Can Oregon Landlords Charge for Trash and Recycling?

Understanding your responsibilities for utilities and services as a renter in Oregon—including trash and recycling—is important for financial planning and legal compliance. This guide uses Oregon law to explain when landlords can charge for trash, recycling, and related services, and how these rules affect your rental agreement. We'll also point you to official resources and forms if you have concerns or disputes.

Who Pays for Trash and Recycling Services in Oregon?

According to Oregon state law, landlords may charge tenants for certain utilities and services, including trash and recycling, under specific conditions. It's essential to know what your lease says and how these charges are set up under Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)¹.

Key Rules on Trash and Recycling Charges

• Your rental agreement or lease must clearly state if you are responsible for paying for trash and recycling, and how those charges are determined.
• If such charges are not mentioned in your lease, your landlord generally cannot begin charging you for them during the tenancy without your written agreement.
• Landlords must charge you only the actual cost they pay for trash and recycling, or a reasonable allocation if sharing with others.
• Landlords are required to give you written notice of any changes to service costs or billing methods. For month-to-month renters, this usually requires at least 30 days’ notice.
• If you live in a building where the landlord is billed for trash and recycling, but bills tenants separately, the landlord must provide a copy of the bill and calculation upon request.

What Oregon Law Says

The Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act—specifically ORS 90.315—gives landlords the right to bill tenants for "utilities and services" as long as the agreement and billing are clear.¹ Trash and recycling are included as "services."

What If You Disagree With a Charge?

If you believe your landlord is charging you improperly or without transparency, you have rights under Oregon law. Here’s how you can respond:

• Ask your landlord for a copy of the original trash/recycling service bill.
• Request a written explanation of how your share is calculated.
• If unresolved, consider writing a formal complaint or using state resources.

Relevant Official Forms

• Landlord/Tenant Complaint Form
  Use when: You believe a landlord is improperly charging for trash/recycling or not following utility/service billing laws.
  How to use: Submit to the Oregon Department of Justice or your local housing authority.
  File an Oregon Tenant Complaint

For disputes that can't be resolved with your landlord, you may wish to seek mediation or file a small claims action.

Where to Get Help: Oregon’s Housing Tribunal

Rental disputes in Oregon are handled by the Oregon Circuit Courts (Landlord/Tenant Section).²

1. Can my landlord add new charges for trash and recycling after I move in?
   Only if you agree in writing. Otherwise, changes generally require your consent or at least 30 days' notice for month-to-month renters.
2. Is there a law that limits how much my landlord can charge for trash?
   Yes, the landlord can only charge you the actual cost of service, divided fairly among tenants, unless your lease states a different legal arrangement.
3. What should I do if there is no mention of trash charges in my lease?
   If not specified in your signed agreement, you typically cannot be required to pay for trash/recycling during your tenancy unless you later agree in writing.
4. Can my landlord keep my deposit for unpaid trash bills?
   Yes, if you were legally responsible for these services and did not pay, they may deduct the unpaid amount from your security deposit under Oregon law.
5. Who do I contact if I think my landlord is breaking the law?
   Start with the Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection, your local city housing authority, or seek help from Oregon Legal Aid.

Conclusion: What Oregon Renters Should Know

• Landlords in Oregon can only charge for trash and recycling if it is clearly stated in your rental agreement and the cost reflects actual charges.
• Written notice and explanation are required if the landlord bills you separately for these services.
• Always check your lease, ask questions, and use official complaint forms if you believe your rights are being violated.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
• Oregon Housing and Community Services – FAQs for Renters
• Oregon Law Help (Legal Aid)
• Oregon Department of Justice – File a Tenant Complaint
• Oregon Circuit Courts – Landlord/Tenant Section

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
2. Oregon Circuit Courts – Landlord/Tenant Section

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