Oregon Source of Income Discrimination Protections for Renters

As a renter in Oregon, understanding your rights is essential, especially regarding fair housing protections. Many renters receive financial support — such as Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Social Security, or child support — to help cover rent. It's important to know: can a landlord refuse your application or evict you based solely on where your income comes from?

Is Source of Income Discrimination Banned in Oregon?

Yes, Oregon protects renters from discrimination based on their lawful source of income. This means landlords generally cannot deny you housing, raise your rent, or treat you unfairly because you receive income from sources such as housing vouchers, Social Security, child or spousal support, or other legal means.

This protection applies statewide under Oregon law and covers most private and public rental housing. The goal is to ensure everyone has a fair opportunity to access housing, regardless of how they pay their rent.

What Counts as Lawful Source of Income?

"Lawful source of income" includes any legal way you pay rent, such as:

• Section 8 or Housing Choice Vouchers
• Social Security or disability benefits
• Child or spousal support
• Veterans' benefits
• Public assistance
• Regular legal employment income

Under the Oregon Fair Housing Act, it is illegal for landlords to discriminate because you use any of these to pay rent.^[1]

What Does Discrimination Look Like?

Source of income discrimination can take several forms. Common examples include:

• Denying a rental application or refusing to negotiate for housing when you mention a housing voucher
• Charging higher rent or extra fees if you use rental assistance
• Placing unfair restrictions or different conditions on voucher holders
• Advertising "No Section 8" or similar phrases in rental listings

If You Experience Discrimination: What to Do

If you believe you've been treated unfairly due to your income source, you have rights and options. Oregon law lets you file a complaint with the appropriate agency.

How to File a Fair Housing Complaint in Oregon

The Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) investigates housing discrimination complaints statewide. You have one year from the discriminatory act to file a complaint.

• Form Name: Housing and Public Accommodation Discrimination Complaint Form
• When to Use: Use this form if you were denied housing, evicted, or treated differently because of your source of income.
• How to Use: Fill it out with details about what happened and submit online, by mail, or in person.
  Access and file the official BOLI form here.

Who Enforces Renters' Rights in Oregon?

In Oregon, residential tenancy matters and discrimination complaints are handled by:

• Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) — Investigates housing discrimination based on source of income, race, disability, and more.

Landlord-tenant disputes about repairs, evictions, and other issues typically go through the Oregon Judicial Department and its courts.

Your Rights under Oregon Law

Oregon’s main law covering these protections is the Oregon Fair Housing Act (ORS 659A.421). The Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act also contains other key renter rights.^[2][3]

If you have questions or receive a notice you think is unfair, you have the right to ask for more information or seek help before taking action.

FAQ: Source of Income Discrimination in Oregon

1. Can my landlord refuse to accept my Section 8 voucher in Oregon?
   No. Oregon law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent to you just because you use a Section 8 voucher or other housing assistance.
2. What should I do if I see a "No Section 8" or "No Vouchers" ad?
   You can report this to the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) by submitting a discrimination complaint form. Such language is generally illegal in Oregon.
3. Does this law apply to all landlords?
   Most landlords must comply, but some exemptions exist for owner-occupied buildings with very few units. It's best to check your specific situation.
4. What is the deadline for filing a fair housing complaint in Oregon?
   You have one year from the date the discrimination occurred to file a complaint with BOLI.
5. Does source of income protection cover child support and disability benefits?
   Yes. All legal sources of income — including child support and disability payments — are protected.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Oregon Renters

In summary, here are the most important points for Oregon renters:

• Source of income discrimination is illegal statewide — landlords can’t turn you away because you use housing vouchers or benefits.
• If you face discrimination, keep records and file a complaint with BOLI within one year.
• Protections cover income from employment, vouchers, benefits, child support, and more.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) — Housing Discrimination Contacts
• Oregon Housing and Community Services — rental assistance and resources
• Oregon Judicial Department – Landlord-Tenant Information
• Oregon Fair Housing Act (ORS 659A.421)
• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

---

1. Oregon Fair Housing Act (ORS 659A.421): Read the Oregon Fair Housing Act
2. Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries (BOLI) – Housing Discrimination: Official Source of Income Protections
3. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Landlord-Tenant Laws in Oregon

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