[OK] [OK] Which part of a notice to quit do I serve the tenant?

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand that dealing with notices can be quite stressful. Have you already served the notice to quit to your tenant?

Lexi, Chatbot

What specific information is included in the affidavits that you are concerned about sharing?

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your notice to quit.

Jon

Hello and thank you for reaching out! I’m Jon, a licensed attorney with over 13 years of experience, and I’m here to help.

I understand legal matters can feel overwhelming, but you’re in good hands. I’ll do my best to make things clear and guide you toward the right solution for your situation.

Jon

First, what state is the rental property located in?

Jon

Thanks for that information. And you want to know how you have to serve it by law to be proper?

Jon

Understood! I believe I have all the information I need. Is there anything else you'd like to add before I start working on your answer? If not, I’ll get started right away.

Jon

Got it! I just need a few minutes to put together a complete response for you. It shouldn’t take longer than about four to five minutes, and I want to make sure it’s clear and comprehensive.

Thanks so much for waiting—I really appreciate your patience.

Jon

In Oklahoma, when you serve a notice to quit, you need to give your tenant the entire notice, not just the first page. The full document is what tells them why you’re asking them to leave, how long they have to fix the issue or move out, and what their rights are.

If you only hand over the first page, the notice could be considered incomplete and might not hold up in court.

The affidavits of service—the forms you sign to prove you actually served the notice—are not something you have to give to the tenant. Those are for you to keep, and if the situation ends up in court, that’s what you’ll show the judge to prove you followed the rules.

So the tenant gets the full notice, and you hold on to the affidavits.

Oklahoma law also sets out very specific ways you can deliver the notice. You can hand it directly to the tenant, or if they aren’t home, you can give it to a family member who lives there, as long as they’re at least 12 years old.

Jon

If neither of those options works, you’re allowed to post the notice somewhere obvious on the property, like the front door, but you also have to mail them a copy using certified mail or another method that provides tracking. This is laid out in Oklahoma Statutes § 41-111(E).

The amount of time you need to give the tenant depends on the reason for the notice. If it’s for unpaid rent, the standard is a five-day “pay or quit” notice.

So in your case, you’ll want to make sure the tenant gets the full four-page notice, either by handing it to them, leaving it with someone in their household who’s at least 12, or posting it on the door and mailing a copy by certified mail.

You don’t need to give them the affidavits of service, but you should keep those in case this goes to court. And if they pay, then great—that’s the end of the issue.

Jon

Since the first page has the full notice, that’s all the tenant needs. The other pages are just affidavits or blank, so keep those for yourself.

Serve the first page by handing it to them, leaving it with someone over 12 in the household, or posting it on the door and mailing a copy by certified mail to be safe.

Jon

Did that help clear things up for you? If you have any other questions or need more help, please don’t hesitate to ask—I’m here to support you!

Jon

I do hope the information I provided was helpful and addressed your question. If there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to assist. Wishing you a fantastic day ahead!