How to Write a Notice to Vacate Letter in Oregon

Moving out of a rental in Oregon can be a smooth process when you know your rights and responsibilities. For renters, writing and delivering a proper notice to vacate is often the first formal step in ending a lease. It’s important to follow Oregon law to avoid unintended costs or disputes. This article covers what you need to know about writing your notice, sending it to your landlord, and ensuring a legal and stress-free move-out process.

Understanding Notice Periods in Oregon

In Oregon, renters (also called tenants) are usually required to give written notice before moving out. The amount of notice you need to give depends on your rental agreement. According to the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, standard notice periods include:

• Month-to-month lease: You must give at least 30 days' written notice before your intended move-out date.
• Week-to-week lease: You must give at least 10 days' written notice.
• Fixed-term (e.g., 1-year lease): You typically do not need to give notice if you’re leaving at the end of the lease, unless your agreement requires it. If your lease will automatically renew, check the terms for notice requirements.

Rules for notice are defined in the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. It’s a good idea to review your lease for any specific instructions or longer notice periods required by your landlord.

What Should Be In Your Notice to Vacate Letter?

Your notice must be in writing and clearly state your intent to move out. A complete notice to vacate letter in Oregon should include:

• Your name and address (as stated in the lease)
• The date you intend to move out
• The date you are writing and delivering the notice
• A clear statement of intent to terminate the tenancy
• Your signature

How to Serve (Deliver) Your Notice

Oregon law (ORS 90.155) outlines valid ways to deliver your notice:

• Personal delivery: Hand the notice directly to your landlord or property manager.
• Posting and mailing: Post the notice on the main entrance AND mail a copy. This method requires you to add three extra days to the notice period.
• Certified or first-class mail: Mail the notice to your landlord’s address for official notices as stated in the lease or rental agreement.

If there are multiple tenants, each roommate should sign the notice unless your lease states otherwise.

Official Forms and Practical Examples

• Oregon Notice of Termination of Tenancy Form
  Form Name: Notice of Termination of Tenancy (no official form number). Oregon does not require a standardized form for renters ending tenancies; a written letter containing the required information is sufficient. However, some local housing authorities offer templates.
  Practical example: If you are renting month-to-month, write a letter with your name, address, today's date, a statement like "I am providing 30 days' notice to vacate," your intended move-out date, and your signature. Deliver it as required by law.
  View a sample Notice to Vacate letter from Oregon Housing and Community Services

You can also review guidance or local templates through the Oregon Housing and Community Services: Renter Rights page.

Who Handles Tenant-Landlord Disputes?

The Oregon judicial system, specifically the Circuit Courts, handles official disputes about notice, eviction, and other rental issues under Oregon law.

• Learn more about Oregon courts at the Oregon Judicial Department.

Rental laws and enforcement are based on the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90).^[1]

Action Steps: Giving Notice to Your Landlord

Follow these steps to properly notify your landlord in Oregon and stay compliant with legal requirements:

• Check your lease for the required notice period and special instructions
• Write a clear, dated notice letter with your intended move-out date
• Sign and deliver the notice using a legal method (personal delivery, posting and mailing, or certified mail)
• Keep copies and proof of delivery

Taking these steps protects your security deposit and makes move-out smoother.

FAQ: Oregon Notice to Vacate

1. How much notice is required to move out in Oregon?
   Most renters in month-to-month tenancies must give 30 days' written notice before the move-out date. Week-to-week tenants give 10 days' notice. Always check your lease for specific terms.
2. Do I have to use a specific form to give notice?
   No, Oregon does not require a standardized form. Any written letter with the correct information and legal notice period is sufficient, but templates are available from official sources.
3. Can I email my notice to vacate in Oregon?
   Oregon law generally requires notice in writing and personally delivered or mailed. Email is not an accepted method unless your lease specifically allows it.
4. Can a landlord require more notice than Oregon law?
   A landlord can request more notice only if stated in the lease, but they cannot require less than the minimum set by state law.
5. What happens if I move out without giving proper notice?
   If you do not provide the required notice, you may be held responsible for additional rent or deducted amounts from your security deposit.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

• Always provide your landlord with correct, written notice based on the type of lease.
• Deliver your notice using legal methods and retain proof for your records.
• Following Oregon law helps protect your rights and security deposit when moving out.

Providing a legally valid notice to vacate ensures a cleaner, safer move-out process for both renters and landlords.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Housing and Community Services: Renter Rights
• Oregon Judicial Department (for court resources and legal help)
• Toll-Free Renter Assistance: 1-800-453-5511 (Oregon statewide legal help hotline)

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
2. Sample Notice to Vacate Letter (Oregon Housing and Community Services)
3. Oregon Judicial Department

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