Portland, Oregon · City renter rules · Updated Oct 2026

Portland Tenant Rights: Deposits, Evictions (2026)

What is different for renters in Portland compared with Oregon state law: relocation payments, deposits, eviction protections and repairs. In plain English from official city sources.

Short answer

Portland has no city rent control (Oregon's statewide cap applies), but if you get a no-cause eviction, a qualifying landlord-reason termination, a lease non-renewal, or a rent increase of 10% or more within 12 months, your landlord must pay you $2,900 to $4,500 in relocation money. Termination notices for no cause or a landlord reason need at least 90 days, and so does any rent increase of 5% or more. Portland also limits security deposits and screening rules, requires move-in condition reports with photos, and offers free eviction legal help to eligible low-income renters.

Rent control
No city rent cap
Just cause for eviction
No city rule
Relocation payments
In some cases

Rent control in Portland

Portland has no rent control of its own. Oregon law: Yes, statewide rent stabilization. For 2026 the maximum increase is 9.5% (7% plus inflation, capped at 10%); for 2027 it is 10%. Units with a first certificate of occupancy less than 15 years old, and some subsidized units, are exempt. Breaking the cap makes the landlord owe you 3 months' rent plus damages. ORS 90.323, 90.324.

Just cause for eviction in Portland

Portland has no just-cause eviction rule of its own; Oregon law decides when a landlord can end a tenancy. Eviction rules in Oregon

Relocation payments in Portland

The rule
If you do not live with your landlord, your tenancy is not week-to-week, and you get: a no-cause termination, a termination for a 'qualified landlord reason' (such as demolition, owner or family move-in, or sale to a buyer who will live there), a notice that your fixed-term lease will not be renewed, a rent increase of 10% or more within 12 months, or a substantial change in lease terms, the landlord must pay you relocation assistance: $2,900 for a studio or SRO (including a single rented bedroom), $3,300 for 1 bedroom, $4,200 for 2 bedrooms, $4,500 for 3 or more bedrooms (amounts set in PCC 30.01.085 as amended effective January 1, 2025; they are per unit, not per tenant). For a termination, you must get at least 90 days' written notice and the money at least 45 days before the termination date. For a rent increase of 10% or more, ask for the money in writing within 45 days of getting the notice; the landlord must pay within 31 days, and you then have 6 months from the increase date to either move out or pay the money back and stay. You can receive it only once per tenancy. A landlord who breaks these rules can owe you up to 3 times the monthly rent plus actual damages, relocation money and attorney fees. Some landlords are exempt (for example, sharing your unit, living in the other half of a duplex, renting out their own home temporarily, or an immediate family member moving in) — most exemptions must be filed with the city, and the landlord must give you a copy of the city's acknowledgement letter.
Law
Portland City Code 30.01.085 (Ordinance 189421, last amended by Ordinance 191973 effective January 1, 2025); Mandatory Relocation Assistance Administrative Rules (effective 12/14/2023)

Security deposits in Portland

If your landlord requires last month's rent up front, the security deposit can be no more than half of one month's rent on top of it; if not, no more than one month's rent. If you were approved conditionally, an extra deposit of up to half a month's rent is allowed, and you can pay it over up to three months. The landlord must put deposits in a separate account within two weeks (any interest earned belongs to you), give you a move-in condition report with photos, and cannot charge you for ordinary wear and tear, routine maintenance, interior painting or floors (except damage beyond normal use). You must get your rent payment history and a rental history form within 5 business days of asking or of a notice to end the tenancy, and a final walk-through within one week after the tenancy ends. State law requires the deposit accounting and refund within 31 days.

Repairs and complaints in Portland

Report unsafe conditions to the City of Portland's housing code inspections through Portland 311 at 503-823-4000. The Rental Services Office (503-823-1303) gives general information and referrals but does not enforce or intervene in disputes. State law covers repair rights and remedies.

Eviction protections in Portland

The Portland Housing Bureau's Eviction Legal Defense Program offers free legal help to eligible low-income renters who get a termination notice, eviction court papers, or a notice of losing a housing subsidy. A free Landlord Tenant Mediation Program can help resolve disputes before eviction. No-cause and landlord-reason terminations need at least 90 days' notice and relocation money. Oregon's 2025 law allowing a 60-day notice on sale of a home (SB 586) does not apply inside Portland city limits.

