Oregon residents deciding between renting and owning a home face distinct legal frameworks. Renting falls under the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90), emphasizing habitability and notice requirements, while owning involves property maintenance duties and fewer tenant-like protections.
Tenant Rights
Tenants enjoy strong protections, including the right to safe, habitable housing compliant with building codes, covering plumbing, heating, electrical systems, and weatherproofing. Landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before non-emergency entry, and tenants can repair minor defects (up to $300) and deduct costs from rent if landlords fail to act. Additional rights include protection from retaliation, discrimination, and early lease termination for habitability breaches or domestic violence.
Tenant Responsibilities
Tenants must pay rent on time, maintain the unit’s cleanliness, test smoke/carbon monoxide detectors every six months, and use the space solely as a dwelling. They adhere to lease terms, avoid disturbing neighbors, and notify landlords of extended absences or maintenance issues.
Landlord Obligations
Landlords ensure habitable conditions, handle major repairs, disclose flood risks, lead paint, and legal proceedings, and return security deposits within 31 days with itemized deductions for damages beyond wear and tear. Rent increases are capped at 7% plus inflation (max 10%) annually with 90 days’ notice, and evictions require court processes.
Landlord Rights
Landlords can screen applicants (with fee limits), charge reasonable late fees after a 4-day grace period, evict for nonpayment or violations after proper notice (24 hours to 90 days), and access units for inspections with notice. They collect security deposits without amount caps and enforce rules like no unpermitted pets.
Renting vs. Owning Comparison
Key Advice for Oregon Residents
Review ORS Chapter 90 for rentals and consult local codes or Oregon Law Help for ownership details like premises liability. Homeowners lack tenant rights but gain equity; renters prioritize habitability enforcement.
