Oregon Rules on Rent Increases After Accessibility Upgrades

Renters in Oregon sometimes need accessibility upgrades, like ramps or modified bathrooms, to safely enjoy their homes. But many wonder: can landlords raise the rent after these upgrades? This guide explains Oregon’s rules on rent increases after accessibility improvements, your rights, and the steps you can take if you need help.

Understanding Accessibility Upgrades in Rentals

Accessibility upgrades are modifications that let renters with disabilities have full use and enjoyment of their home. Examples include:

• Installing ramps or handrails
• Widening doorways
• Adjusting kitchen or bathroom fixtures
• Lowering counters or cabinets

Under the federal Fair Housing Act and Oregon law, renters have the right to request reasonable accommodations from their landlords for accessibility needs.

Can Your Rent Be Increased After Accessibility Upgrades?

Oregon law places important limits on rent increases following accessibility-related changes. Generally, landlords may not increase your rent just because you requested or made a reasonable accommodation or modification for disability access. This protection comes from both federal and state housing laws.

How Are Accessibility Upgrades Paid For?

• If you ask for a reasonable modification (a physical change to your unit), you usually pay for the modification. But public funding or grants may be available.
• Reasonable accommodations (like reserved parking or changes to policies) are usually at no cost to renters.
• Landlords can require you to restore the property to its original condition when you move out, with some exceptions.

For more, refer to Oregon's rental housing guidance and the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90).

Oregon Rent Increase Rules: Accessibility and Beyond

Here’s what you should know about rent increases in Oregon, especially after accessibility upgrades:

• No Additional Rent: Landlords cannot raise your rent specifically because you asked for or completed an accessibility modification as a reasonable accommodation for disability.^[1]
• General Increases: Landlords can raise rent once every 12 months, with annual limits set by Oregon law.^[2]
• Notice Required: Landlords must give at least 90 days' written notice using the correct form before a rent increase takes effect.
• Restoration: If you pay for an upgrade, you may have to restore the property to its original condition, but landlords cannot charge more rent because of the modifications themselves.

Official Forms Renters Should Know

• Notice of Rent Increase (No-Cause) – Form not numbered:
  • Used by your landlord to give you formal written notice of a rent increase.
  • Landlord must provide this at least 90 days in advance. If you receive a rent increase notice that cites accessibility upgrades as the reason, keep a copy and seek help from Oregon Housing and Community Services.
  • Official template: Notice of Rent Increase - Template (OJD)
• Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request Form – No official state-wide number:
  • Submit this to your landlord if you need accessibility changes. Clearly describe what you need and why.
  • Official sample: Requesting Accommodation (ODHS)

If You Believe a Rent Increase is Improper

If you think your landlord is improperly increasing your rent because of an accessibility upgrade, you have options:

• Document Everything: Keep copies of requests, responses, and notices.
• Reach Out for Mediation: Contact Oregon Housing and Community Services or local fair housing agencies for dispute resolution.
• File a Complaint: File a housing discrimination complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI).
• Use the Courts: For unresolved issues, the Oregon Judicial Department handles landlord-tenant matters.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation and Tribunal in Oregon

• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90) is the key law protecting renters.
• Disputes and complaints are generally handled by the Oregon Judicial Department (Landlord & Tenant).
• Accessibility accommodations are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Fair Housing Act.

FAQs: Rent Increases & Accessibility in Oregon

1. Can my landlord charge me more rent because I asked for accessible modifications?
   No. Oregon law does not allow landlords to increase your rent specifically because you requested or made reasonable accessibility upgrades.
2. What if my landlord does raise the rent after I make disability-related changes?
   Document the notice and seek help from Oregon Housing and Community Services or file a discrimination complaint with BOLI.
3. Does my landlord have to pay for accessibility modifications?
   Not usually; the tenant often pays for physical modifications, but you may be able to apply for grants or assistance programs.
4. What form do I use to request accessibility upgrades?
   You can submit a written Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request—see the Oregon Department of Human Services sample included above.
5. Who decides disputes about rent increases in Oregon?
   The Oregon Judicial Department (Landlord & Tenant) handles rental disputes in the state.

Key Takeaways for Oregon Renters

• Landlords cannot increase rent because you requested accessibility upgrades.
• General rent increases are limited by Oregon rent control laws and notice rules.
• If you have concerns, use official forms, document everything, and reach out for assistance.

Remember: Oregon provides strong protections for renters seeking disability accommodations—don’t hesitate to ask questions or request help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Housing and Community Services – Tenant Resources
• Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) – Housing Discrimination Complaints
• Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord & Tenant Program
• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Resources
• If you have a disability and need a modification, the Oregon Department of Human Services – Accessibility Accommodations provides guidance and assistance.

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1. ORS 90.135, ORS 90.155, Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Oregon Rent Stabilization Law (annual maximum rent increase limits)
3. Fair Housing Act Guidance (U.S. Department of Justice)
4. Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord & Tenant
5. How to File a Housing Complaint - BOLI

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