Okla. Stat. tit. 21, §§ 1351–1357 § 1355
Penalty for Persons Unlawfully on Property Causing Damage to Dwellings
Operative Text
A person who unlawfully detains or occupies or trespasses upon a property and who intentionally damages the dwelling causing One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) or more and is removed from the property pursuant to this act shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment in the custody of the Department of Corrections for a term not exceeding three (3) years or by a fine not exceeding Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00), or both such fine and imprisonment.
Under Oklahoma law at 21 O.S. § 1355, a person who unlawfully detains, occupies, or trespasses on a property and intentionally causes $1,000 or more in damage to the dwelling may face felony criminal charges if they are removed from the property under the applicable act. A conviction can result in up to three years of imprisonment in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. This provision is a criminal statute, not a civil remedy, meaning it is enforced through the criminal justice system rather than through a landlord-tenant proceeding.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers dealing with unlawful occupants who have caused significant damage to a dwelling should be aware that 21 O.S. § 1355 provides a criminal enforcement pathway when intentional damage meets or exceeds $1,000. Compliant operators typically document all property damage thoroughly—through photographs, repair estimates, and written records—so that evidence is available if a criminal referral becomes appropriate. Coordination with local law enforcement and, where applicable, the district attorney's office is generally how this provision is activated after an unlawful occupant has been removed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants who are lawfully on a property are not the target of 21 O.S. § 1355, which is directed at persons who unlawfully detain, occupy, or trespass and intentionally cause $1,000 or more in damage. If someone believes this provision is being misapplied to a situation involving a legitimate tenancy, that concern can be raised as a defense in any resulting criminal proceeding. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or a licensed Oklahoma attorney can help clarify whether an occupancy is considered lawful under state law and what protections may apply.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 18, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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