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Oregon Renters Rights Explained

Oregon Renters Rights Explained

Oregon renters rights provide for tenants to have a rental unit which meets basic safety, health, and structural standards.

It must also remain in good repair.

Tenants are responsible for damages they cause which affect these three standards, but landlords are responsible to maintain the property up to code.

Here are the other Oregon renters rights explained under ORS guidelines.

1. A 3 Day Notice For Nonpayment Of Rent Is Required.

Tenants have 72 hours to correct not paying their rent on time.

The catch here is that landlords are not allowed to deliver a 3 day notice until the rent is at least 7 days overdue.

If the rent is 5 days overdue, landlords are permitted to provide a 6 day notice instead.

2. Certain Actions May Qualify For a 24 Hour Notice To Leave.

Landlords have the right to have their property free from damage.

If the rental unit is damaged or certain criminal acts have occurred, then renters may be given just 24 hours to leave.

3. Tenants Must Receive Their Security Deposit Back In 31 Days Or Less.

Landlords are permitted to charge any repairs beyond normal wear and tear to a tenant’s security deposit.

An itemized list of these charges must accompany any remainder to the deposit which remains.

Tenants must then receive this remainder within 31 days of moving out of a rental unit.

4. Only a Court Order Can Make a Tenant Actually Leave a Rental Unit.

Landlords can deliver notices that can begin the eviction process, but tenants can still remain within the rental unit.

Only a court order for their removal can force a tenant out of a property.

Landlords that change lock, shut off utilities, or remove possessions may provide tenants with an eviction defense.

5. Certain Fees Are Permitted.

Landlords can require a first and last month’s rent at the start of a new lease.

Fees for abandonment are also permitted, as are late fees for overdue rent.

Late charges cannot generally be used as the grounds of an eviction.

Screening fees, violation of a pet policy, and other fees that are $50 or less under specific conditions may also be allowed under certain circumstances.

The Oregon renters rights explained here cover some of the most common questions that are asked.

For additional help, consult the ORS guidelines or speak with a knowledgeable attorney regarding your specific matter.