Oregon Renters Insurance: Laws and Tenant Rights Explained

Before moving into a new rental home in Oregon, it's important to understand if and when your landlord can require you to purchase renters insurance. Many renters wonder: Is renters insurance really mandatory, or is it just recommended? This guide explains the official Oregon laws around renters insurance for tenants, what landlords can and cannot ask for, and how these rules impact your next lease.

What Is Renters Insurance and Why Do Landlords Ask For It?

Renters insurance is a policy you can buy to protect your personal belongings (like furniture, clothes, electronics) against things like theft, fire, or water damage. In some cases, it also covers your liability if someone is injured in your rental unit.

• Renters insurance does not cover the building structure (that’s the landlord’s responsibility).
• It usually covers your personal property, some personal liability, and temporary living expenses if your home becomes unlivable due to damage.
• Landlords in Oregon sometimes require tenants to purchase renters insurance as a lease condition.

This allows them to reduce potential disputes over damages and can help protect both landlord and tenant interests.

Oregon Laws: Can Landlords Require Renters Insurance?

Yes, under Oregon law, a landlord can require renters insurance with certain rules and limitations. Specifics are addressed in the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act ^[1].

• The requirement must be written into your rental agreement.
• Your security deposit cannot be increased just because you do or don’t have renters insurance.
• There are restrictions: landlords cannot require renters insurance for tenants subsidized through federal/state housing (e.g., Section 8, public housing), except for personal liability coverage in limited situations.
• Your landlord cannot make you buy insurance that covers their property (just your own personal property).
• The landlord may require that you have personal liability coverage, up to $100,000 per occurrence.

What Must Be Disclosed?

If your lease requires insurance, the landlord must give you a written disclosure that clearly states:

• The insurance requirement.
• The amount of liability coverage required (not to exceed $100,000).
• That the policy need only cover your liability and personal property, not the building.
• That you are responsible for providing proof of insurance when you sign the rental agreement and upon renewal, if requested.

Without these written disclosures, a landlord cannot enforce the insurance requirement.

What Happens If You Do Not Have Renters Insurance?

If renters insurance is required under your lease and you fail to provide proof, your landlord may issue a formal written notice. If you do not get coverage within the time provided, this can be grounds for the landlord to take action, such as charging noncompliance fees or beginning the eviction process.

However, the landlord is required to provide notice and follow due process, as outlined in Oregon law.

Relevant Official Forms in Oregon

While there is no specific statewide “Renters Insurance Requirement” form, landlords commonly use the following official Oregon notices and forms associated with moving in and compliance:

• Notice of Noncompliance with Rental Agreement or Law (ORS 90.392)
• When used: If a tenant fails to obtain required renters insurance (as outlined in the lease), the landlord can serve this notice outlining how the tenant is not in compliance.
• Example: You moved in and signed a lease stating you’d get renters insurance, but forgot to obtain a policy. You receive this notice, giving you a specific number of days to fix the issue.
• Official Noncompliance Notice (PDF)

Your Rights When Landlords Request Renters Insurance

Oregon renters have clear rights if the landlord asks for insurance:

• The insurance requirement must be clearly stated in your lease, not added in later unless you agree in writing.
• If you live in government-subsidized housing, special protections apply—be sure to check with your housing agency.
• Any noncompliance notice must give you time to correct the problem before further action is taken.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Oregon?

The Oregon courts (specifically the Oregon Judicial Department) handle residential tenancy cases, including disputes over rental agreements and compliance with insurance requirements.

FAQ: Oregon Renters Insurance Rules

1. Can my landlord in Oregon require me to have renters insurance?
   Yes, if it is written in your rental agreement. There are exceptions for government-subsidized housing.
2. Is there a minimum amount of coverage I must have?
   Landlords can require personal liability coverage up to $100,000, but not more.
3. What should I do if I cannot afford renters insurance?
   Talk with your landlord or a local legal aid office. In some cases, you may request a waiver if you are in subsidized housing.
4. Can I be evicted for not having renters insurance?
   If your lease requires it and you do not get coverage after proper notice, your landlord can begin the eviction process.
5. Where can I find the official Oregon law about rental insurance?
   Read Section 90.222 of the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Key Takeaways for Tenants

• Check your lease to see if renters insurance is required—your landlord must tell you in writing.
• Oregon law limits what type and amount of insurance can be required.
• Special rules protect those in subsidized housing.

Understanding how renters insurance works in Oregon can help you avoid issues or misunderstandings when moving in.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Oregon

• Oregon Housing and Community Services – Renter Assistance
• Oregon Judicial Department – Housing Court Information
• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full Text
• Oregon Law Help – Free Legal Aid & Tenant Information

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
2. Official Noncompliance Notice Form (OJD)

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