Oregon Fair Housing Protected Classes Explained for Renters

Every renter in Oregon has the right to fair and equal treatment under state and federal law. Understanding which personal characteristics are protected under Oregon fair housing laws helps renters recognize discrimination and know when—and how—to take action. Below, you'll find plain explanations of your rights, what it means to be part of a "protected class," and the official steps you can take if those rights are violated.

Which Groups Are Protected Under Oregon Fair Housing Laws?

Oregon law, together with federal law, makes it illegal for landlords to discriminate against renters and applicants based on certain characteristics known as "protected classes." These laws apply to rental housing, advertising, applications, lease renewals, and terminations.

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex
• Familial status (including families with children or pregnant people)
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Marital status
• Source of income (such as housing vouchers or public assistance)
• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Age (for those 18 and over)
• Domestic violence victim status

These protections come from both the federal Fair Housing Act and Oregon's own Oregon Fair Housing Act (ORS 659A.421).^[1]

Examples of Illegal Discrimination

A landlord or property manager cannot:

• Refuse to rent to someone because they use a housing voucher (protected under "source of income")
• Charge a higher security deposit because of a renter’s nationality or ethnicity
• Advertise “no children” or “adults only” (familial status discrimination)
• Deny reasonable accommodations to a renter with a disability (such as a service animal)

Remember: Your landlord must treat everyone equally regardless of their membership in a protected class. If you believe your rights are being ignored, you can take action.

What to Do If You Experience Housing Discrimination

If you think you’ve been discriminated against, you can file a complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division (BOLI), which investigates and enforces housing discrimination claims. You can also pursue a complaint federally with HUD.

Here are the main steps and tools available to help protect your rights as a renter in Oregon:

Filing a Fair Housing Complaint in Oregon

BOLI handles complaints of unlawful housing discrimination. You must bring your complaint within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• When & How It’s Used: Use this form if you believe a landlord, manager, or rental office has denied you rights protected by Oregon fair housing law. For example, if a landlord refused to rent to you because of your family status or source of income.
• Oregon Housing Discrimination Complaint Form (PDF)

Submit your completed form by mail, email, or fax as stated on the form instructions. BOLI will investigate and may offer mediation or take enforcement action as appropriate.

Requesting Reasonable Accommodation for Disability

Renters with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodation so they can use and enjoy their home. This could include installing accessible features or having an assistance animal.

• Form Name: Request for Reasonable Accommodation (No official statewide form; check with your local housing authority or landlord for templates)
• When & How It’s Used: Submit a written request to your landlord specifying what you need and why it’s medically necessary. For example, asking for a reserved parking space near your unit because of a mobility impairment.
• Sample Reasonable Accommodation Request (HUD)

For more on your rights, see the Oregon Civil Rights Division Housing page and the official U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Fair Housing site.

What Is the Official Tribunal for Rental Disputes in Oregon?

Oregon does not have a single tribunal or board solely handling residential tenancies, but fair housing complaints are handled by:

• Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division (BOLI) – investigates housing discrimination

General landlord-tenant disputes (like evictions) are resolved in your county's circuit court. Find your local Oregon circuit court here.

FAQ: Protected Classes and Fair Housing in Oregon

1. Who is covered by Oregon’s fair housing laws? Nearly all renters and applicants—including those treated differently because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, marital status, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or status as a survivor of domestic violence.
2. Can a landlord deny my rental application because I use a Section 8 voucher? No. In Oregon, "source of income" is protected, meaning landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone simply because they use rental assistance.
3. I have a disability—can my landlord refuse my service animal? Landlords must allow service or assistance animals as a reasonable accommodation for renters with disabilities, even in "no pets" units, so long as documentation is provided if requested.
4. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint in Oregon? You must file your fair housing complaint with BOLI within one year of the alleged discrimination.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Oregon Renters

• As a renter in Oregon, you’re protected from unfair treatment based on a range of characteristics under state and federal law.
• If you suspect discrimination, file an official complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division to start an investigation.
• Know your rights and keep records of any potential discriminatory actions—a paper trail is important.

Understanding your fair housing rights is the first step in ensuring safe and equitable housing.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division (BOLI) – Housing
• Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 659A (Oregon Fair Housing Act)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Fair Housing
• Oregon Housing and Community Services: Resources for Tenants

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1. Oregon Revised Statutes 659A.421 – Discrimination in selling, renting or leasing real property prohibited
2. Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division – Fair Housing
3. HUD: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity

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