Portland Landlord-Tenant Rules

Rent stabilization: Portland has no local rent cap. The statewide cap under ORS 90.323 applies. Portland adds a notice rule: a rent increase of 5% or more within a rolling 12 months needs written notice at least 90 days before it takes effect, or the rental agreement's notice period if longer. An increase of 10% or more triggers relocation assistance (see Relocation assistance).; Relocation assistance: Mandatory Renter Relocation Assistance applies to tenants within Portland city limits who do not live with their landlord and are not week-to-week. Triggers: a no-cause termination; non-renewal of a fixed-term lease; a qualified landlord-reason termination; a rent increase of 10% or more in 12 months; or a substantial change in lease terms. It does not apply to for-cause terminations. Amounts: studio/SRO $2,900; 1-bedroom $3,300; 2-bedroom $4,200; 3 bedrooms or more $4,500. For terminations, the landlord must give at least 90 days' written notice and pay at least 45 days before the termination date. For a 10%+ increase, the tenant may request payment in writing within 45 days of the notice, the landlord must pay within 31 days, and the tenant then has 6 months to either repay and stay or move out. Landlords must report payments to the Portland Housing Bureau within 30 days. Exemptions (most need a PHB application) include immediate-family occupancy, shared owner-occupied units, temporary rental of a principal residence, and certain regulated affordable units. A landlord who violates the ordinance is liable for up to 3 times the monthly rent plus actual damages, the relocation amount, and attorney fees.; Security deposit (local add-on): Under PCC 30.01.087 (as amended effective January 1, 2025): the deposit may not exceed one month's rent, or half a month's rent if last month's rent is also collected. An extra half month is allowed for conditionally approved applicants, payable in up to 3 monthly installments. Within 2 weeks the deposit must be placed in a separate account at a financial institution. Any interest belongs to the tenant, minus an optional 5% administrative fee. The lease must name the bank and say whether the account earns interest. Landlords must complete a move-in condition report with photos, and the tenant has 7 days to submit an addendum. Within one week after move-out, the landlord must offer a final walk-through. Deductions must be itemized, with photos of damage. Labor charges over $200 must be documented as reasonable. No deductions for ordinary wear and tear, routine maintenance, or items already noted as damaged; flooring and painting deductions are limited. Penalty: up to $250 per violation plus actual damages and attorney fees.; Tenant right to counsel: Portland has no guaranteed right to counsel. Tenants who receive a termination notice, a notice of losing a housing subsidy, or eviction court papers may qualify for free legal help through the Portland Housing Bureau's Eviction Legal Defense Program. PHB also offers free landlord-tenant mediation.