The rule in Oklahoma
Oklahoma sets no statutory cap on the size of a residential security deposit: the source checked (Oklahoma State Courts Network, 41 O.S. § 115) states no maximum, so the amount is whatever the lease says.
The return deadline is 45 days, counted after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant makes a written demand. The text reads: “within forty-five (45) days after the termination of tenancy, delivery of possession and written demand by the tenant.”
Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 36 give landlords less time and 3 give more; the median is 30 days. Illinois, Indiana, Maryland and Virginia also allow 45 days.
Without a cap there is no dollar ceiling to compute. For comparison, 27 of the 44 verified jurisdictions do cap deposits, from one month's rent in states such as Alabama up to three months' rent in Nevada.
Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on January 14, 2027.
In neighbouring states with verified rules: Arkansas allows 60 days and caps deposits at two months' rent, Kansas allows 30 days and caps deposits at one month's rent, Missouri allows 30 days and caps deposits at two months' rent, New Mexico allows 30 days and caps deposits at one month's rent and Texas allows 30 days and sets no cap.
If the tenant makes no written demand within six months after the tenancy ends, the deposit reverts to the landlord.
The deposit must be kept in an escrow account with a federally insured institution in Oklahoma.
If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in Oklahoma is $10,000 (small claims rules).
Source: Oklahoma State Courts Network, 41 O.S. § 115 · last checked October 21, 2026.
If the deposit does not come back
The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.
Questions
How much can a landlord charge as a security deposit in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma law sets no maximum in the source checked (41 O.S. § 115(B)); the lease sets the amount.
How long does a landlord in Oklahoma have to return a deposit?
45 days: “within forty-five (45) days after the termination of tenancy, delivery of possession and written demand by the tenant” (41 O.S. § 115(B)).
When does the Oklahoma deadline start?
The clock runs after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant makes a written demand.