Oregon Renter Rights: Complete Guide for Tenants in 2024

Renting a home in Oregon comes with important rights and responsibilities. As a renter, you have legal protections around rent increases, evictions, deposits, repairs, and privacy. This guide explains your rights under Oregon law and provides official resources so you can confidently address issues with your landlord, whether you’re facing a rent hike, need repairs, or have received an eviction notice.

Your Key Rights as a Renter in Oregon

Oregon renter rights are governed by the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90). Understanding these protections can help you maintain safe housing and resolve problems fairly.

1. Limitations on Rent Increases

• Notice Period: Landlords must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before a rent increase, using the Rent Increase Notice form. The notice must state the new rent, the amount of the increase, and the date it takes effect.
• Caps: State law limits annual rent increases for most rental properties. For 2024, the cap is 10% or 7% plus the consumer price index (CPI), whichever is lower. Some exceptions apply for newer buildings or affordable housing. (Oregon Rent Control Rules)

2. Eviction Protections

• Landlords must follow strict timelines and use approved forms, such as the Summons / Complaint for Residential Eviction (FED), if an eviction is pursued.
• Most evictions require written notice, ranging from 24 hours (for severe violations) up to 90 days (for no-cause terminations after the first lease year). Review the current laws under ORS 90.427.
• Tenants may contest an eviction in court with the Oregon Judicial Department (Residential Eviction Resources).

3. Right to Repairs and Safe Housing

• Landlords must maintain rental units to be habitable, addressing issues like heating, plumbing, and timely repairs.
• Use the "Notice to Landlord to Fix/Repair" form to document repair requests. Send the notice in writing and keep a copy for your records.
• If repairs are not completed after proper notice, tenants may have rights to withhold rent, make repairs and deduct the cost, or seek help from local code enforcement.

4. Security Deposit Rights

• Landlords must provide a written statement of your deposit and return unused funds within 31 days of moving out.
• Get your deposit and an itemized list of deductions using the Security Deposit Return Request form.

5. Entry Notice & Privacy

• Your landlord must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering your rental for most reasons, except emergencies (ORS 90.322).

Common Official Forms for Oregon Renters

• Rent Increase Notice (No Form Number): Used when a landlord wants to raise rent. Provides at least 90 days' written notice.
  Download from Oregon Housing & Community Services.
• Notice to Landlord to Fix/Repair (No Form Number): When you need a repair, fill out and deliver this form to your landlord.
  Download official repair notice form.
• Security Deposit Return Request (No Form Number): Use to request your deposit and deductions explanation after vacating.
  Official form for security deposit return.
• Eviction Summons / Complaint (Official FED Packet): Provided to a tenant when a landlord files an eviction. If you receive this, you have the right to respond or contest in court. Download from Oregon Judicial Department.

Always use official Oregon forms and keep copies for your records. Forms and detailed instructions can be found through Oregon Housing and Community Services.

How to Handle Common Rental Problems

If you experience issues such as repair delays, unlawful evictions, or security deposit disputes, the Oregon Judicial Department's Landlord and Tenant Program is the main tribunal for handling residential tenancy cases (Residential Eviction Resources).

• File a complaint with the state or local housing authority if landlord behavior is illegal.
• For formal disputes or evictions, you may respond in court using forms available at the Oregon Judicial Department.
• If you need help with forms or court, reach out to legal aid or renter advocacy groups (see "Help and Support").

FAQ: Your Oregon Renter Rights

1. Can my landlord increase my rent at any time?
   No. In Oregon, your landlord must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before raising your rent and cannot increase it more than the annual legal cap for most properties.
2. What if my landlord won’t fix something important?
   If you’ve requested repairs in writing and your landlord doesn't act promptly, you may have the right to hire a professional and deduct repairs or seek help from housing authorities. Always use the "Notice to Landlord to Fix/Repair" form.
3. How much notice is required before eviction?
   This depends on the reason for eviction, but most cases require at least 72 hours' written notice for nonpayment of rent and up to 90 days for no-cause terminations after the first lease year.
4. Can my landlord enter my apartment without my permission?
   No, landlords generally must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering unless it's an emergency.
5. What is the process for getting my security deposit returned?
   After you move out, your landlord must return your deposit and a list of any deductions within 31 days. If you don't receive it, submit a security deposit request form.

Summary: What Every Oregon Renter Should Know

• Your rights are protected by the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
• Rent increases, evictions, and repairs all have clear legal procedures and notice periods.
• If you face issues, act promptly and use official forms to document every step.

Stay proactive and informed to ensure fair treatment and safe housing throughout your tenancy.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Housing and Community Services — forms, tenant info, and rent rules
• Oregon Judicial Department - Residential Landlord and Tenant
• Oregon Law Help — free legal guidance for renters
• For local code complaints, check your city's housing department

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
2. Oregon Judicial Department – Residential Eviction Resources
3. Oregon Rent Increase and Rent Control Guidelines

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