Oregon Tenant Rights: Domestic Violence Protections

If you rent a home or apartment in Oregon and have experienced domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault, it’s important to know you have special renter protections under Oregon law. These protections are designed to help keep you safe, empower you to take action, and support your right to housing without fear of retaliation or discrimination.

Your Rights as a Renter Experiencing Domestic Violence

Oregon law provides extra safeguards if you are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. You have specific rights about changing locks, ending your lease early, and protecting your privacy. These legal rights are found in the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90).

How the Law Protects You

• Changing Locks: You have the right to ask your landlord to change the locks promptly if you have experienced domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
• Breaking Your Lease Without Penalty: You can end your rental agreement with no penalty under certain conditions.
• Eviction Protection: Landlords cannot evict you or refuse to rent to you just because you are a victim.

Requesting a Lock Change

If your safety is at risk, you may ask your landlord to change the locks at your rental unit. Under Oregon law, your landlord must change the locks at your request—within 48 hours if you provide a valid protection order or police report.

• Written Request: Your request must be in writing. It’s a good idea to keep a copy for your records.
• Documentation: Attach a copy of a restraining order, stalking protective order, or police report to your written request.
• Responsibility: You may be responsible for the cost of changing locks unless your rental agreement states otherwise.

Official Form: Tenant Request for Lock Change

• Form Name: Oregon Tenant Request for Lock Change (no official numbered form)
• When to Use: If you have experienced domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault, and want to secure your home.
• How to Use: Write a simple letter or use a template from an official legal aid provider. Attach protection documentation. Deliver the request to your landlord.
• Resource: Sample language is provided in Section 90.459 of the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Ending Your Lease Early (“Breaking the Lease”)

As a victim of domestic violence, you can give your landlord a 14-day written notice to end your rental agreement early—without penalty—if safety is a concern.

• Notice Period: At least 14 days’ notice in writing.
• Proof Needed: Attach a copy of a restraining or stalking protective order, or police report confirming the incident.
• Your landlord cannot keep your security deposit except for standard damages.

Official Form: 14-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy Due to Domestic Violence

• Form Name: Oregon 14-Day Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Domestic Violence)
• When to Use: If you need to move for your safety due to recent domestic violence or stalking.
• How to Use: Fill out the notice, attach evidence, and give it to your landlord at least 14 days before moving out.
• Official Example: Found under ORS 90.453.

Your Privacy and Protections from Retaliation

Landlords are prohibited from disclosing that you are a victim unless the law requires it. They also cannot retaliate—such as raising your rent or trying to evict—because you exercised these rights.

Where to Get Legal Help or File a Complaint

If your landlord refuses to cooperate, ignores your request, or you feel unsafe, you can seek help from the Oregon Judicial Department's eviction and housing programs, or local legal aid providers.

• Tribunal Handling Disputes: Oregon Circuit Courts handle eviction and tenancy matters. Find your local court on the Oregon Judicial Department website.

Summary of Action Steps

If you need protection as an Oregon renter experiencing domestic violence, here are the main steps:

• Gather a copy of a protection order or police report related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
• Write a request to your landlord for a lock change, or deliver a 14-day written notice to terminate your lease, attaching your documentation.
• Keep copies of what you send and any responses from your landlord.
• If your landlord doesn’t follow the law, reach out to Oregon’s courts or a legal aid service for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can my landlord evict me because I am a victim of domestic violence?
   No. Oregon law prohibits eviction or discrimination against tenants for being a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
2. What proof do I need to request a lock change or break my lease?
   You should provide a copy of a restraining order, stalking protection order, or a law enforcement (police) report related to the incident.
3. Do I have to pay extra to break my lease because of domestic violence?
   No penalty is allowed for early termination due to domestic violence, but you must provide proper notice and documentation. You may be responsible for unpaid rent up to your move-out date and standard cleaning or repairs.
4. Who pays for lock changes?
   Usually, the tenant pays for the lock change unless your lease says the landlord must cover it. Always check your rental agreement.
5. Where can I get help if my landlord doesn’t respond?
   Contact the Oregon Circuit Court in your area or an official legal aid service for further support.

Conclusion

• Oregon law gives renters important protections against domestic violence, including the right to change locks and end leases safely.
• Always act quickly, keep copies of all communications, and reach out to official resources if your landlord doesn’t cooperate.
• Your safety and privacy are supported by law, and there are agencies ready to help if you need it.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90) – Full tenancy legislation
• Oregon Circuit Courts – Tribunal for rental disputes and protection orders
• Oregon State Bar: Tenant Rights – Information and referrals
• Oregon Department of Justice: Victim Resources
• Oregon Law Help – Free legal information and self-help tools

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90): Full text and relevant sections
2. Lock Change and Lease Termination Provisions: ORS 90.453 and ORS 90.459
3. Oregon Judicial Department: Eviction and Housing Programs
4. Oregon Department of Justice Victims’ Resources: Official support and resources

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