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Oklahoma Security Deposit Laws (2026)

In Oklahoma, the 45-day refund clock starts only after you make a written demand, and you must make it within six months. Miss that window and the landlord may keep the deposit.

By Lamuko Editorial Team✓ Checked against official statute textUpdated

Oklahoma deposit rules at a glance

Maximum depositNo statutory cap
Return deadline45 days after termination, delivery of possession and your written demand
Itemized listWritten notice itemizing the deductions
InterestNot required; the deposit is returned without interest
PenaltyRecovery of the deposit, plus attorney fees to the prevailing party (41 O.S. § 105(B))
Demand deadline6 months after termination, or the deposit goes to the landlord

Verified 2026-10-17 against 41 O.S. § 115, source 2. Calculate your Oklahoma deadline →

Timeline: move-in to refund

  1. Move-inThe deposit goes into an escrow account maintained in Oklahoma.
  2. Move-outSend a written demand with your address.
  3. Day 45 after demandRefund or itemized notice due, by return-receipt mail or in person.
  4. 6 months after terminationLast day to make the written demand.

Escrow, and a crime for misuse

Oklahoma does not cap deposits. The landlord must keep them in an escrow account maintained in Oklahoma with a federally insured financial institution. Under § 115, misappropriating escrowed deposits is a crime punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to twice the amount misused.

45 days after your written demand

The refund, minus lawful deductions, is due within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord regains possession, and you make a written demand. The deposit is returned without interest. Any deductions must be itemized in writing and delivered by mail with a return receipt or in person.

Six months to demand. If you do not make a written demand within six months after the tenancy ends, the deposit becomes the landlord's property. Send your demand when you move out.

Remedies

If the landlord fails to comply, you may recover the deposit (§ 115(E)). The statute has no multiplier. You may not withhold your last month's rent on the theory that the deposit covers it (§ 115(F)). Under § 105(B), the prevailing party in a deposit case may recover reasonable attorney fees, including in small claims.

Our calculator counts 45 days.

Steps to recover an Oklahoma deposit

  1. Pay your last month's rent.
  2. Return the keys and send a written demand with your forwarding address.
  3. Count 45 days from the demand.
  4. Keep proof of the demand, in case you need to show you met the six-month deadline.
  5. If that fails, file a claim in small claims court.

Neighboring states

Texas uses a 30-day deadline with bad-faith damages. Missouri, Colorado and Arkansas cap deposits at two months.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a cap on security deposits in Oklahoma?

No. 41 O.S. § 115 sets no maximum.

How long does an Oklahoma landlord have to return a deposit?

45 days after the tenancy ends, possession is returned, and you make a written demand.

Is there a deadline to ask for my deposit in Oklahoma?

Yes. If you make no written demand within six months after termination, the deposit becomes the landlord's.

Can I recover attorney fees in Oklahoma?

The prevailing party may recover reasonable attorney fees under 41 O.S. § 105(B).

Sources

  1. 41 O.S. § 115 (Oklahoma Legislature, RTF)
  2. 41 O.S. § 105 — remedies and attorney fees (Oklahoma Legislature, RTF)

Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026. Read how we verify. Found an error? Tell us.

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Not legal advice. Lamuko Rent Laws provides general legal information about state statutes, not legal advice, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and courts interpret them; city and county ordinances (for example Chicago, San Francisco or New York City rules) can be stricter than state law, and your lease or a subsidized-housing program may add terms. Fields marked “Verify with statute” have not yet been confirmed by us against the official text. Check the linked statute or talk to a licensed attorney or local legal-aid office before acting.