Oregon Landlord Move-In Disclosures: What Renters Need to Know

Moving into a new rental in Oregon? Before you sign a lease or accept the keys, Oregon law requires landlords to provide certain written disclosures to protect renters. Understanding your rights regarding these required disclosures can save you from headaches and ensure a smoother rental experience.

Landlord Disclosure Requirements in Oregon

Landlords must provide specific information before or at the start of a tenancy. These requirements are designed to ensure renters have all the facts they need to make informed decisions.

Common Required Disclosures

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (if the home was built before 1978): Landlords must provide renters with information about known lead-based paint hazards and supply the EPA's Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home pamphlet.
  How it's used: You should receive this document alongside your lease. If your landlord doesn’t provide it, ask before signing.
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Disclosure: Oregon law requires landlords to provide written instructions on smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm testing and maintenance. See guidance from the Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal.
• Flood Plain Disclosure: If the rental is located within a 100-year flood plain, landlords must notify tenants in writing. Check with local city or county offices for flood plain maps.
• Smoking Policy Disclosure: Landlords must state in writing if smoking is allowed on the property (Oregon Revised Statutes 90.220) (see Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).
• Deposits and Fees Disclosure: Any non-refundable fees must be stated in the rental agreement. All deposits must be itemized.
  Tip: Request a receipt, and keep a copy of all deposit and fee disclosures for your records.
• Manager or Owner Contact Disclosure: You must receive the name and address of the property owner, landlord, or authorized agent for legal notices. (ORS 90.305)

Official Forms You May Receive

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (no official Oregon state number, but required federally)
  • When it’s used: Provided before tenancy for units built before 1978. You sign to acknowledge receipt and understanding.
  • HUD Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form
• Rental Agreement
  • When it’s used: This written document contains key disclosures (smoking policy, fees, maintenance terms).
  • Oregon Residential Rental Agreement Template
• Move-In Condition Report
  • When it’s used: Not strictly required by law, but your landlord may provide this to document property condition. Use it to note existing damage and protect your deposit.
  • Oregon Move-In/Move-Out Condition Report template

These documents are meant to clarify your rights and responsibilities. Always read them carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions before signing.

What Happens if Landlords Don’t Provide Disclosures?

If you do not receive required disclosures, you may have certain remedies under Oregon law. For example:

• Lead-Based Paint: If not disclosed, you can report the landlord federally (EPA/HUD) and potentially seek damages.
• Incorrect or Missing Fees Disclosure: Non-refunded fees that aren’t listed in writing may have to be returned.
• Owner/Manager Contact Info: Failure to provide this can affect a landlord’s ability to take legal action for rent or eviction until rectified.

Oregon renters are generally protected by the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90). Disputes are handled by Oregon circuit courts. For assistance, see the Oregon Judicial Department’s Landlord-Tenant Resources.

How Renters Can Protect Themselves

• Ask for copies of all disclosures in writing before signing the lease.
• Use the move-in condition report to note existing issues, and keep photos for your records.
• Double check the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for full disclosure rules.
• Contact the Oregon Judicial Department's Landlord-Tenant Program with disputes.

FAQ: Required Landlord Disclosures in Oregon

1. Do I always have to be notified about lead paint?
   Yes, if you are moving into housing built before 1978, the landlord must provide a lead-based paint disclosure and a federal safety pamphlet.
2. What if my landlord didn't give me contact info?
   Oregon law (ORS 90.305) requires landlords to disclose their name and address or their agent’s. If not, notify them in writing and keep a record of your request.
3. Is an inspection report necessary before move-in?
   Not legally required, but highly recommended. Many landlords in Oregon use a condition report for transparency and security deposit protection. Use the state's template if your landlord doesn't offer one.
4. Can my landlord keep fees that weren't disclosed?
   No, only non-refundable fees disclosed in writing in the rental agreement are allowed. Others must be refunded if not properly disclosed.
5. Are there rules about disclosing mold or pests?
   Oregon does not require separate mold or pest disclosures, but landlords must maintain the property to be safe and habitable (ORS 90.320).

Conclusion: What Oregon Renters Should Remember

• Landlords must provide clear disclosures about hazards, fees, smoking policies, and contact details.
• Most forms—especially for lead paint and fees—must be supplied before you move in.
• Keep copies of all paperwork and clarify any missing information before signing.

Staying informed about move-in disclosure requirements can help you avoid disputes and ensure a secure start in your Oregon home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Judicial Department: Landlord-Tenant Portal – For forms, legal information, and court help.
• Oregon Housing and Community Services – State housing programs and renter support.
• Oregon Law Center – Renter Rights Hotline and Legal Help

---

1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, ORS Chapter 90: Official Oregon Legislature Website
2. Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord-Tenant Resources: Landlord-Tenant Portal
3. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – U.S. EPA: Federal Lead Disclosure Information
4. Oregon Office of State Fire Marshal – Smoke & CO Alarm Guidance: Official Website

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations