Interim study examines housing shortage in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY –The Senate Judiciary Committee held an interim study Tuesday requested by Sen. Chuck Hall, R-Perry, and Sen. Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, examining the many issues surrounding a shortage of housing, particularly rental housing, in Oklahoma.

Hall was the Senate author of the Oklahoma Housing Stability Program, which included an appropriation of $215 million for a new program to increase the availability of housing in the state.

“I think we need to acknowledge that this is a supply and demand issue, and one of the things we are seeking to address is increasing the supply through this legislation through  zero percent construction loans for rental property and single family housing,” Hall said.  “This study allowed us to hear from several experts on related issues and possible steps to consider as we seek to strengthen families, communities and our state. Housing is an integral part of that.”

Kirt said presenters underscored there is an affordable housing crisis nationwide, and in Oklahoma. 

“One of the interesting things we heard as that since 1960, the typical size of a new home has grown, but the number of people in a typical household has gone down,” Kirt said.  “Especially for younger adults, it’s pricing them out of the market.  At the same time, rental properties have become more expensive as we’ve seen greater out-of-state and even out-of-country ownership. Another issue we discussed has occurred in my own district—apartments that simply do not meet basic standards for renters, like reliable heat in the winter, air conditioning in the summer, plus other structural problems impacting health and safety. These are issues we have to address for the well-being of our citizens and our communities.”

Presenters for the study included Dr. Bryce Lowery, of the University of Oklahoma College of Architecture in Regional and City Planning; Amy Coldren, CEO of Shelterwell; Ginny Bass Carl, Executive Director of Community Cares Partners; and Katie Dilks, executive director, Oklahoma Access to Justice Foundation.

Short eviction timelines and low fees for seeking eviction were also discussed during the hearing, with Coldren and Carl presenting data on the eviction process in Oklahoma being fast and confusing. A landlord can evict a tenant for as little as $45, much less than the cost of other civil actions. The two said families facing eviction will likely experience a period of homelessness, causing trauma for children and adults, and told committee members that improved housing stability is good for tenants, landlords, communities and the economy, with better outcomes for children at school and for adults in the workforce.

“I think one of the things that was also pointed out was the need for anti-retaliation protection in the statutes so that a tenant would not face eviction for asking landlords to address maintenance issues and other problems,” Kirt said. “I appreciate Senator Hall for joining me in requesting this study and look forward to working with him and other members as we continue to address housing needs in Oklahoma.”

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For more information, contact:

Sen. Chuck Hall, 405-521-5628 or Chuck.Hall@oksenate.gov.
Sen. Julia Kirt, 405-5231-5636 or Julia.Kirt@oksenate.gov.