Oregon Student Renter Rights: What College Tenants Need to Know

Renting as a college student in Oregon offers both opportunities and challenges. Whether you live in university housing, shared apartments, or private rentals, it’s important to know your legal rights as a tenant. Oregon protects student renters through state law—empowering you to address issues like rent increases, deposits, repairs, and eviction risks. This guide explores practical steps and key resources for student renters statewide.

Student Housing Types and Their Rights in Oregon

Student housing can include university-owned dorms, off-campus apartments, or private shared homes. Each type is covered differently under Oregon law:

• University-Owned Housing: Usually follows campus-specific rules and may not be subject to standard Oregon landlord-tenant laws. Check with your school's housing office for specifics.
• Off-Campus/Private Rentals: Fully protected under Oregon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90), whether you rent alone or with roommates.

Your Rights and Protections as a Student Renter

Security Deposits and Move-In Rights

• Landlords can only charge reasonable security deposits and must provide written notice explaining any deductions after you move out.
• Inspect your unit before moving in and ask for a signed checklist to document its condition (Move-In/Move-Out Condition Checklist).

Rent Increases

• Your landlord must provide at least 90 days’ written notice before raising your rent.
• Rent increases are capped yearly by a statewide limit—check for the current maximum rent increase.

Repairs and Maintenance

• Landlords are legally required to keep your home safe and livable ("habitable").
• If you need repairs, notify your landlord in writing and keep a copy. Use Oregon’s Tenant Petition for Repairs if problems persist.

Eviction Notices and Your Rights

• Landlords must follow strict notice procedures to evict a tenant—generally requiring written notice and, sometimes, court filings.
• Common official forms include the Notice of Termination with Cause and Notice of Termination Without Cause; forms must follow Oregon law.
• If you receive an eviction notice, you have the right to challenge it via the Oregon Judicial Department's landlord-tenant process.

Key Official Forms for Student Renters

• Move-In/Move-Out Condition Checklist (download PDF here).
  • Use this at the start and end of your lease. It helps avoid disputes about damages and security deposit deductions.
• Tenant Petition for Essential Repairs (no form number; official source here).
  • If urgent repairs go unanswered, fill out and file this form with your county courthouse to request the court to order repairs.
• Answer to Landlord’s Complaint for Eviction (download official packet).
  • If you are served court papers for eviction, use this form to respond and present your side in court.

The Oregon Judicial Department manages residential tenancy cases throughout the state. You can access more forms and explanations from the Landlord-Tenant section of the Oregon Judicial Department.

Important Action Steps for Student Renters

If you need to request repairs or respond to an eviction notice, follow these steps:

• Document everything in writing—keep emails, texts, and letters.
• Use official forms where needed (see above).
• Reach out to your campus student legal services or local housing council for help.

Oregon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

The core rights for student and all private renters come from the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90). It covers security deposits, notice periods, repairs, rent increases, and eviction procedures.

FAQ: Oregon College Student Housing Rights

1. Can my landlord evict me during the school year for no reason?
   Oregon requires landlords to give written notice and typically must provide a valid reason. "No-cause" evictions are restricted based on lease type and tenancy length. Always check the notice and your lease specifics.
2. How much notice must a landlord give for a rent increase?
   Oregon law requires at least 90 days’ written notice before rent goes up. There are yearly caps on by how much a landlord can increase rent.
3. What steps should I take if repairs aren’t being made?
   Start with a written request. If it's not addressed in a reasonable time, file a Tenant Petition for Essential Repairs at your local courthouse.
4. Is a verbal rental agreement legal in Oregon?
   Verbal rental agreements are legal for leases under one year but it’s always best to get everything in writing, especially as a student.
5. Where can I get legal support if I have housing trouble?
   Contact your student legal services office, local legal aid, or the Oregon Judicial Department for guidance.

Key Takeaways for Student Renters

• Oregon law protects most students renting private homes or apartments under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
• Always put requests and complaints in writing and use official forms when needed.
• Know your notice periods for rent increases, deposits, and tenancy termination.

Understanding your rights and using official resources can make your student renting experience safer and less stressful.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord-Tenant Information
• Oregon Housing Counseling Agencies – Local advice on rentals
• Contact your university or college student legal services for free tenant support
• Oregon Law Help – Free legal assistance for renters

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
2. Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord-Tenant Program
3. Oregon Housing and Community Services – Rent Stabilization
4. Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord-Tenant Forms
5. Oregon Housing Counseling Agencies

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations