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Oklahoma security deposit demand letter
In Oklahoma, if a landlord keeps any of the security deposit, the balance must be returned within 45 days after the tenancy ends, the tenant delivers possession, and the tenant makes a written demand. If the tenant does not demand the deposit in writing within six months after the tenancy ends, the statute says the deposit reverts to the landlord. The deposit is supposed to be held in an Oklahoma escrow account.
Laws change. Read the official source and confirm it still applies to your tenancy. Local ordinances are not summarized here. This page is not legal advice.
Return deadline
45 days after termination, delivery of possession, and a written demand.
Title 41, § 115(B) says that if the landlord proposes to retain any portion of the security deposit for rent, damages, or other legally allowable charges, the landlord shall return the balance without interest within forty-five days after the termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, and written demand by the tenant. If the tenant does not make that written demand within six months after termination of the tenancy, the deposit reverts to the landlord and the tenant's interest terminates.
41 Okla. Stat. § 115(B). Oklahoma State Courts Network, 41 O.S. § 115. Last verified: 2026-11-10.
If the deposit is kept improperly
The tenant may recover the deposit and any prepaid rent the act requires to be returned. Misappropriation of the escrow is a separate crime.
Section 115(E) says that if a landlord or manager fails to comply with the section, or fails to return any prepaid rent required to be paid to a tenant under the act, the tenant may recover the damage and security deposit and prepaid rent, if any. Section 115(A) says misappropriation of the security deposit is unlawful and punishable by a term in a county jail not to exceed six months and by a fine not to exceed twice the amount misappropriated from the escrow account. The civil subsection reviewed does not state a multiplied-damages award for a late refund.
41 Okla. Stat. § 115(A), (E). Oklahoma State Courts Network, 41 O.S. § 115. Last verified: 2026-11-10.
Itemized deductions
Yes. Any application of the deposit to rent or damages must be itemized in a written statement.
Section 115(B) says the deposit may be applied to accrued rent and to damages the landlord has suffered by reason of the tenant's noncompliance, “all as itemized by the landlord in a written statement” delivered by mail, return receipt requested, or in person if the tenant can reasonably be found.
41 Okla. Stat. § 115(B). Oklahoma State Courts Network, 41 O.S. § 115. Last verified: 2026-11-10.
Forwarding address
A written demand is required. The itemized statement is delivered by mail or in person.
Section 115(B) ties the 45-day refund to a written demand by the tenant, and it describes delivery of the landlord's itemized statement by mail, return receipt requested, or in person. The section does not use the phrase “forwarding address.” The written demand is the statutory trigger.
41 Okla. Stat. § 115(B). Oklahoma State Courts Network, 41 O.S. § 115. Last verified: 2026-11-10.
Written demand before a case
Yes. A written demand starts the 45-day clock, and it must be made within six months.
Section 115(B) requires a written demand by the tenant before the 45-day balance-return period runs, and it says the deposit reverts to the landlord if that written demand is not made within six months after the tenancy ends.
41 Okla. Stat. § 115(B). Oklahoma State Courts Network, 41 O.S. § 115. Last verified: 2026-11-10.
Free sample with blanks
Copy this outline and fill the brackets yourself. The statute sentence is from the checked note above, not from a generated draft.
[Date] [Your name] [Your current address] [Landlord name] [Landlord address] Re: Return of security deposit for [rental address] Dear [Landlord name], I rented [rental address] from [move-in date] through [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit]. You have returned $[amount already returned]. I am asking for the remaining $[balance]. What happened: [Describe the move-out, the condition of the unit, and any list of deductions you did or did not receive. Two or three sentences are enough.] Under 41 Okla. Stat. § 115(B), 45 days after termination, delivery of possession, and a written demand. The tenant may recover the deposit and any prepaid rent the act requires to be returned. Misappropriation of the escrow is a separate crime. Please pay $[balance] within [14] days by [check or money order]. I can provide [receipts, photos, the lease, or messages]. Sincerely, [Your name] Sample note: the statute sentences above come from Oklahoma State Courts Network, 41 O.S. § 115, last verified 2026-11-10. Laws change. This sample is a formatting example, not legal advice.
Official and free resources
- 41 O.S. § 115, Damage or security deposits — Oklahoma State Courts Network publication of the statute.
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