Oregon tenants have certain rights and responsibilities. These rights include the freedom of privacy, right to a habitable home, and the right to notice before eviction. The information that follows is intended to be an overview of basic landlord-tenant law in Oregon, and does not refer to all situations. If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a landlord or a tenant, please contact an attorney or your local legal aid office. Visit the Oregon State Bar website for more information about how to find an attorney to help with your case.
Tenants’ Rights
Right to Privacy. As a renter of a property, you have certain rights. Your landlord does not have the right to enter your property without notice, except in the case of an emergency. Your landlord is required to give at least 24 hours notice before entering the property, unless you have requested repairs or maintenance, or in the case of emergency. A landlord may enter property after providing notice in order to make repairs, inspect the property, or show the property to prospective buyers.
Right to a Habitable Home. When renting a home or apartment, the landlord must ensure that the property is safe and sanitary. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that the home has proper wiring, heating, weatherproofing, and that it is free of pests. The landlord is also responsible for making repairs at no cost to the tenant in order to maintain the safety and sanitation of the property. If the tenant is responsible for damaging the property, the tenant will be responsible for the cost of repairs.
Tenants’ Responsibilities
Payment of Rent. As a renter, you are responsible for paying your rent on time. A landlord has the right to charge late fees if you pay past the deadline established in your rental agreement. If your rent is more than 7 days late, your landlord can issue a notice requiring you to pay the rent within 72 hours. If you do not pay within this time, you can be evicted from the property.
Keep Property Clean. A renter is responsible for keeping the property reasonably clean, minimizing the possibility of pests or damage to the property. You should be prepared to return the property to the landlord in the same condition that you received it, aside from normal wear and tear.
Be Respectful. Respect the rental property and the privacy of your neighbors. They have a right to a quiet enjoyment of their property as well, so keep your noise level down. Obey any noise restrictions that are set forth in your rental agreement.
Ending the Rental Agreement
30 Day Notice. If you have a month-to-month rental agreement, you or the landlord can end the rental contract by providing a 30-day notice. If you have lived in the property for over a year, the landlord must provide a 60-day notice. If your rental contract is for a longer period of time, the landlord may not evict you from the property without cause.
72 Hour Notice. A landlord may provide a 72-hour notice for nonpayment of rent if the rent is more than 7 days late. If the tenant does not pay during this period, the landlord will evict the tenant.
24 Hour Notice. A 24-hour notice can be issued in extreme circumstances where the tenant has caused harm to a person on the rental property, caused serious damage to the property, or committed outrageous acts on the property. The notice must identify the reason for the eviction.
Court Ordered Eviction. A renter who does not move from the property within the time specified in the notice may receive a court order to vacate the property. The tenant has the right to appear at a court hearing to dispute the eviction request. If the court order for eviction is granted, the landlord may have a sheriff remove the tenant from the property, and hold the tenant responsible for court costs and legal fees.
Security Deposit. A landlord may keep only the portion of a security deposit that is necessary to pay for any damage caused by the tenant, excluding normal wear and tear. The landlord must account for the deposit within 31 days.
