Marshall County Oklahoma Landlord-Tenant Law: Guide for Madill, Kingston & Lake Texoma Area Rental Property Owners
Marshall County’s defining geographic feature is its position along the Oklahoma shore of Lake Texoma — the massive Red River reservoir created by the Denison Dam in 1944, which at full pool spans portions of both Oklahoma and Texas. Lake Texoma is one of the largest reservoirs in the United States and is particularly famous among anglers as one of the premier striped bass fisheries in the country. The Oklahoma side of Lake Texoma is almost entirely within Marshall County, and Kingston — a community on the lake’s northern shore — has grown into one of Oklahoma’s most active lake resort communities, with marinas, resorts, vacation rentals, and an economy that peaks dramatically during spring and summer fishing and recreation season.
The county seat of Madill, with approximately 3,700 residents, is the governmental and commercial hub, located several miles north of the lake. Named for Marshall County, which was itself named for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall, the county was created at statehood from former Chickasaw Nation lands. With a 2020 census population of approximately 15,312, Marshall County is a small county whose economy is shaped disproportionately by Lake Texoma tourism and the Chickasaw Nation.
The ORLTA in Marshall County
All residential rental relationships in Marshall County are governed by the Oklahoma Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORLTA), codified at Oklahoma Statutes Title 41. No local ordinances modify the ORLTA in Marshall County. There is no rental licensing requirement and no rent control. For nonpayment, a five-day pay-or-quit notice (rent only — no late fees) is required before filing a FED. For other lease violations, a fifteen-day notice to cure or quit is required. Month-to-month tenancies require thirty days’ written notice. Non-emergency entry requires twenty-four hours’ advance notice. Security deposits have no cap but must be held in an FDIC-insured Oklahoma institution, with the 45-day return clock beginning only after termination, possession delivery, and a written tenant demand. Self-help eviction is prohibited statewide.
Eviction Procedure at the 20th Judicial District Court
FED actions in Marshall County are filed at the Marshall County Courthouse, 100 Plaza, Rm. 201, Madill, OK 73446, phone (580) 795-3392. Important: The courthouse closes for lunch from 12:00–12:30 PM — plan courthouse visits accordingly. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–12:00 PM and 12:30 PM–5:00 PM. Marshall County is part of Oklahoma’s 20th Judicial District, which also serves Carter (Ardmore), Johnston, Love (Marietta/WinStar), and Murray (Sulphur) Counties. After the applicable notice period expires, the landlord files the FED petition, pays the filing fee, and is assigned a hearing date.
This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Oklahoma attorney or contact the Marshall County District Court at (580) 795-3392 for guidance specific to your situation. Last updated: April 2026.
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