Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Oklahoma

Renter's rights & opinions when a problem accurs.

I currently rent my home, my family has lived here for all most 7 years now, no problems, not destructive, & try to fix the repairs as they arise. Our landlord doesn't fix major repairs, he informs us it's our responsibility. For example, roof as a leak in dining room for the 5 years, never a line based telephone in home due to him notn wanting to fix it. But our most concerned area is, last summer our AC unit went out, he put another in & tolds us next time we'd have to repair it ourselves. This summer in the beginning that old nearly worned out window unit burned out, he has been aware of this since May. The past couple of days have been in or close to 100 degrees, he still has not replaced the AC unit. Luckily my friend gave me a little 110 to use, I have 2 sons that have breathing problems & nose bleeds due to weather. He is aware of their health since they were born, their now 8 yrs. & 6 yrs. old. On Wednesday 8/09, I paid $300 toward our rent, I admit we are currently behind on rent because I feel like when my sons are staying cool and not having sweat literally dripping off them, then I give him the money. Bad part is he just lives right behind us, so it's not like there's a lot of traveling to be done.


Asked on 8/12/07, 9:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Marsha Dixon

Re: Renter's rights & opinions when a problem accurs.

First of all, I recommend that you get a copy of the Landlord/Tenant Act, this will give you a full understanding of high levels of responsiblity that rest with the Landlord as the owner of the housing unit. Secondly, anything within the housing unit that is considered permanent part of the external and internal infrastructure; that will affect your safety or health; or that existed as part of the lease agreement or was agreed upon as part of the lease is the landlord's responsibility. As such, it is his/her responsibility to replace or repair the AC, roof and any other major repairs that affect the Tenants living conditions, health or safety, including annual maintainence of the unit. It is not your responsibility. If he/she insists on debating this issue, just notify him in writing and outline your circumstances, particularly, the health hazards that exists due to his direlect or deliberate lack of repairs. If the repairs are not acknowledged or resolved in a timely manner, you have the option complete any emergency repairs and deduct the cost from your rent. This includes the AC you had to obtain from another source. I hope this helps.

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Answered on 8/13/07, 2:00 pm


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