Smart Lock Privacy Rights for Oregon Renters

Smart locks are becoming more common in Oregon rental homes. As technology advances, many landlords update traditional locks with smart alternatives, raising new privacy questions for tenants. Understanding how smart locks impact your privacy, landlord access rights, and what state law says can help you feel more secure in your rental.

What Are Smart Locks and How Can They Affect Tenants?

Smart locks use electronic codes, keys, or smartphone access instead of traditional keys. These devices often allow remote access or record entry logs. While convenient, they raise important privacy issues for renters, including:

• Who controls access credentials?
• Can the landlord monitor your comings and goings?
• What information is stored or shared?

Oregon tenant laws address landlords’ entry rights and privacy protections, but there is not yet statewide legislation specifically about smart locks. However, existing laws apply to digital and physical locks alike.

Landlord Entry Rights and Notice Requirements in Oregon

Under the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords cannot enter your rental unit without notice except in emergencies.^[1]

Notice Rules

• 24-hour notice: Landlords must give at least 24 hours' written notice of entry for repairs, inspections, or showings.
• Emergency access: No notice required if there is an emergency, such as a fire or water leak.

Regardless of lock type, these notice rules remain unchanged. If a smart lock is installed on your unit, the landlord must still provide proper notice before entering.

Who Controls Smart Lock Access?

With smart locks, access can be managed remotely, and landlords may have the ability to:

• Change or revoke access codes without warning
• Track when and how often a unit is accessed
• Share or delegate electronic keys with third parties (e.g., contractors, prospective tenants)

To avoid privacy violations, tenants should clarify before installation:

• Who controls and changes access credentials?
• Whether the smart lock keeps a record of door entries and who can see it
• How entry codes are updated and approved

Your Privacy Protections Under Oregon Law

Oregon law protects renters’ right to privacy, even as landlord technology evolves. Key provisions include:

• Landlords must not interfere with tenants' access to their home, including changing locks without notice (ORS 90.322).
• Entry must be reasonable in time and manner.
• A tenant’s consent is required for most entry unless an emergency exists.
• It is unlawful for a landlord to harass a tenant with repeated unannounced entry or use technological means (like smart locks) to intrude on tenant privacy.

If you believe your privacy is being violated with a smart lock, you can formally notify your landlord and seek remedies under Oregon law.

Relevant Forms for Tenants

• Notice of Entry Objection or Complaint: There is no state-mandated form number, but tenants can use a "Written Complaint to Landlord" or write their own letter. Use this when your landlord repeatedly enters without notice or misuses smart lock information.
  How to use: Clearly state the problem, reference ORS 90.322, and keep a copy for your records.
  Learn more from Oregon Housing and Community Services.
• Tenant Request for Repair or Service: There is no universal state form, but using written requests ensures a paper trail. If the smart lock is malfunctioning, submit a written repair request.
  See official guidance and sample templates.

How to Take Action If Your Privacy is Violated

If you feel your landlord has violated your privacy through misuse of smart locks, Oregon law allows you to take these steps:

• Document the incidents (dates, times, screenshots of access logs, etc.)
• Provide a written complaint to your landlord describing the privacy issue
• If unresolved, you may file a complaint or seek guidance through the Oregon Judicial Department—Landlord & Tenant (the tribunal for these matters).

The court system allows for formal complaints if the issue cannot be worked out directly with your landlord.^[2]

FAQs: Smart Locks and Tenant Privacy in Oregon

1. Can my landlord monitor when I enter or leave my unit if I have a smart lock?
   The landlord may have access to entry logs, but Oregon law still protects your reasonable right to privacy. If you have concerns, discuss them and request access guidelines in writing.
2. Do I have to allow a smart lock to be installed on my rental?
   A landlord may install a smart lock, but must provide instructions and cannot restrict your access. They cannot change or deactivate your code without proper notice and must follow entry and privacy laws.
3. How much notice does my landlord need to give before entering my unit with a smart lock?
   At least 24 hours' written notice is required for most entries, including if the landlord uses a smart lock to access the unit, except in emergencies.
4. What should I do if the smart lock fails and I can’t get into my home?
   Contact your landlord immediately, document the situation, and submit a written repair request to create a record. If not resolved quickly, refer to Oregon’s tenant guidance for next steps.
5. Where can I get help with a landlord-tenant dispute about smart locks?
   You can seek assistance from Oregon Housing and Community Services or by contacting your local court or legal aid office.

Key Takeaways for Oregon Tenants

• Landlords must give written notice before entering for most reasons—even if using a smart lock.
• Your privacy rights are protected under the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
• Always document and report concerns about unauthorized access or misuse of smart lock data.

Staying informed and proactive helps protect your rights while benefiting from modern rental technology.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Housing and Community Services – Tenant Resources (information, sample letters, complaints guidance)
• Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord/Tenant Disputes (official state tribunal)
• Oregon State Bar – Landlord/Tenant Rights
• Local legal aid organizations (search "Oregon Legal Aid" for free or low-cost support)

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, See ORS Chapter 90
2. Oregon Judicial Department Landlord/Tenant, Dispute Resolution Information

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