Other Portland rules

  • Every residential rental unit in the city must be registered each year with the City's Revenue Division (Schedule R).
  • Portland's screening rules (PCC 30.01.086) require landlords to announce when they will start taking applications at least 72 hours ahead, process complete applications in the order received, describe their screening criteria if they charge a screening fee, cap income requirements at 2.5 times the rent (2 times for higher-rent units), count all your income including benefits, and consider supplemental evidence you submit before denying you for criminal history.
  • If you give a 30-day notice after receiving a no-cause 90-day notice, state law bars a lease-break fee or rent after your move-out date.

Oregon law that also applies

City rules add to state law. Where they differ, the stronger protection usually applies; if you are unsure, ask the city agency below.

Deposit limit
No statewide limit
Deposit back within
31 days
Notice for unpaid rent
10 days
Notice before entry
24 hours
Rent increase notice
No increase during the first year.

Where to get help in Portland

Free tools

These tools use Oregon state law. Portland's rules above may give you more time or more money.

Deposit calculator

Check Oregon's deadline to return your deposit.

Eviction notice timeline

See the dates under Oregon law.

Repair request letter for Oregon

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

Oregon's rule on asking for repairs:Ask in writing and keep a copy. For minor repairs the notice must give a fix-by date at least 7 days away. For serious problems you may also give written notice that the lease will end in at least 30 days unless the landlord fixes the problem within 7 days (essential services) or 30 days (other problems) (ORS 90.360).

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Questions about renting in Portland

Is there rent control in Portland?

Portland has no rent control of its own. Oregon law: Yes, statewide rent stabilization. For 2026 the maximum increase is 9.5% (7% plus inflation, capped at 10%); for 2027 it is 10%. Units with a first certificate of occupancy less than 15 years old, and some subsidized units, are exempt. Breaking the cap makes the landlord owe you 3 months' rent plus damages. ORS 90.323, 90.324.

What eviction protections does Portland have?

The Portland Housing Bureau's Eviction Legal Defense Program offers free legal help to eligible low-income renters who get a termination notice, eviction court papers, or a notice of losing a housing subsidy. A free Landlord Tenant Mediation Program can help resolve disputes before eviction. No-cause and landlord-reason terminations need at least 90 days' notice and relocation money. Oregon's 2025 law allowing a 60-day notice on sale of a home (SB 586) does not apply inside Portland city limits.

Do I get relocation money if I have to move out in Portland?

If you do not live with your landlord, your tenancy is not week-to-week, and you get: a no-cause termination, a termination for a 'qualified landlord reason' (such as demolition, owner or family move-in, or sale to a buyer who will live there), a notice that your fixed-term lease will not be renewed, a rent increase of 10% or more within 12 months, or a substantial change in lease terms, the landlord must pay you relocation assistance: $2,900 for a studio or SRO (including a single rented bedroom), $3,300 for 1 bedroom, $4,200 for 2 bedrooms, $4,500 for 3 or more bedrooms (amounts set in PCC 30.01.085 as amended effective January 1, 2025; they are per unit, not per tenant). For a termination, you must get at least 90 days' written notice and the money at least 45 days before the termination date. For a rent increase of 10% or more, ask for the money in writing within 45 days of getting the notice; the landlord must pay within 31 days, and you then have 6 months from the increase date to either move out or pay the money back and stay. You can receive it only once per tenancy. A landlord who breaks these rules can owe you up to 3 times the monthly rent plus actual damages, relocation money and attorney fees. Some landlords are exempt (for example, sharing your unit, living in the other half of a duplex, renting out their own home temporarily, or an immediate family member moving in) — most exemptions must be filed with the city, and the landlord must give you a copy of the city's acknowledgement letter.

Are there city rules on security deposits in Portland?

If your landlord requires last month's rent up front, the security deposit can be no more than half of one month's rent on top of it; if not, no more than one month's rent. If you were approved conditionally, an extra deposit of up to half a month's rent is allowed, and you can pay it over up to three months. The landlord must put deposits in a separate account within two weeks (any interest earned belongs to you), give you a move-in condition report with photos, and cannot charge you for ordinary wear and tear, routine maintenance, interior painting or floors (except damage beyond normal use). You must get your rent payment history and a rental history form within 5 business days of asking or of a notice to end the tenancy, and a final walk-through within one week after the tenancy ends. State law requires the deposit accounting and refund within 31 days.

How do I report repair problems in Portland?

Report unsafe conditions to the City of Portland's housing code inspections through Portland 311 at 503-823-4000. The Rental Services Office (503-823-1303) gives general information and referrals but does not enforce or intervene in disputes. State law covers repair rights and remedies.

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.

Other cities with their own rules