Does Tulsa, OK have its own security deposit rules ordinance?

No. Tulsa, OK does not appear to have a local security deposit rules ordinance, Oklahoma state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Oklahoma Statutes Title 41.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Tulsa

Tulsa, OK Rental Property Rules: Security Deposit Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Statute: OK §41-115
Return deadline: 30 days
Account type: Separate trust account
Deposit cap: No statutory cap

Summary

Tulsa landlords follow Oklahoma's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, which requires security deposits be held in separate accounts and returned within thirty days after move-out with itemized deduction lists.

Damage or security deposits. A. Any damage or security deposit required by a landlord of a tenant must be kept in an escrow account for the tenant, which account shall be maintained in the State of Oklahoma with a federally insured financial institution. Misappropriation of the security deposit shall be unlawful and punishable by a term in a county jail not to exceed six (6) months and by a fine in an amount not to exceed twice the amount misappropriated from the escrow account. B. Upon termination of the tenancy, any security deposit held by the landlord may be applied to the payment of accrued rent and the amount of damages which the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance with this act and the rental agreement.

Source: Oklahoma Statutes Title 41View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Oklahoma §41-115 governs Tulsa security deposits because the state preempts local deposit rules. Landlords must deposit tenant funds in a separate trust account at an FDIC-insured Oklahoma bank, distinct from operating accounts. Within thirty days after tenancy ends and the tenant provides a forwarding address, the landlord must return the deposit minus any itemized lawful deductions for damages beyond ordinary wear, unpaid rent, or charges specified in the lease. Failure to comply forfeits the right to retain any portion of the deposit and exposes the landlord to a tenant action for return.

Violations & Fines

Commingling deposits with personal funds, failing to itemize deductions, or missing the thirty-day window may result in forfeiture of all withheld funds plus possible attorney fees in a tenant suit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a maximum security deposit in Tulsa?

Oklahoma law sets no dollar cap. Tulsa landlords commonly charge one month's rent, but two months is permitted, particularly for tenants with weak credit or pets.

What if my landlord ignores the thirty-day rule?

Send a written demand referencing OK §41-115, then sue in small claims court. Courts routinely order full deposit return plus filing costs when itemization is missing.

Sources & Official References

[1]Oklahoma Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

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