Question 1

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

No maximum amount. The governing section requires a receipt and listing in the lease and bars new or increased deposits in the first year (with exceptions), but sets no cap. Source: ORS 90.300 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 2

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Landlord must give a written accounting and return any unclaimed deposit within 31 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant delivers possession. Source: ORS 90.300(12)-(13) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 3

How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

At least 24 hours' actual notice, and entry only at reasonable times (exceptions such as emergencies apply). Source: ORS 90.322(1)(f) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 4

How much notice does a landlord need to give to raise the rent in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Week-to-week: 7 days' written notice. Other tenancies: no increase in the first year, then 90 days' written notice, no more than once in any 12-month period, and capped at the annual maximum set under ORS 90.324. Source: ORS 90.323 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 5

Can a landlord charge a late fee in Oregon, and how much?

Accepted Answer

Only if rent is not received by the 4th day of the period and a written agreement sets out the fee. Limits: a reasonable flat fee once per period, or a daily fee up to 6% of that flat amount, or 5% of the rent per 5-day period. Unpaid late fees alone are not grounds for a nonpayment eviction. Source: ORS 90.260 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 6

What notice does a landlord have to give before evicting for unpaid rent in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Week-to-week: 72 hours' written notice, given no sooner than day 5 of the period. Other tenancies: 10 days' notice (given no sooner than day 8) or 13 days' notice under the alternate timing in the statute. Source: ORS 90.394 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 7

Can cities in Oregon pass rent control?

Accepted Answer

Statewide cap: the Department of Administrative Services publishes the maximum annual increase each year under ORS 90.324; increases must not exceed it (ORS 90.323). Source: ORS 90.323; ORS 90.324 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 8

How much notice is needed to end a month-to-month tenancy in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Tenants may end a month-to-month tenancy with 30 days' written notice. In the first year of occupancy, the landlord may also give 30 days' written notice without cause. After the first year, the landlord needs either a tenant cause or a qualifying landlord reason. A qualifying landlord reason (such as demolition or owner move-in) requires 90 days' notice stating the reason and a payment of one month's rent; landlords with 4 or fewer units are exempt from the payment. Week-to-week tenancies need 10 days' notice. Source: ORS 90.427(2)–(3), (5)–(6) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 9

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

ORS ch. 90 (read in full on 2026-10-15) does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits or hold them in a separate account. The landlord must give a receipt and list the deposit in a written lease. Source: ORS 90.300 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 10

Is a move-in or move-out inspection checklist required in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

ORS ch. 90 (read in full on 2026-10-15) requires no move-in or move-out inspection or condition checklist. Source: ORS ch. 90 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 11

Is landlord retaliation illegal in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, give a termination notice, or bring or threaten an eviction because the tenant complained to a government agency about code, mail or discrimination violations, made a good-faith complaint to the landlord, or joined a tenant organization, among other protected acts. Source: ORS 90.385 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 12

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

If a landlord unlawfully removes or locks out the tenant, or willfully cuts heat, water, electricity or other essential services, the tenant may get an injunction to regain possession, or end the lease and recover up to two months' rent or twice actual damages, whichever is greater. Source: ORS 90.375 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 13

What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

After written notice, a tenant may have a minor habitability defect repaired (up to $300; mold, radon, asbestos and lead paint are excluded) and deduct the cost from rent. The statute also provides other remedies for essential services and material noncompliance. Source: ORS 90.368; see also 90.360, 90.365 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 14

What disclosures must a landlord give tenants in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

At or before move-in, the landlord must disclose in writing the name and address of the manager and of the owner or the owner's agent for service. For premises with 4 or fewer units, the landlord must disclose any pending foreclosure, trustee's sale, forfeiture or tax-lien foreclosure before the lease is signed. Source: ORS 90.305(1); 90.310(1) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 15

What can a landlord do with property a tenant leaves behind in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Before storing, selling or disposing of property, the landlord must give the tenant written notice by personal delivery or first-class mail. The tenant then has at least 5 days after personal delivery, or 8 days after mailing, to arrange pickup. Manufactured or floating homes get 45 days. Source: ORS 90.425(3), (5)–(6) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 16

Can a tenant break a lease early for domestic violence or military service in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, bias crime or stalking may be released from the lease with at least 14 days' written notice plus verification. Tenants entering or leaving military service, or deployed for more than 90 days, may terminate on written notice with proof of orders. State-activated militia members are also covered. Source: ORS 90.453(2); 90.475; 90.472 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 17

