Proving Discriminatory Tenant Screening in Oregon

If you’re a renter in Oregon and believe a landlord denied your rental application for reasons like race, religion, disability, family status, or another protected characteristic, you may be facing discriminatory screening practices. Understanding your rights under Oregon and federal law can help you protect yourself, gather evidence, and know how to take action if discrimination occurs.

Understanding Discriminatory Screening in Oregon

Discriminatory screening means a landlord uses rental application decisions to unfairly exclude people based on protected characteristics. These are rights granted under the federal Fair Housing Act and Oregon’s Fair Housing Laws, which prohibit discrimination in areas like:

• Race or color
• National origin
• Religion
• Sex or gender
• Disability (physical or mental)
• Familial status (having children under 18)
• Sexual orientation or gender identity
• Source of income (including housing assistance)

It’s illegal for an Oregon landlord to treat your rental application differently because you belong to any of these groups. However, proving discriminatory screening can require patience and careful documentation.

How to Collect Evidence of Discriminatory Screening

If you suspect discrimination, gathering evidence is the first step. Courts, state agencies, or tribunals rely on real-world proof to investigate your claim. Use the following methods:

• Keep copies of your rental application, correspondence, and any notes from phone calls or in-person meetings.
• Request a written statement if you are denied housing. Oregon law requires landlords to provide a written notice with a specific reason if requested within 14 days of denial. Learn more from Oregon Housing and Community Services.
• Record statements or actions that suggest bias (for example, a landlord making remarks about your family, background, assistance status, or disability needs).
• Document whether someone else with similar qualifications (but a different protected characteristic) was offered the rental.
• Save rejection letters or emails, especially if vague or inconsistent across applicants.

If you believe your application was rejected solely due to belonging to a protected group, this could indicate a violation of your rights under Oregon’s anti-discrimination laws.^[1]

Official Forms for Filing a Complaint

Renters can file discrimination complaints through Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI). Here’s how:

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire
• How to Use: Use this initial form to explain your situation if you want to file a discrimination complaint
• Download the Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire
• After review, BOLI will contact you about next steps and may ask for more detailed information or evidence

Example: If you were denied an apartment and suspect it was because you used a housing voucher, fill out the intake questionnaire. Attach your denial letter and any communications from the landlord. BOLI will then guide you through the formal complaint process.

Which Agency Handles Fair Housing Complaints in Oregon?

In Oregon, the Bureau of Labor and Industries Civil Rights Division (BOLI CRD) manages housing discrimination claims. BOLI will review, investigate, and if necessary, take enforcement action if discrimination is found.

What the Law Says

Your protections come from both the federal Fair Housing Act and the Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 659A (Unlawful Discrimination).^[1]

Steps to Take if You Suspect Discriminatory Screening

To help you navigate the process, here’s a step-by-step approach if you suspect unfair screening:

• Request the reason for denial in writing from your landlord, within 14 days.
• Collect all relevant documentation and evidence.
• Complete and submit the Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire to BOLI.
• Follow up with BOLI and provide any additional details requested.
• If you want, you may also file a discrimination complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Each step helps build a clearer, well-documented case if you need to escalate your complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What qualifies as discriminatory screening in Oregon?
   Any practice where a landlord treats a rental applicant differently based on race, religion, disability, family status, sexual orientation, or other protected classes under the law.
2. How long do I have to file a discrimination complaint in Oregon?
   Typically, you must file a complaint with BOLI within one year of the alleged discrimination event.
3. Can I still report discrimination if the landlord gave another reason for denial?
   Yes, if you believe the reason was a pretext for discrimination or if there is a pattern, you should still report it and let BOLI review the facts.
4. Does a verbal statement count as evidence?
   Yes. Write down all comments, the date, time, and names involved. Verbal and written statements can both help your case.
5. Where can I get legal help with my discrimination claim?
   You can start with BOLI or reach out to Oregon Legal Aid Services for guidance and support.

Key Takeaways for Oregon Renters

• Oregon law protects renters from discrimination during the application process
• Always collect written evidence and document your application experience
• The Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is your main state resource for housing discrimination complaints

Keeping records and acting promptly are your best tools in protecting your housing rights in Oregon.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries Civil Rights Division (File a Housing Discrimination Complaint)
• Oregon Law Center & Legal Aid Services of Oregon (Free legal help for low-income renters)
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Housing Portal
• Oregon Housing and Community Services Fair Housing Information

---

1. Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 659A - Unlawful Discrimination in Employment, Public Accommodations, and Real Property Transactions
2. Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) Civil Rights Division – Housing Discrimination
3. Federal Fair Housing Act

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