Oregon · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Oregon security deposit law

How much a landlord in Oregon can charge, the deadline to return a deposit, what may be deducted, the penalty for keeping it wrongly and how to get yours back.

Short answer

In Oregon, the deposit limit is: No statewide limit on the amount. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 31 days after the tenancy ends and you move out, the landlord must return your deposit (and any unused prepaid rent), or give you a written accounting of what is kept and return the rest.

deposit limit
No statewide limit
to return a deposit
31 days
deposit penalty
Up to 2× (bad faith)

Security deposit in Oregon

Limit
No statewide limit on the amount. The landlord must give you a receipt and list the deposit in a written lease. During the first year, the landlord can't make you pay a new or bigger deposit (except an agreed pet deposit). After the first year, you get at least 3 months to pay a new or bigger deposit. No pet deposit for a service or assistance animal.
Deadline to return it
Within 31 days after the tenancy ends and you move out, the landlord must return your deposit (and any unused prepaid rent), or give you a written accounting of what is kept and return the rest. It must be delivered in person, by first-class mail, or by email if you agreed. Give your forwarding address in writing.
Itemized list
Yes. To keep any part, the landlord must give a written accounting within 31 days stating the specific basis for each claim, with separate accountings for the deposit and for prepaid rent. Labor must be charged at a reasonable hourly rate. Receipts are not required by the law.
What may be deducted
Only what is reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent and other lease defaults, and to repair damage you caused beyond ordinary wear and tear. Machine carpet cleaning only if the carpet was cleaned before you moved in and the written lease says so. The landlord can't keep the deposit because you didn't stay a minimum number of months in a month-to-month tenancy. A last month's rent deposit must be used for the last month's rent.
Interest
No statute requires interest.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly
Twice the amount withheld without a written accounting, or withheld in bad faith.
Law
ORS 90.300

Get your deposit back, step by step

  1. Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
  2. Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Oregon: Give your forwarding address in writing.
  3. Wait for the deadline: Within 31 days after the tenancy ends and you move out, the landlord must return your deposit (and any unused prepaid rent), or give you a written accounting of what is kept and return the rest.
  4. If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
  5. If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000. Small claims court in Oregon on Small Claims Map

Deposit return calculator for Oregon

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed. Nothing you type here is sent anywhere.

Enter your deposit and move-out dateThe result appears as you type.

An estimate from the dates you enter and the rule in our data, not legal advice. We skip weekends only where the rule counts business days, and we don't skip holidays.

Security deposit demand letter for Oregon

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

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.

We suggest 14 days.

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

Small claims court in Oregon

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $10,000.

How to file in Oregon

Questions about security deposits in Oregon

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Oregon?

No statewide limit on the amount. The landlord must give you a receipt and list the deposit in a written lease. During the first year, the landlord can't make you pay a new or bigger deposit (except an agreed pet deposit). After the first year, you get at least 3 months to pay a new or bigger deposit. No pet deposit for a service or assistance animal.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Oregon?

Within 31 days after the tenancy ends and you move out, the landlord must return your deposit (and any unused prepaid rent), or give you a written accounting of what is kept and return the rest. It must be delivered in person, by first-class mail, or by email if you agreed. Give your forwarding address in writing.

What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in Oregon?

Twice the amount withheld without a written accounting, or withheld in bad faith.

What can a landlord deduct from a security deposit in Oregon?

Only what is reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent and other lease defaults, and to repair damage you caused beyond ordinary wear and tear. Machine carpet cleaning only if the carpet was cleaned before you moved in and the written lease says so. The landlord can't keep the deposit because you didn't stay a minimum number of months in a month-to-month tenancy. A last month's rent deposit must be used for the last month's rent.

Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in Oregon?

No statute requires interest.

What is the small claims limit in Oregon?

$10,000.

More for Oregon renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.