Oregon Tenant Rights
Oregon has some of the strongest tenant protections in the United States.
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Nonpayment Notice:
- 72-hour notice (8 days notice for month-to-month with longer history) to pay rent or vacate
- Just Cause Required:
- Yes — after first 12 months of tenancy, just cause required statewide (ORS 90.427)
- No Fault Relocation:
- Yes — certain no-fault terminations (e.g., sale, owner move-in) require one month's rent as relocation assistance
- Rent Control:
- Yes — statewide rent increase cap (7% + CPI, max 10%) under ORS 90.323; cities may enact additional local controls
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- No statutory maximum
- Return Deadline:
- 31 days after tenancy ends
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written accounting of all deductions required within 31 days
- Interest Required:
- No statewide requirement
- Bad Faith Penalty:
- Tenant may recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Yes — expressly authorized for essential services and general habitability failures after notice
- Rent Withholding:
- Tenant may reduce rent to fair rental value of substandard unit
- Notice Required:
- Written notice required; timeframe varies by urgency of condition
- Habitability Standards:
- Weatherproofing, heating, plumbing, electrical, sanitary conditions, pest control, structural safety, hot water
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Yes — explicit prohibition on retaliatory evictions, rent increases, and interference with services
- Utility Shutoff:
- Prohibited without tenant consent or court order
- Self Help Prohibited:
- Yes — lockouts and utility shutoffs without court process are illegal
- Remedies:
- Actual damages, up to 3 months rent in punitive damages, attorney's fees
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- 24 hours advance notice with date, approximate time, and purpose
- Permissible Entry Reasons:
- Repairs, inspections, showing unit to prospective tenants or buyers, emergencies
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without advance notice for genuine emergencies
- Time Of Entry:
- Between 8am and 9pm unless tenant agrees or emergency exists
Legal Aid Resources
Community Alliance of Tenants
Oregon statewide
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.