Okla. Stat. tit. 41 § 38
Tenant who Receives Notice of Proceeding Must Inform and Deliver Notice to Landlord - Responsibility for Damages
Operative Text
Every tenant who receives notice of any proceeding to recover the real property occupied by him or the possession thereof must immediately inform his landlord of the same, and also deliver to the landlord the notice, if in writing, and is responsible to the landlord for all damages which said landlord may sustain by reason of any omission to inform him of the notice, or to deliver it to him if in writing.
Under Oklahoma law at 41 O.S. § 38, when a tenant receives any legal notice or proceeding aimed at recovering the rental property they occupy, that tenant is required to promptly pass that information along to the landlord — including handing over the written notice itself if one exists. The provision establishes that a tenant who fails to do so can be held financially responsible for any damages the landlord suffers as a result of not receiving timely notice. This rule creates a clear duty of communication between tenant and landlord when third-party legal actions threaten the property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under 41 O.S. § 38, compliant property owners and managers generally maintain open lines of communication with tenants so that any legal notices affecting the property are quickly relayed upward. Operators who receive such forwarded notices promptly are better positioned to respond to proceedings that could affect their ownership or possessory rights. Landlords who believe a tenant has failed to fulfill this notification duty and who have suffered damages as a result may have a civil claim against that tenant under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Oklahoma's 41 O.S. § 38 places a specific obligation on tenants: if you receive any notice related to a legal proceeding to recover the property you rent, you are expected to inform your landlord immediately and hand over any written notice you received. Failing to do so can expose a tenant to liability for whatever financial harm the landlord experiences because of the delay or omission. Tenants who have questions about what qualifies as a covered notice, or who face related disputes, may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Oklahoma landlord-tenant law.
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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