Oregon LGBT Renters: Fair Housing Rights & Protections

Renting a home should be safe and fair for everyone. As an LGBTQ+ renter in Oregon, you are protected by state and federal fair housing laws. Understanding these rights can help you spot housing discrimination and take action when needed. This article explains Oregon's current legal protections for LGBTQ+ renters, how to report discrimination, and what to expect during the process.

Fair Housing Protections for LGBTQ+ Renters in Oregon

Oregon law, along with federal regulations, protects renters from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. This means landlords and property managers cannot:

• Refuse to rent or renew a lease because you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or non-binary
• Raise your rent, evict, or set different terms because of your LGBTQ+ status
• Harass you or allow harassment by neighbors due to who you are or whom you love

These protections apply to most types of rental housing statewide.

Key Laws Protecting LGBTQ+ Renters

• Oregon Fair Housing Law (ORS 659A.421): Explicitly bans housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. See Oregon Fair Housing Statute
• Federal Fair Housing Act: Under recent guidance, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) interprets sex-based protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity. Learn more on HUD's LGBTQ+ guidance

If you experience or suspect housing discrimination, you have the right to file a complaint and seek remedies.

Recognizing Housing Discrimination

Discrimination can be obvious or subtle. Common examples affecting LGBTQ+ renters may include:

• Being told a rental unit is "unavailable" when it’s not
• Offensive comments or questions about your gender, partner, or family
• Receiving stricter rules or worse maintenance compared to other tenants
• Eviction threats after disclosing your LGBTQ+ status

Anyone in Oregon who manages or owns rental property must follow these non-discrimination rules.

What To Do If You Experience Discrimination

If you believe you’ve been discriminated against as an LGBTQ+ renter, take these important steps:

• Document the incident(s): Write down dates, times, locations, and details. Save texts or emails if possible.
• Contact the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) Civil Rights Division, which handles fair housing complaints.
• You can also file a federal complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity.

Filing an Official Discrimination Complaint

Oregon renters can use the state’s official complaint process if they face discrimination. Successful complaints can result in remedies like stopping illegal behavior, compensation, or policy changes.

Oregon Housing Discrimination Complaint Form

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• Where to submit: BOLI Civil Rights Division
• How It’s Used: This online form begins the official process with BOLI. Use it if your landlord, agent, or a housing provider discriminates based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
  If you believe you’ve been treated unfairly because you are LGBTQ+, filing this form preserves your rights and starts an official investigation.

Need help? BOLI can assist by phone or in-person with the complaint process. Complaints must generally be filed within one year of the incident.

What Happens After You File?

• BOLI or HUD will review your complaint.
• An investigator may contact you and your landlord for more information.
• If discrimination occurred, BOLI can order remedies like stopping the behavior or providing compensation.
• Many cases are resolved through informal agreements or mediation.

The Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division (BOLI) is the agency that enforces Oregon rental discrimination protections. Review BOLI’s full housing rights guide here.

Your Rights Under Oregon Tenancy Law

In addition to fair housing rules, Oregon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90) protects all renters’ basic rights. Rules about leases, evictions, deposit returns, and repairs apply equally to LGBTQ+ tenants.

If you think your landlord is violating your rights, do not stop paying rent! Instead, seek advice and follow the proper legal process to challenge discrimination.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What qualifies as housing discrimination for LGBTQ+ renters in Oregon?
   It includes being denied housing, evicted, harassed, or treated unfairly by a landlord because of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
2. Does Oregon law protect transgender renters?
   Yes. Oregon’s fair housing laws explicitly cover gender identity and expression, protecting transgender renters from housing discrimination.
3. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me for having a same-sex partner?
   No. This is illegal under both Oregon and federal fair housing laws. Landlords cannot deny housing because of your sexual orientation or relationships.
4. How long do I have to file a housing discrimination complaint in Oregon?
   Generally, you must file within one year of the discrimination. It’s best to start the process as soon as possible for the strongest case.
5. Who investigates Oregon rental discrimination complaints?
   The Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries Civil Rights Division (BOLI) is the official state agency handling these matters. HUD can also investigate federal complaints.

Summary of Key Takeaways

• Oregon bans housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity
• Official complaint forms are available from BOLI and HUD
• Tenant protections cover all stages of renting—from advertising to eviction

Knowing your rights as a renter can help you protect your housing and fight against unfair treatment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon BOLI Civil Rights Division (Official Tribunal) – File discrimination complaints, get information, or seek mediation
• HUD: Fair Housing Rights for LGBTQ+ Individuals
• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90) – Full legislation on tenant rights
• BOLI: Housing Rights Overview

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1. Oregon Fair Housing Law: ORS 659A.421
2. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: ORS Chapter 90
3. HUD Fair Housing LGBTQ+ Guidance: HUD LGBTQ+ Housing Discrimination
4. BOLI Complaint Process and Forms: File a BOLI Complaint

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