Landlord Tenant Laws in Oregon (OR)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Oregon's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.100 et seq.; SB 608 (2019). The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of B (Tenant-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Oregon was the first US state to enact statewide rent control (SB 608, 2019). Annual rent increases capped at 7% + CPI for buildings 15+ years old. Just cause eviction required after first year. Very tenant-friendly. 90-day notice required for no-cause termination in first year.
Security Deposit Rules in Oregon
Oregon does not impose a statutory cap on security deposits, meaning landlords can charge any amount they choose. However, excessively high deposits may discourage prospective tenants and could be challenged in court as unconscionable. Landlords must return the deposit within 31 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Oregon
In Oregon, a landlord must provide 10 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Oregon.
Tenant Rights in Oregon
Tenants in Oregon have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in Oregon
Oregon has enacted statewide rent control, limiting how much landlords can increase rent each year. This provides significant protection for tenants against sudden large rent increases and helps maintain housing affordability.
Landlord Obligations in Oregon
Landlords in Oregon are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide 1 day notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 31 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Oregon
Many cities in Oregon have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 4 major cities.
Portland
Portland has additional local protections including a mandatory relocation assistance ordinance for no-cause terminations. Screening criteria limitations.
Eugene
Subject to statewide rent control. No additional local ordinances.
Salem
State capital follows Oregon landlord-tenant law with statewide rent control.
Bend
Subject to statewide rent control. Growing rental market.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Oregon scores 71 out of 100, earning a grade of B (Tenant-Friendly).
How Oregon Compares
Below is a comparison of Oregon with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Oregon falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon (OR) | 71 | B | No statutory limit (but must be refundable) | 10 days | Statewide Rent Control |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 71 | B | 1 month's rent | 14 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Hawaii (HI) | 72 | B | 1 month's rent | 5 days | No Rent Control |
| Maryland (MD) | 69 | B | 2 months' rent | 10 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Maine (ME) | 67 | B | 2 months' rent | 7 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Rhode Island (RI) | 67 | B | 1 month's rent | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Oregon?
In Oregon, the security deposit limit is No statutory limit (but must be refundable). The landlord must return the deposit within 31 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Oregon?
For nonpayment of rent, Oregon requires 10 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Oregon if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, Oregon allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does Oregon have rent control?
Yes, Oregon has statewide rent control limiting annual increases.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Oregon?
Landlords in Oregon must give 1 day notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Oregon are primarily found in Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.100 et seq.; SB 608 (2019). These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.