Oklahoma Security Deposit Law
Oklahoma rules on security deposits for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. 41 O.S. § 115
The rules in Oklahoma
| Security deposit limit | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. § 115 regulates holding and returning deposits but sets no maximum. Deposits must be held in an escrow account in a federally insured institution in Oklahoma; misappropriation is punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a fine up to twice the amount misappropriated. Source: 41 O.S. § 115 |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 45 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered AND the tenant makes a written demand for the deposit. If the tenant does not make a written demand within 6 months after the tenancy ends, the deposit reverts to the landlord and the tenant's interest in it is forfeited. Source: 41 O.S. § 115(B) |
| Itemized deductions | Deductions (accrued rent and damages from tenant noncompliance) must be itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant by mail with return receipt requested or in person if the tenant can reasonably be found. Unless the lease says otherwise, the tenant may not use the deposit as the last month's rent (§ 115(F)). Source: 41 O.S. § 115(B) |
| Interest on deposits | Not required - the statute says the balance is returned 'without interest'. Source: 41 O.S. § 115(B) |
| Penalty for withholding | If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the damage/security deposit and any prepaid rent. No statutory double or treble damages. Other damages allowed under the Act are not barred (§ 115(G)). Source: 41 O.S. § 115(E), (G) |
Free calculators
- Security Deposit Deadline Calculator — See when your landlord must return your deposit, and the penalty your state sets if they don't.
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Related questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- What can a landlord charge for at move-out (cleaning, painting, carpet)?
Oklahoma vs. neighboring states
| State | Security deposit limit | Deposit return deadline | Itemized deductions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. 41 O.S. § 115 | 45 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered AND the tenant makes a written demand for the deposit. 41 O.S. § 115(B) | Deductions (accrued rent and damages from tenant noncompliance) must be itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant by mail with return receipt requested or in person if the tenant can reasonably be found. 41 O.S. § 115(B) |
| Arkansas | Two months' rent. Example: with rent of $500, the maximum deposit is $1,000. The deposit rules apply only to landlords who rent six or more dwellings. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-16-303, 18-16-304 | Within 60 days after the tenant moves out. Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305 | The landlord may deduct unpaid rent and the cost of repairing damage. Any deductions require a written, itemized list delivered to the tenant within 60 days of vacating. Ark. Code Ann. § 18-16-305 |
| Colorado | Two monthly rent payments. A separate pet deposit may be no more than $300 and must be refundable. Monthly pet rent may be no more than the greater of $35 or 1.5% of monthly rent. C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-106 | Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later. The lease may set a longer period, up to 60 days. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1) (as amended by HB 25-1249) | A written statement listing the exact reasons for any amount kept, sent with the balance. Deductions are allowed only for nonpayment of rent, utility charges, other lawful charges listed in the lease, and necessary repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear that did not exist before the tenancy. If the tenant asks in writing within 14 days after receiving the statement, the landlord must provide relevant documentation (photos, inspection reports, receipts, invoices, estimates). Either party may request a walk-through inspection before move-out. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1), (1.5), (8) (as amended by HB 25-1249) |
| Kansas | Unfurnished unit: one month's rent. Furnished: 1.5 months' rent. If pets are allowed, an additional pet deposit of up to one-half month's rent. K.S.A. 58-2550(a) | Balance due within 14 days after the landlord determines deductions, and in no event more than 30 days after termination of tenancy, delivery of possession and the tenant's demand. If the tenant makes no demand within 30 days, the landlord must mail the amount due to the tenant's last known address. K.S.A. 58-2550(b) | Deductions for accrued rent and damages from the tenant's noncompliance must be itemized by the landlord in a written notice delivered to the tenant. K.S.A. 58-2550(b) |
| Missouri | Landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit of more than two months' rent. RSMo 535.300.1 | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the full deposit or send an itemized list of damages along with any remaining balance. Mailing to the tenant's last known address satisfies the duty. RSMo 535.300.3 | Required. Withholding must be listed in a written itemized list of damages. Allowed deductions: unpaid rent; restoring the unit beyond ordinary wear and tear; carpet cleaning if the lease contains the required notice and a receipt is provided within 30 days; actual losses from the tenant's inadequate termination notice if the landlord tried to mitigate. RSMo 535.300.3-.4 |
| New Mexico | No cap for leases of one year or more (but if the deposit exceeds one month's rent on an annual lease, the owner must pay annual interest). For rental agreements shorter than one year: max one month's rent. NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(A) | Within 30 days of the end of the rental agreement or the resident's departure, whichever is later NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(C) | If any amount is kept, the owner must give an itemized written list of deductions and the balance within 30 days. No deductions for normal wear and tear; allowed for unpaid rent/utilities, repair work and other legitimate damages from the resident's noncompliance. NMSA 1978, § 47-8-18(C) |
| Texas | No statutory cap. Tex. Prop. Code ch. 92, subch. C (92.101-92.113) | On or before the 30th day after the tenant surrenders the premises. Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.103(a) | Required: written description and itemized list of all deductions, with the balance of the deposit. No deductions for normal wear and tear. Not required if the tenant owes rent at surrender and there is no dispute about the amount owed. Tex. Prop. Code Sec. 92.104 |
City rules that may add to state law
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- Free legal help in Oklahoma
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Oklahoma Security Deposit Law FAQ
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Oklahoma?
No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. (41 O.S. § 115)
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Oklahoma?
45 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered AND the tenant makes a written demand for the deposit. (41 O.S. § 115(B))
Does a landlord in Oklahoma have to give an itemized list of deposit deductions?
Deductions (accrued rent and damages from tenant noncompliance) must be itemized in a written notice delivered to the tenant by mail with return receipt requested or in person if the tenant can reasonably be found. (41 O.S. § 115(B))
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Oklahoma?
Not required - the statute says the balance is returned 'without interest'. (41 O.S. § 115(B))
What happens if a landlord in Oklahoma wrongfully keeps a security deposit?
If the landlord fails to comply, the tenant may recover the damage/security deposit and any prepaid rent. No statutory double or treble damages. (41 O.S. § 115(E), (G))
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.