Is there a grace period before a late fee can be charged in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A late fee is allowed only if rent is not received by the 4th day of the weekly or monthly rental period and a written agreement sets the fee, so fees can begin on day 5. Source: ORS 90.260(1) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 18

How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A screening charge may cover only actual screening costs, no more than the landlord's average cost or customary agency rates; only one charge per applicant in any 60-day period, with a receipt. Source: ORS 90.295 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 19

Does a landlord have to give notice before not renewing a lease in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A fixed term ending after the first year of occupancy becomes month-to-month unless a new term is agreed, the tenant gives 30 days' notice, or the landlord has a qualifying reason. Within the first year, the landlord may end it without cause on 30 days' written notice before the end date. Source: ORS 90.427(4) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 20

Can a landlord refuse Section 8 or other source of income in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Landlords may not refuse to rent based on source of income, which includes Section 8 and other housing assistance. Source: ORS 659A.421 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors659A.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 21

How does the eviction court process work in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

The first court appearance is 7 days after the next judicial day following the filing fee (15 days for nonpayment cases). Source: ORS 105.135(2)(a) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors105.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 22

Can a tenant fix something and deduct it from rent in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

For a minor habitability defect that can be fixed for $300 or less (not mold, radon, asbestos or lead paint), the tenant may give written notice with a repair date at least 7 days later, then have it fixed and deduct up to $300 from rent. Source: ORS 90.368 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 23

What happens if a tenant stays after the lease ends in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

If a tenant stays without consent after the lease ends, the landlord may sue for possession and recover actual damages, including rent accruing until the tenant gives up possession. Source: ORS 90.427(11) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 24

Does a landlord have to provide smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A unit with a carbon monoxide source (or connected to one) must have carbon monoxide alarms installed under State Fire Marshal rules, and the landlord must give written testing instructions by move-in. Source: ORS 90.317 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 25

What happens to the lease when a tenant dies in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

If the only tenant dies, the abandoned-property process in ORS 90.425 still applies, with changes. An heir or devisee, a personal representative, or a person the tenant designated in writing takes the tenant's place. The landlord's notice must be mailed to the deceased tenant at the unit, to any known heir, representative or designated person, and to an estate administrator at the State Treasurer. Source: ORS 90.425(21) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 26

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

If a tenant counterclaims in an eviction for possession or rent, the court may order the tenant to pay into court all or part of the rent accrued and accruing, then decides what each side is owed. If the landlord fails to supply essential services, ORS 90.365 lets the tenant buy them and deduct the cost or seek reduced-rent damages. Oregon's landlord-tenant chapter has no general rent-withholding procedure. Source: ORS 90.370(1)(b); ORS 90.365 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 27

Can a tenant sublet an apartment in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of ORS chapter 90 found no subletting or assignment rule for ordinary residential rentals. Its sublease provisions cover only manufactured dwelling and floating home facility spaces (ORS 90.555). For apartments and houses, the lease controls. Source: ORS ch. 90 (searched in full); ORS 90.555 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 28

Does a landlord need just cause to evict in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

After the first year of occupancy, a landlord can end a month-to-month tenancy only for tenant cause or a qualifying landlord reason, and a fixed-term lease ending after the first year rolls into month-to-month unless such a reason applies. Qualifying landlord reasons, with 90 days' written notice, are demolition or conversion, repairs that make the unit unfit to live in, move-in by the landlord or immediate family, or sale to a buyer who will live there. An owner-occupied building with two or fewer units is excepted. Source: ORS 90.427(3)-(5), (8) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 29

What is the tenant relocation assistance rule in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A landlord who ends a tenancy for a qualifying landlord reason (demolition or conversion, major repairs, owner or family move-in, or sale to an owner-occupant) must state the reason and facts in the notice and pay the tenant one month's rent when the notice is delivered. Landlords with an ownership interest in four or fewer units are exempt from the payment. Source: ORS 90.427(6) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 30

What is the eviction notices for other grounds (lease violation, no-fault) rule in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

For a material violation of the lease or of the tenant's legal duties, the landlord may give a written notice that names the violation and ends the tenancy on a date at least 30 days after delivery. If the violation can be cured, the notice must say so, describe a way to cure it and give a cure deadline. Source: ORS 90.392 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 31

What is the right to cure / redeem rule in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

