Most residential landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit to cover any repairs needed when the tenant moves out, or to cover the tenant’s failure to pay the last month's rent.

Laws vary from state to state, but many states have statutes that provide the maximum amount of security deposit a landlord may require for a residential lease and the costs for which the landlord may use the security deposit (cleaning, repairs, unpaid rent) following termination of the lease.

These laws also provide a specific deadline (often 30-60 days) for the landlord to return the tenant’s security deposit following termination of the lease—after deducting any amount properly withheld, as allowed by law.

In Oklahoma, the regulations regarding security deposits for residential leases are outlined in the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Landlords may require tenants to pay a security deposit to cover potential damages to the property, cleaning, or unpaid rent. Oklahoma does not set a statutory limit on the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit. However, upon termination of the lease, the landlord is required to return the security deposit within 45 days. The landlord must provide the tenant with a written statement listing any deductions made from the security deposit for repairs, cleaning, or unpaid rent. If the landlord fails to comply with these requirements, the tenant may be entitled to recover the portion of the deposit wrongfully withheld, as well as potential additional damages and attorney's fees.