifically amending 41 O.S. 2021, Section 109. It would create a statutory notice requirement for month-to-month tenancies, establish a statewide ceiling on annual rent increases tied to inflation, and expose landlords to a civil penalty of three months’ rent plus actual damages for violating the cap. The measure would directly affect residential landlords and tenants, especially in the month-to-month rental market, while preserving flexibility for subsidized or reduced-rent housing arrangements.

Sentiment

The available record shows limited formal debate, with no committee transcript or recorded votes included in the materials provided. Based on the bill’s content and caption, the measure appears aimed at tenant protection and rent stabilization, suggesting likely support from tenant advocates and concern from landlord or property-owner interests. The bill had advanced to second reading and was referred to Judiciary, indicating it was still under consideration rather than having reached a final floor vote.

Contention

The main point of contention is the bill’s restriction on how much landlords may raise rent in a 12-month period, which could be viewed as a rent control-like limitation. Landlords and housing providers may object to the 90-day notice requirement, the CPI-based cap, and the private remedy of three months’ rent plus actual damages for violations. Supporters would likely emphasize predictability for tenants, protection against sudden rent spikes, and the bill’s exception for subsidized housing, which narrows the cap’s reach.