Oregon Rent Control Campaigns: A Renter's Guide

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Oregon published June 21, 2025 Flag of Oregon

Oregon has a unique history when it comes to rent control and tenant protections. If you’re an Oregon renter, recent changes in the law can have a real impact on your housing stability and what your landlord can charge. This guide explains how Oregon’s historic rent control campaigns have shaped your rights, which laws protect you, how to handle rent increases, and where to find official help.

How Rent Control Developed in Oregon

While some U.S. cities have had rent control for decades, Oregon made headlines in 2019 when it became the first state to pass statewide rent control. Renters and advocacy groups campaigned for years to address rising rents and housing insecurity, and their efforts led to the passage of landmark tenant protection laws.

  • 2019 Senate Bill 608: Limited how much landlords can increase rent in most residential units statewide.
  • Local Efforts: Before 2019, several Oregon cities, such as Portland, supported local tenant advocacy movements calling for stronger rent limits and eviction protections.
  • Ongoing Updates: The law is reviewed and updated regularly to reflect housing costs and inflation.

What Oregon Renters Need to Know About Current Laws

Oregon’s statewide rent control works by limiting annual rent increases for most rental properties. Knowing what’s legal can help you respond confidently if your landlord notifies you of a rent hike.

Statewide Rent Increase Limits

  • Annual rent increases are generally capped by state law at 7% plus inflation (determined annually by the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis).
  • Some newer buildings (less than 15 years old) and certain subsidized housing are exempt.
  • Landlords must give at least 90 days' written notice for any rent increase for month-to-month and fixed-term tenancies.

For full details, see the official Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.[1] You can also calculate this year’s maximum allowed rent increase by checking the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis annual rent cap notice.[2]

Protection from No-Cause Evictions

Senate Bill 608 also restricts most "no-cause" evictions after the first year of occupancy, offering more stability for tenants.[1]

  • After the first year, landlords must provide a qualifying reason (e.g., sale, major repairs, landlord's own use) for ending a tenancy.
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Official Forms for Oregon Renters

If you receive a rent increase or eviction notice and believe it violates Oregon's rent control law, you may want to respond in writing or file a complaint. Here are some official tools available:

  • Notice of Rent Increase (Required for Landlords)
    Use: This form (no standard number) must be provided by landlords at least 90 days before a rent increase.
    Example: If you receive a notice with less than 90 days’ warning, you can challenge the increase.
    Sample Notice of Rent Increase form (Oregon.gov)
  • Complaint Form – Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI)
    Use: If you believe you’re being retaliated against for exercising your rights, you can file a housing discrimination complaint.
    Example: Use this if you face eviction after questioning an improper rent increase.
    BOLI Housing Discrimination Complaint Forms
  • Eviction Summons and Complaint (For legal proceedings)
    Use: If you are served these documents, you must respond before deadlines.
    Oregon Judicial Department Landlord-Tenant Forms

Always use official forms from government or tribunal sites and keep copies for your records.

Where Rent Disputes Are Handled

In Oregon, rental disputes (such as improper rent increases or eviction cases) are typically resolved at the county level through the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD), which operates the local courts handling landlord-tenant proceedings.[3] If you have an issue, check your county court’s website for details about filing or responding to cases.

If you receive a rent increase notice, verify both the timing (at least 90 days’ notice) and the percentage. If something looks wrong, contact a local renter advocacy group or the Oregon courts for help.

Key Legal References for Oregon Renters

FAQ: Oregon Rent Control

  1. How much can my landlord raise the rent in Oregon?
    Rent increases are generally limited by law to 7% plus inflation per year for most units. Check the state’s annual cap notice for the current percentage.
  2. Does rent control apply to all housing in Oregon?
    No. Newly built units (less than 15 years old) and certain affordable or government-subsidized housing are exempt from these controls.
  3. What should I do if I get a rent increase with less than 90 days' notice?
    You can write a response to your landlord noting the improper notice and ask them to comply with the law. If not resolved, contact the Oregon courts or seek local housing assistance.
  4. Where can I find Oregon’s rent control laws?
    Find details in the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and the rent increase cap page.
  5. What if I think my rights have been violated?
    You can file a complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries or seek assistance through the court system.

Key Takeaways for Oregon Renters

  • Most Oregon renters are protected from sudden or extreme rent increases due to statewide rent control laws.
  • Always check that rent increase notices meet both timing and percentage requirements.
  • If your rights are violated, official forms and state agencies can help you resolve the problem.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
  2. Oregon Office of Economic Analysis – Rent Increase Limits
  3. Oregon Judicial Department (OJD)

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Renter Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for tenants everywhere.

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