For a for-cause termination notice, if the violation can be cured by changing conduct, making repairs, paying money or otherwise, the tenancy doesn't end if the tenant cures by the deadline. The cure deadline must be at least 14 days after delivery of the notice (different rules apply to a one-time act that isn't ongoing). Source: ORS 90.392(4) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 32

What is the rent receipts, payment methods & cash rule in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A tenant who asks for written proof of a payment is entitled to it from the landlord as a condition of paying. It can be a receipt, an account statement or another acknowledgment, and must show the amount, the date and who the landlord is. Source: ORS 90.140(2) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 33

What is the deposit bank holding / separate account rule in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A search of the full text of ORS chapter 90 found no requirement to keep security deposits in a separate or trust account. Deposit rules are in ORS 90.300, which requires a separate written accounting for deposits and prepaid rent when the landlord keeps any of them. Source: ORS ch. 90 (searched in full); ORS 90.300 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 34

What is the pet deposits/fees & service/esa animals rule in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A landlord may not charge a pet deposit for a service or companion animal that a tenant with a disability needs as a reasonable accommodation. Source: ORS 90.300(4) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 35

What is the eviction record sealing rule in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A tenant with an eviction judgment may move to set it aside and seal the records once eligible, for example after satisfying any money award. Courts must also, once a year, set aside and seal old eviction judgments that meet the statute's conditions, such as having no unpaid money award. Source: ORS 105.163, 105.164 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors105.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 36

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

The court clerk collects an $88 filing fee from the landlord when an eviction (FED) complaint for a dwelling under ORS ch. 90 is filed. A tenant who demands a trial also pays an $88 fee. Source: ORS 105.130(2)-(3) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors105.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 37

What is the condo conversion protections rule in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

A declarant must give every existing tenant notice of a conversion condominium at least 120 days before submitting the property to the condominium law, and must give a copy to new tenants. During the 120-day period, work inside units needs the tenant's permission. Source: ORS 100.305, 100.315 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors100.html), last checked 2026-10-15.

Question 38

What is the military lease termination (federal scra, all states) rule in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Federal law that applies in every state: under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a tenant may end a residential lease after entering military service, or after getting permanent-change-of-station orders or deployment orders of at least 90 days, by delivering written notice and a copy of the orders to the landlord. For a lease with monthly rent, termination takes effect 30 days after the next rent due date following delivery of the notice. Any state-specific rule on this page also applies. Code text: "The lessee on a lease described in subsection (b) may, at the lessee's option, terminate the lease at any time after." Source: 50 U.S.C. § 3955 (federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) (https://uscode.house.gov/download/releasepoints/us/pl/119/121/htm_usc50@119-121.zip), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 39

Can a landlord deny a tenant for criminal or credit history in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Landlords may consider only listed kinds of criminal convictions or pending charges (drug crimes other than marijuana-only use/possession, person crimes, sex offenses, financial fraud, and other crimes that would hurt property or peaceful enjoyment). Before denying for criminal history, they must offer a chance to submit supplemental evidence and do an individualized assessment. Statute text: "the landlord may consider criminal convictions or pending charges only for conduct that is presently illegal in this state and is: (a) A drug-related crime, but not including convictions based solely on the use or possession of marijuana; (b) A person crime; (c) A sex offense; (d) A crime involving financial fraud, including identity theft and forgery; or (e) Any other crime if the conduct for which the applicant was convicted or charged is of a nature that would adversely affect: (A) Property o" (ORS 90.303(3); ORS 90.304(5)). Source: ORS 90.303(3); ORS 90.304(5) (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-16.

Question 40

What rights does a tenant have after foreclosure in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

If a tenant gets actual notice that the rental is in foreclosure, the tenant may apply the security deposit or prepaid rent to amounts owed (with written notice to the landlord), and the landlord may not terminate for that application or for nonpayment in that month if nothing remains due after applying it. Statute text: "A tenant who receives actual notice that the property that is the subject of the tenants rental agreement with a landlord is in foreclosure may apply the tenants security deposit or prepaid rent to the tenants obligation to the landlord. The tenant must notify the landlord in writing that the tenant intends to do so. The giving of the notice provided by this subsection by the tenant does not constitute a termination of the tenancy. (2) A landlord may not terminate the tenancy of a tenant: (a) Be" (ORS 90.367). Source: ORS 90.367 (https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html), last checked 2026-10-16.

Oregon landlord-tenant law FAQ