Fall move-in season is here, and for a lot of Sooners and Cowboys, that means trading a dorm room for a first apartment. Whether you're headed back to Norman, Stillwater, or anywhere in between, signing your first lease is exciting — but it's also a legal contract, and a few smart steps now can save you a major headache (and your deposit) later.

Here's what students and their parents should know before move-in day.

## 1. Read the Lease Before You Sign It — All of It

It's tempting to skim and sign, especially when a unit is in high demand near campus. But your lease controls almost everything about your next year: how much notice you owe before moving out, whether you can sublease over the summer, who's responsible for repairs, and what happens if a roommate stops paying rent.

Pay close attention to:

- **Lease term and renewal terms** — does it auto-renew if you don't give notice?
- **Joint and several liability** — in most student leases, if your roommate doesn't pay, the landlord can come after *you* for the full rent.
- **Early termination and subletting rules** — important if you study abroad or transfer.
- **Pet policies and fees**, if applicable.

## 2. Document the Condition of the Unit on Day One

Before you move a single box in, walk through the apartment and take dated photos or video of every room — floors, walls, appliances, bathroom fixtures, closets. Oklahoma law allows landlords to withhold part or all of a security deposit for damage beyond normal wear and tear, and the burden often falls on the tenant to prove what was already broken when they moved in.

Send those photos to your landlord or property manager (email works well) so there's a timestamped record both sides can point to later.

## 3. Understand Oklahoma's Security Deposit Rules

Under Oklahoma's landlord-tenant law, a landlord generally has 45 days after you move out to either return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Keep your move-in inspection photos, your lease, and any move-out communication in one place — if a dispute comes up, that paper trail matters.

## 4. Get Roommate Agreements in Writing

The lease governs your relationship with the landlord, but it doesn't govern your relationship with your roommates. Who pays what share of rent and utilities? What happens if someone wants to move out mid-lease? A simple, signed roommate agreement — even a one-page document — can prevent a lot of conflict (and awkward group chats) later in the year.

## 5. Know Who to Call If Something Goes Wrong

Whether it's a landlord who won't make repairs, a dispute over a deposit, or a lease clause you don't understand, it's worth having a set of eyes on the document *before* you sign — not after there's already a problem.

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**Heading back to Norman or Stillwater this fall?** Hayes Legal Solutions helps Oklahoma renters understand their leases and resolve landlord-tenant disputes. If you have questions about a lease you're about to sign, reach out at 405-635-5578 or book online www.hayeslegalsolutions.com.  We review leases for a flat fee of $200.00 for leases in college towns.  Call 405-635-5578 to set up a consultation.

*This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every lease and situation is different — consult an attorney about your specific circumstances.*