Oregon Renters' Rights: How to Handle Mold Problems

If you’re renting in Oregon and discover a mold problem in your home, you might be wondering who is responsible for fixing it and what your rights are. Mold not only affects your comfort but can also impact your health—so it’s important to know the steps you can take to get the issue resolved quickly under Oregon law.

Your Landlord’s Responsibility for Repairs

Oregon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets clear requirements for landlords to keep rental units safe and livable. This means landlords must address hazardous mold conditions and repair water leaks or sources of excess moisture that could lead to mold¹.

• Maintain the unit so it is habitable and free from conditions that could be harmful to health
• Fix water leaks, roof issues, and plumbing quickly to prevent mold growth
• Respond promptly after being notified in writing about a mold issue

If you notice mold developing in your rental, let your landlord know as soon as possible—ideally in writing.

What To Do If You Find Mold

Here are important steps you should take if you find mold in your rental:

• Document the mold problem: Take photos and note the date you found it.
• Notify your landlord in writing: Clearly describe the problem and the location of the mold. You can use Oregon's official “Notice to Landlord to Repair” form (ORS 90.360 Notice of Noncompliance with Habitability Requirements).

This official notice is crucial if you want to assert your rights or later prove you made a timely complaint.

Oregon Notice to Landlord to Repair Form

• Form: Notice of Noncompliance with Habitability Requirements (no official form number)
• When to use: If your landlord hasn’t fixed the mold problem after you’ve reported it informally, send this written notice requesting repairs within a reasonable time (typically 7 or 14 days, based on severity).
• How to use: Complete the notice, keep a copy, and deliver it by mail or in person. For form samples and more details, see the Oregon Renters’ Rights Guide.

Timelines for Repairs

Your landlord must respond to repair requests within a reasonable timeframe. For urgent issues that threaten health or safety—like mold from a water leak—Oregon law generally requires action within 7 days. Less urgent repairs should be addressed within 30 days¹.

Can You Withhold Rent or Break Your Lease?

If your landlord does not address the mold problem after receiving proper written notice, you may have options such as:

• Withholding rent until repairs are completed (only after following specific notice steps)
• Making repairs yourself and deducting the cost (known as “repair and deduct,” with limits)
• Ending your rental agreement early if the unit remains unsafe or uninhabitable

Important: Always follow Oregon's legal steps and timelines to protect yourself from eviction or liability. For more detail, review Oregon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90).

How to File a Complaint or Seek Mediation

If informal and formal notices do not lead to timely repairs, you can:

• File a complaint with your local county or city code enforcement office (search “Oregon health department housing complaints” for local links)
• Request mediation services from Oregon's landlord-tenant programs (see the Oregon Judicial Department’s landlord-tenant forms for filing small claims or seeking a legal remedy)

For legal disputes, Oregon's residential tenancy cases are handled by the Oregon Judicial Department. You may use their official forms to take action if mediation and complaints don’t resolve your problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is responsible for fixing mold in my Oregon rental? Landlords must fix mold and repair sources of moisture under Oregon’s habitability laws. Tenants need to provide written notice of the problem.
2. What official notice should I give my landlord about mold? Use a "Notice of Noncompliance with Habitability Requirements"—a written letter describing the issue and giving a reasonable timeframe for repair.
3. How long does my landlord have to fix mold problems? Landlords generally must address urgent mold issues within 7 days of receiving written notice from the tenant, or sooner if it’s a severe health risk.
4. What should I do if nothing gets fixed? After sending notice and waiting for the proper period, you can file a complaint with local code enforcement or use the Oregon Judicial Department’s court forms to seek further remedies.
5. Can I move out if the mold problem is serious? If the mold makes the rental uninhabitable and repairs aren’t timely, Oregon law may allow you to end your lease early after proper notice to your landlord.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords in Oregon must repair mold and keep units habitable under state law.
• Always send written notice and document the problem to protect your rights.
• Official legal options are available if a landlord does not respond to your request for repairs.

Taking prompt, documented action is the best way to address a mold issue in your rental home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Renters’ Rights Guide — Detailed renter resources and sample forms
• Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord-Tenant Court Forms
• Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 90 – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• For reporting housing health and safety violations, contact your local county health department

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS 90.320 and 90.360)

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