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Salem Landlord-Tenant Rules

Salem adds local rules on top of Oregon landlord-tenant law. Here is what is different, with the city code or agency page behind each rule.

Free eviction mediation at courtMarion County Circuit Court offers free mediation in landlord-tenant (eviction) and small claims cases. At the first appearance the judge usually refers the parties to mediation if they have not reached an agreement. A neutral mediator helps the tenant and landlord try to agree, for example on a later move-out date or a payment plan for rent owed; the mediator does not decide the case or give legal advice. A signed agreement becomes a court order. The court says that if the tenant follows the agreement, the eviction case may be dismissed and may be eligible to be sealed from the record within 1 year.
Court flyer: https://www.courts.oregon.gov/courts/marion/go/Documents/MAR-EvictionsInMarionCounty.pdf
Free legal aid for rentersLegal Aid Services of Oregon's Salem Regional Office gives free legal advice, brief services and full representation in some cases, including housing, to people with low incomes in Marion and Polk counties. It generally helps people with incomes up to 125% of the federal poverty level, and sometimes slightly above. Office: 280 Liberty St. SE, Suite 320, Salem; (503) 581-5265 (phone hours Monday and Thursday 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m., Friday 9-11 a.m.; walk-in Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.).

Eviction cases in Salem are heard in: Marion County Circuit Court, Marion County Courthouse, 100 High St. NE, Salem, OR 97301

Right to a lawyer in eviction cases

No guaranteed right to counsel was found. Low-income tenants can ask Legal Aid Services of Oregon's Salem office for free help. Official source

Local agencies

Frequently asked questions

What landlord-tenant rules does Salem add on top of Oregon law?
Free eviction mediation at court: Marion County Circuit Court offers free mediation in landlord-tenant (eviction) and small claims cases. At the first appearance the judge usually refers the parties to mediation if they have not reached an agreement. A neutral mediator helps the tenant and landlord try to agree, for example on a later move-out date or a payment plan for rent owed; the mediator does not decide the case or give legal advice. A signed agreement becomes a court order. The court says that if the tenant follows the agreement, the eviction case may be dismissed and may be eligible to be sealed from the record within 1 year.; Free legal aid for renters: Legal Aid Services of Oregon's Salem Regional Office gives free legal advice, brief services and full representation in some cases, including housing, to people with low incomes in Marion and Polk counties. It generally helps people with incomes up to 125% of the federal poverty level, and sometimes slightly above. Office: 280 Liberty St. SE, Suite 320, Salem; (503) 581-5265 (phone hours Monday and Thursday 9-11 a.m. and 2-4 p.m., Friday 9-11 a.m.; walk-in Tuesday and Wednesday 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m.).

← All Oregon landlord-tenant rules

Last verified against official sources: October 29, 2026.

How we source this page: each state-specific rule links to the statute, court rule or official government page it comes from. A rule taken from a public copy of a state code (used only where the official code is not freely readable online) is marked as a secondary source. Spot an error? Use the contact page to report it. About our sources

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.