Oklahoma City, OK Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Municipal Code Ch. 24, Art. IV
- Max fine
- $500 per violation
- Continuing violation
- Each day is separate offense
- Unfit structures
- Code official can order closed
Summary
Oklahoma City makes it illegal to occupy or rent out a dwelling that fails the city's Property Maintenance Code, with owners and occupants both on the hook to keep it compliant.
Each owner and occupant of the premises shall maintain the structures and exterior property in compliance with the requirements of this article. A person shall not occupy or permit another person to occupy or use premises which do not comply with the requirements of this article.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 5 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 24 adopts the Basic Property Maintenance Code (§ 24-11) as the citywide minimum-standards floor for existing buildings, including rentals. Section 24-54 puts the duty on both owner and occupant to keep the structure and exterior property up to code, and separately bars anyone from occupying or letting someone occupy a noncompliant unit. Article IV backs that up with concrete exterior standards: sound roofs and walls, weather-tight windows and doors, no rat harborage, proper drainage. A structure found unfit for human habitation can be ordered closed and secured by the code official under § PM-105.2, with the cost billed to the owner as a lien on the property.
Violations & Fines
Occupying or renting a noncompliant unit is a Class "a" offense under § 24-53, punishable by up to a $500 fine (excluding costs and fees) per § 1-6(c). Each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord be cited for a run-down rental in Oklahoma City?
What happens to a rental unit declared unfit for habitation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oklahoma City
Compare Oklahoma City to another location·View the Oklahoma rental property rules overview
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Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle repairs & habitability.