Oregon security deposit rules

What the law requires

• Deductions: unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, itemised in writing. Cleaning and repainting after ordinary use are normal wear in most states.
• Deadline: the 31-day clock usually starts when the tenant moves out and, in many states, when a forwarding address is provided. Missing it typically forfeits the landlord’s right to keep any of the deposit and can add statutory damages.
• Pets: A pet security deposit may be charged but not for a service or companion animal required as a reasonable accommodation (ORS 90.300(4)); no new or increased deposit may be required during the first year of tenancy
• Interest: none required under state law. Cities in some no-interest states have their own ordinances, so check the municipal code where you rent.

Move-out checklist

• Give written notice of the move-out date and a forwarding address; many deadlines only start when the landlord has the address.
• Photograph every room after cleaning, with a timestamp. Request a joint inspection where the state allows one.
• If the deadline passes, send a written demand citing ORS 90.300. Small-claims court handles deposit disputes in every state and most cap the claim well above a typical deposit.

Related Oregon rules

• Late fees: Late charge allowed only if rent is not received by the 4th day of the rental period and the written agreement specifies it. Amount may not exceed one of: (a) a reasonable flat fee charged once per period (the customary market amount); (b) a reasonable per-day fee starting the 5th day, capped at 6% of the reasonable flat fee per day; or (c) 5% of the periodic rent per 5-day period (or part) of delinquency, starting the 5th day. Nonpayment of a late fee alone cannot support a nonpayment eviction. Late fee calculator.
• Notice to end a tenancy: Month-to-month: tenant may terminate with 30 days' written notice at any time; landlord may terminate without cause with 30 days' notice only during the first year of occupancy. After the first year the landlord may terminate only for tenant cause or for a qualifying landlord reason (demolition/conversion, major repairs, owner or family move-in, sale to an owner-occupant) with 90 days' written notice (and, for landlords of more than four units, one month's rent relocation assistance). Week-to-week: 10 days. Nonpayment notice: 10 days' notice served no sooner than the 8th day of the rental period, or 13 days' notice served no sooner than the 5th day (72-hour/144-hour notices were replaced in 2023). Notice calculator.
• All rules on one page: Oregon landlord and tenant law.