Oregon Residential Lease Agreement Overview
Oregon's landlord-tenant law is governed by Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90). Oregon is generally considered a tenant-friendly state with rent control provisions. Security deposits are not subject to a statutory limit, though they must be reasonable. Landlords must return the deposit within 31 days after the tenant vacates.
Oregon requires 24 hours' notice before a landlord enters a rental unit. The state provides a 4 days (for late fees) / 8 days for eviction notice grace period before late fees can be assessed. Oregon requires several important disclosures including Lead paint (pre-1978), Flood plain disclosure, Mold disclosure.
No Limit
Security Deposit Limit
30 days (und
Notice to Vacate
4 days / 8 d
Rent Grace Period
24 hours
Landlord Entry Notice
Oregon Landlord-Tenant Law Requirements
Eviction Process
Oregon requires landlords to provide written notice before filing for eviction. For nonpayment of rent, a notice to pay or vacate is required (typically 3-14 days depending on the situation). For lease violations, the landlord must provide notice and, in most cases, an opportunity to cure the violation. If the tenant fails to comply, the landlord may file an eviction action (unlawful detainer) in court. As a tenant-friendly state, Oregon provides additional protections during the eviction process.
Habitability Standards
Oregon recognizes the implied warranty of habitability, requiring landlords to maintain rental properties in a livable condition. Landlords must generally maintain structural integrity, provide working plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, ensure adequate weatherproofing, maintain common areas, comply with building and housing codes, and provide working smoke detectors. Tenants are responsible for keeping their unit clean, disposing of waste properly, and reporting needed repairs promptly.
Rent Control in Oregon
Oregon has rent control provisions that may limit how much landlords can increase rent for covered properties. Check local ordinances for additional rent stabilization rules that may apply in your area.
Oregon Security Deposit Rules
Oregon does not impose a statutory limit on security deposits, but courts may find excessive deposits unreasonable. The landlord must return the deposit within 31 days after the tenant vacates, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Oregon does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Allowable deductions typically include unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs if specified in the lease.
Security Deposit Best Practices
Always conduct a move-in and move-out inspection with the tenant, document the property's condition with photos, keep the deposit separate from personal funds, and provide an itemized deduction list when returning the deposit. In Oregon, failure to properly handle security deposits can result in penalties.
Required Disclosures in Oregon
Oregon landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the start of the tenancy. Failure to provide required disclosures can result in penalties and may give tenants legal remedies.
- Lead paint (pre-1978)
- Flood plain disclosure
- Mold disclosure
- Smoking policy
- Foreclosure status
- Carbon monoxide alarm info
Oregon Lease Fees & Limits
Key financial limits and fees that apply to residential leases in Oregon:
| Item | Oregon Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | No statutory limit (but must be reasonable) |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 31 days |
| Late Fee Limit | 5% of monthly rent (after 4th day) - reasonable and outlined in lease only |
| Rent Grace Period | 4 days (for late fees) / 8 days for eviction notice |
| Notice to Vacate | 30 days (under 1 year) / 90 days (over 1 year, with cause) |
| Landlord Entry Notice | 24 hours' notice |
| Deposit Interest Required | No |
Official Oregon Resources
Use these official resources to verify Oregon landlord-tenant law requirements and find legal assistance.
Other Oregon Lease Agreement Types
Need a different type of lease agreement for Oregon? We offer state-specific templates for every type of rental and lease arrangement.
Oregon Month-to-Month Lease
Flexible periodic tenancy with 30-day termination notice
Oregon Room Rental Agreement
Single room rental with shared common areas
Oregon Vacation Rental Agreement
Short-term rental for vacation and holiday stays
Oregon Commercial Lease
Lease agreement for retail, office, or industrial space
Oregon Sublease Agreement
Agreement to sublet all or part of a rental unit
Oregon Roommate Agreement
Agreement between co-tenants sharing a rental unit
Oregon Rent-to-Own Agreement
Lease-option with rent credits toward purchase
Oregon Equipment Lease
Lease agreement for business or personal equipment
Oregon Land Lease
Ground lease for land use without purchasing the property
Oregon Residential Lease FAQ
Answers to common questions about Oregon residential lease agreements and landlord-tenant law.
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