Lawton Lease Agreement (2025)

• Ensure lease agreements are comprehensive and compliant with Oklahoma statutes, particularly regarding security deposits and maintenance responsibilities.
• Foster good tenant relationships by maintaining open communication and respecting privacy rights.
• Regularly inspect properties to ensure compliance with habitability standards, addressing issues promptly.
• Consider offering flexible lease terms to attract a broader range of tenants in a competitive market.

Lawton's rental landscape in 2025 is characterized by a moderate vacancy rate of around 6%, indicating a balanced market with steady demand. Popular neighborhoods like West Lawton and Ft. Sill have attracted significant interest due to their robust infrastructure and employment opportunities. The demand for rental properties remains strong, driven by a mix of military personnel, students, and local families. Landlord-tenant dynamics in Lawton are shaped by Oklahoma's landlord-friendly laws, yet they also emphasize tenant protections to ensure fair treatment. This balance helps maintain a stable rental ecosystem where both parties can thrive.

• Security deposit return: Oklahoma law mandates landlords return security deposits within 30 days with an itemized list of deductions.
• Maintenance: Landlords must ensure properties meet habitability standards, including functional plumbing, heating, and safety features.
• Notice for entry: Landlords are required to provide 24-hour notice before entering a tenant's unit, except in emergencies.
• Disclosure of lead-based paint: Federal law requires landlords to disclose known information about lead-based paint hazards in buildings constructed before 1978.
• Provision of rental receipts: Upon request, landlords must provide tenants with a receipt for any rent payments made in cash.

• Right to habitable premises: Tenants are entitled to a safe and habitable living environment under Oklahoma housing codes.
• Protection against unlawful eviction: Landlords must follow legal procedures for eviction, ensuring tenants' rights are protected.
• Privacy rights: Tenants have the right to privacy, with landlords needing to provide notice before entering the unit.
• Right to withhold rent: In cases where necessary repairs are not made, tenants may have the right to withhold rent under specific conditions.
• Protection against discrimination: Tenants are protected under the Fair Housing Act against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

Lawton does not have additional rent control laws, but landlords must comply with city ordinances regarding property maintenance and safety standards. Rental properties must meet specific building codes, and landlords may need to register properties with local authorities if required. While there are no mandatory inspections, maintaining compliance with state and local housing codes is essential for both new and existing leases.

State: Oklahoma

City: Lawton

Document Type: Residential Lease