Adding a Roommate to an Oregon Lease: A Complete Guide

Thinking about sharing your rental with a new roommate in Oregon? Before moving someone in, it’s important to understand your rights and responsibilities under state law. Adding a roommate to your lease isn’t just a handshake agreement: you need your landlord’s permission and may need to complete a few formal steps to stay protected.

Oregon Rules for Adding a Roommate

In Oregon, most rental agreements require tenants to get the landlord’s written approval before adding someone new to the household. This helps protect all parties and ensures that your roommate is legally recognized.

• Landlord Approval Required: Check your lease for a “guest” or “additional occupant” clause. Nearly all standard leases require landlord consent for new roommates.
• Written Notice: Even if your lease is silent, Oregon law typically expects tenants to notify their landlord and seek approval before causing a “material change” to the lease terms.
• Screening Applicants: Landlords may require your potential roommate to fill out an application and pass a background or credit check, just like any new tenant.
• Updated Lease: If approved, you and your landlord should sign a revised lease agreement adding the new roommate by name.

Steps to Add a Roommate Legally

Follow these steps to make sure your new roommate is covered under your rental agreement and everyone’s rights are clear:

• Review your current lease for any terms about roommates or adding occupants.
• Speak with your landlord and get their written consent before your roommate moves in.
• Ask your landlord what application or documentation they need from your roommate. This typically involves:
  • Rental Application Form (no official Oregon state form; most landlords use their own)
  • Background or credit check, with your roommate’s permission
• Sign an updated lease or addendum listing all current tenants, including your new roommate. You can request that your landlord provide a standardized lease addendum.
• Keep documented approval (e.g., email, signed addendum) in case there are disputes later.

An updated lease protects both you and your roommate—if their name isn’t on the lease, they may not have the same legal protections or responsibilities in case of eviction or disputes.

Relevant Forms and Where to Find Them

• Rental Application Form (no official statewide form)
  • Landlords typically provide their own form for screening new tenants or roommates. You can see a sample from the Oregon Housing and Community Services resource page.
  • Example: Your landlord may email your potential roommate a rental application to fill out, just like you did before moving in.
• Lease Addendum or Amendment (not a state-issued form)
  • Ask your landlord to prepare a lease addendum or use a template. Signing this document legally adds your roommate to your lease.
  • Example: Once your roommate passes screening, you both sign a lease addendum naming all tenants living in the unit.

For full legal backing, refer to Oregon’s primary rental law, the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90).¹

What to Do If Your Landlord Says No

If your landlord denies your request, they must have a reasonable, legal basis (such as prior evictions or not meeting income requirements). Oregon law does not force landlords to accept any new roommate, but discrimination based on protected characteristics (like race, gender, or family status) is illegal.

Tenancy Tribunal or Board in Oregon

Oregon does not have a separate landlord-tenant tribunal; instead, landlord-tenant disputes are generally resolved in the local Circuit Court system.

Key Reminders When Adding a Roommate

• Never move a roommate in without your landlord’s written approval. Unauthorized occupants can be grounds for eviction under Oregon law.
• Have all tenants listed by full name on the lease for maximum protection.
• Discuss responsibilities (rent, utilities, damages) with your roommate in advance.
• Keep a paper trail of all correspondence about adding your roommate.

Taking these steps ensures that everyone’s rights and responsibilities are clear—and you avoid accidental violations that could threaten your housing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Roommates in Oregon

1. Do I need my landlord’s permission to add a roommate in Oregon?
   Yes, in nearly all cases you need written approval to add anyone to your lease or household. Check your rental agreement for details.
2. What happens if I let someone move in without approval?
   Your landlord may issue a lease violation notice or begin the eviction process for unauthorized occupants under Oregon law.¹
3. Can my landlord raise the rent if I add a roommate?
   While Oregon law limits how often and how much rent can be raised, your landlord can sometimes adjust the rent when a new person is added, if allowed by the lease. However, any increase must follow Oregon’s rent increase notice rules (see ORS Chapter 90).
4. Is there a limit to how many roommates I can have?
   Yes, most leases specify occupancy limits and local housing codes may set a maximum number of occupants per bedroom or unit.
5. Who do I contact if I need help with a landlord dispute over adding a roommate?
   You can contact Oregon Housing and Community Services or get legal assistance through Oregon’s Legal Aid offices.

Conclusion: Oregon Roommate Rules Made Easy

Before you bring a new roommate into your Oregon rental:

• Always get your landlord’s written approval first.
• Complete all required applications and update your lease or sign an addendum.
• Keep records of approvals and communications for your protection.

Following Oregon’s rules keeps you and your new roommate secure in your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Housing and Community Services: Renters’ Rights & Help
• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
• Oregon Judicial Department: Court Locator (for rental disputes)
• Oregon Civil Rights Division: Housing Discrimination Help

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)

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