Oregon Rent Gouging Laws: Limits and Renter Rights

Worried about a big rent hike in Oregon? As a renter, it's important to know what counts as rent gouging and which limits are in place to protect you under state law. This article explains Oregon's rent increase restrictions, what is considered rent gouging, and what you can do if your landlord raises your rent above allowable limits.

Understanding Oregon's Rent Gouging Rules

Oregon law limits how much most landlords can increase your rent each year. This helps protect renters from sudden or extreme rent hikes, sometimes called "rent gouging." The main law regulating this is the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90), with special attention to rent increase caps.

What Is Considered Rent Gouging?

In Oregon, "rent gouging" refers to an unlawful rent increase above the cap set by law. For most residential tenancies, landlords:

• Cannot raise the rent more than the annual limit set by the state
• Must give proper written notice of any rent increase
• Cannot increase rent as retaliation for complaints or requests for repairs

This protects renters from excessive or unfair rent increases.

Rent Increase Limits in 2024

For rent increases that take effect in 2024, the maximum allowed is 10% per year, or 7% plus inflation (whichever is less, updated annually by the state)^[1]. These rules apply to most rentals, except:

• Rental units built within the last 15 years
• Some government-subsidized housing

Always check your lease and verify if your rental is covered.

How Landlords Must Notify You About Rent Increases

Landlords must give at least 90 days' written notice before a rent increase. Notice can be delivered by mail or in person. The official form is:

• Notice of Rent Increase (No Form Number)
  How renters use it: Your landlord should deliver this notice to you. If the notice is unclear or you did not receive proper notice, you can request clarification or contact tenant support agencies.
  Sample Notice of Rent Increase

If you believe the rent increase exceeds the legal cap, you have the right to challenge it.

What to Do If You Suspect Rent Gouging

If your landlord increases your rent above the legal maximum or doesn't give proper notice, you can take action:

• Review your current rental agreement and the notice received
• Check the official Oregon Annual Rent Increase Limit
• Contact your landlord in writing to request a correction, citing the state rent cap
• Keep all documentation related to rent notices and responses
• Seek help from Oregon tenant advocacy services or legal aid
• Consider filing a complaint with the proper agency if the issue is not resolved

If a dispute cannot be worked out, renters can take their case to the official dispute body in Oregon.

Filing a Complaint or Dispute

The main tribunal for rental disputes in Oregon is your county circuit court (small claims or landlord-tenant authorities). There is no single statewide landlord-tenant board, but official complaint processes and resources are available through the Oregon Judicial Department.

Relevant Legislation

• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
• Annual Rent Increase Limit (Oregon Office of Economic Analysis)

FAQ: Oregon Rent Gouging

1. How much can my landlord increase my rent in Oregon?
   Most landlords can only increase rent by up to 10% per year or 7% plus inflation (whichever is less), with a minimum of 90 days' written notice.
2. What should I do if my landlord raises rent more than allowed?
   Document the notice, review state limits, communicate concerns to your landlord in writing, and seek support from tenant services or the court if needed.
3. Does rent control apply to all rentals in Oregon?
   No. Exemptions include buildings constructed in the past 15 years and certain government-subsidized housing.
4. What notice does my landlord have to give for a rent increase?
   Your landlord must provide at least 90 days' written notice before increasing rent.
5. Where can I learn more about Oregon renter rights?
   Visit the Oregon Housing and Community Services Renter Resources page for official guides and assistance.

Key Takeaways

• Oregon law limits most rent increases to 10% or less per year, with proper notice required.
• Renters can take action and seek help if a landlord violates these rules.
• Be sure to check if your rental unit is covered by these protections.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Housing and Community Services – Renter Assistance
• Sample Notice of Rent Increase (PDF)
• Oregon Circuit Court Landlord-Tenant Information
• Oregon State Bar – Landlord-Tenant Resources

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1. Oregon Office of Economic Analysis – Annual Rent Increase Limit
2. Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 90 – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
3. Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord Tenant Resources

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