Oregon Rental Housing Health Code Standards Explained

As a renter in Oregon, knowing your rights regarding health and safety standards is crucial. Every tenant deserves a rental home that is safe, clean, and meets the state’s minimum health requirements. Understanding these standards empowers you to request necessary repairs and advocate for a healthy living environment.

Understanding Minimum Housing Health Codes in Oregon

Oregon has established specific laws to protect renters by setting minimum standards that all rental housing must meet. These laws apply to most residential rental properties and aim to ensure tenants’ basic health and safety.

• Structural safety: Buildings must be structurally sound, with safe floors, walls, and roofs.
• Plumbing and water: Rentals must have working plumbing, a supply of hot and cold water, and a functioning toilet and shower or bathtub.
• Heating: There must be a heat source capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 68°F in living spaces.
• Electrical systems: Wiring must be safe, and outlets, lights, and switches must operate properly.
• Pest control: Rentals must be free from severe infestations at move-in, including rodents and insects.
• Weatherproofing: Windows, doors, and roofs should prevent water leaks and significant drafts.

These requirements are enforced by local city or county housing authorities, overseen by statewide rules found in Oregon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90).^[1]

When Is a Landlord Responsible for Repairs?

By law, landlords must keep rentals in habitable condition—meaning homes are safe and meet the minimum health code standards listed above. If something breaks or becomes unsafe (e.g., broken heater, plumbing leak, mold growth), your landlord usually must fix it within a reasonable time after being notified in writing.

The Habitability Standard: What’s Legally Required?

• Repairing broken heating, plumbing, or electrical systems
• Eliminating unsafe mold or moisture
• Addressing serious pest infestations if not caused by the tenant
• Maintaining structural safety (e.g., no holes in the walls, secure floors)

For full details, see the official text of ORS Chapter 90 - Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.^[1]

Key Forms for Oregon Renters

• Notice of Repairs (No Official Form Number)
  Use when: You need to inform your landlord—in writing—about a condition that needs repair.
  How: Write a dated, signed letter describing the problem. Be specific and ask for repairs within a reasonable timeframe (7-14 days is typical).
  See a sample repair request letter from Oregon Housing and Community Services.
• Complaint to Local Housing Code Enforcement (Varies by City/County)
  Use when: Your landlord doesn’t fix a code violation after written notice.
  How: Contact your city or county code enforcement (e.g., City of Portland Housing Complaint Form). File online or download forms as available.

Who Oversees Rental Housing Laws in Oregon?

The Oregon Housing and Community Services department, along with Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord/Tenant Court, oversee enforcement of rental housing standards statewide. Local city or county code enforcement offices handle specific housing health code complaints in your area.

What Can Renters Do If Their Home Isn’t Safe?

If your landlord isn’t making necessary repairs to meet Oregon’s minimum standards, you have specific options—always start by notifying your landlord in writing.

• File a complaint with your local code enforcement office if repairs aren’t made after notice
• Consider mediation or seek resolution in the Oregon Landlord/Tenant Court
• Withhold rent or repair-and-deduct only in situations specifically allowed by Oregon law. Always seek legal guidance before taking these steps.

Never stop paying rent without understanding your legal rights—this could put you at risk of eviction.

FAQ: Oregon Rental Housing Health Codes

1. What health code issues must my landlord fix?
   Landlords must repair problems affecting habitability, including broken heating, plumbing, electrical issues, severe leaks, and pest infestations.
2. How do I request repairs from my landlord?
   Send a dated, written letter describing the problem to your landlord and keep a copy. If they don’t respond, you can contact city or county code enforcement.
3. Can I withhold rent if my home isn’t safe?
   Only in limited circumstances under Oregon law. Always seek advice or contact tenant resources before withholding any rent.
4. What if my landlord won’t make repairs after notice?
   You can file a complaint with your local housing code enforcement or consider using Oregon’s landlord/tenant court system for resolution.
5. Where do I find Oregon’s rental housing laws?
   The full law is in the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90).

Key Takeaways for Oregon Renters

• Oregon law requires all rentals to meet basic safety and health standards.
• Landlords must make needed repairs to maintain a habitable home.
• Use written notices and official forms to address problems—and seek local or state help if needed.

Being informed helps you assert your rights and maintain a safe, healthy living environment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) – statewide housing information and renter help
• Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord/Tenant Court – file court actions for unresolved disputes
• City of Portland Housing Complaints – example of how to file local housing code complaints
• Check your city or county’s website for local housing code enforcement contact details
• Find tenant advocacy organizations or free legal clinics in Oregon for advice and support

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90). Full text and updates: Oregon Legislature – ORS Chapter 90
2. Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS): Official website
3. Oregon Judicial Department Landlord-Tenant Court: Access information and forms

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