Oregon Tenant-Landlord Arbitration: Your Rights & Options

If you're a renter in Oregon experiencing issues like disputes over rent, repairs, or possible eviction, it's helpful to know there are formal ways to resolve disagreements with your landlord without immediately going to court. Oregon provides options such as arbitration and mediation designed to help tenants and landlords come to fair solutions. This guide covers how tenant-landlord arbitration works in Oregon, official forms, and the resources available to support renters like you.

Understanding Dispute Resolution Between Tenants and Landlords in Oregon

In Oregon, resolving disputes such as disagreements over repairs, rent increases, or lease terms can often be handled outside of court through arbitration or mediation. These programs offer a neutral way to settle issues, which can be faster and less stressful than traditional legal action.

• Mediation: A voluntary meeting where tenants and landlords discuss their issues with a trained, neutral third-party (the mediator). The goal is to help both sides reach an agreement.
• Arbitration: Similar to mediation but more formal. An arbitrator listens to both sides and then makes a binding decision.
• Some cities and counties in Oregon offer specialized programs to help with disputes.

These options are part of Oregon’s broader efforts to support renters under the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90).^[1]

Who Oversees Rental Disputes in Oregon?

Unlike some states with a single housing tribunal, Oregon’s tenant-landlord disputes are handled through the county courts and frequently supported by the Oregon Judicial Department's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Programs. Many local community dispute resolution centers also aid renters and landlords. While the Oregon Judicial Department does not offer a tenancy-specific tribunal, its ADR program and Small Claims Court are where most formal resolutions take place.^[2]

How Arbitration and Mediation Work for Oregon Renters

Using dispute resolution services in Oregon is typically voluntary—both the renter and landlord must agree to participate. If your issue cannot be solved directly with your landlord, mediation or arbitration can be a smart next step, especially for:

• Disputes about property repairs or habitability
• Issues with rent increases
• Security deposit disagreements
• Eviction or lease termination notices

Community Dispute Resolution Centers are located throughout Oregon. Some counties, like Multnomah and Lane, have rental-specific programs. You can find your local center through the Oregon Office for Community Dispute Resolution directory.

Official Forms Renters May Need

Oregon does not require a single "arbitration application" form at the state level. Typically, tenants and landlords use local court or mediation center forms:

• Request for Mediation or Arbitration (no specific state form)
  Many community centers require you to fill out a simple Dispute Resolution Intake Form. For example, Resolution Center of Lane County Online Intake Form lets you request help for housing-related disputes.
  Example: A renter having issues with deposits can use this intake form to begin the mediation process.
• Small Claims Complaint Form (Form SC-1)
  For disputes involving money (like unpaid security deposits), you can file a claim in small claims court. Download the Small Claims Complaint Form SC-1.
  When to use: If a landlord refuses to return your deposit and mediation isn’t possible, you may file this form at your local circuit court.

Always check your local dispute resolution center for their intake procedures and forms.

Common Issues Arbitration Helps Address

• Maintenance and repair delays
• Unlawful rent hikes
• Improper notice before entry
• Disputes over deposit deductions

How to Start a Tenant-Landlord Arbitration or Mediation in Oregon

While a specific state-run arbitration form does not exist, the basic steps to start mediation or arbitration are:

• Try to communicate directly with your landlord, keeping a written record.
• Contact your local community dispute resolution center to request help. Complete their intake form online or by phone.
• If mediation or arbitration is not possible, consider using the Small Claims Complaint Form SC-1 to file a claim in your county court.

Always keep copies of communications, notices, and any forms you submit.

FAQs for Oregon Renters Considering Arbitration or Mediation

1. How much does mediation or arbitration cost in Oregon?
   Many community centers offer it for free or on a sliding scale to renters.
2. Are arbitration results binding?
   Yes—if you and your landlord agree to arbitration, the decision is usually binding and enforceable in court.
3. Can I use arbitration to challenge an eviction?
   Maybe—while arbitration can resolve disputes that might lead to eviction, legal eviction cases are typically handled by Oregon courts.
4. Where can I find the Oregon landlord-tenant law?
   Refer to the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90) for the full law.
5. What happens if arbitration or mediation fails?
   If you don’t reach agreement, you can still take your issue to small claims or civil court in Oregon.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Oregon Renters

• Oregon renters can often resolve rental disagreements through free or low-cost mediation or arbitration before going to court.
• Use local community dispute resolution centers for fast, neutral help—these services are widely available statewide.
• The Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act protects your rental rights, and the Small Claims Court process is available if other options do not work.

Understanding these dispute resolution options helps renters approach conflicts with clarity and confidence.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Community Dispute Resolution Centers Directory – Locate a local center for mediation or arbitration help.
• Oregon Small Claims Complaint Form SC-1 – Official form for starting a small claims case.
• Oregon Judicial Department ADR Programs – Overview of state-supported dispute resolution services.
• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90) – Complete text of Oregon’s rental laws.
• Oregon Law Help – For free or low-cost tenant legal advice.

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90)
2. Oregon Judicial Department Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

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