What a Landlord Cannot Do in Oregon: Legal Rules

Understanding what a landlord cannot do in Oregon is critical in a state known for some of the strongest tenant protections in the United States. Oregon’s landlord-tenant laws clearly define prohibited landlord actions, covering areas like entry, evictions, rent increases, discrimination, and habitability. These rules exist to prevent abuse, protect housing stability, and hold property owners legally accountable when boundaries are crossed. Violations of what a landlord cannot do in Oregon often result in lawsuits, financial penalties, and court-ordered remedies that can far outweigh the cost of compliance.

Many tenants and landlords still struggle with where the legal lines are drawn under Oregon law. Common questions come up repeatedly, such as:

• What actions count as illegal landlord behavior in Oregon?When does a landlord’s entry become unlawful?
• Which eviction practices are prohibited outright?
• How does Oregon law restrict rent increases and fees?
• What penalties apply when a landlord ignores habitability or retaliates?

These concerns highlight how easy it is to cross legal boundaries without clear guidance.

This guide breaks down what a landlord cannot do in Oregon in a clear, structured way, citing the exact Oregon Revised Statutes that govern each rule. You’ll find practical explanations, real legal limits, and straightforward examples designed to help tenants recognize violations and help landlords stay compliant. By the end of this page, readers will understand Oregon’s legal boundaries with confidence and clarity.

Also Read: How to Handle Tenant Disputes Effectively

What a Landlord Cannot Do in Oregon

#1. Unlawful Entry

Landlords Cannot Enter Without Proper Notice

Oregon law strictly limits landlord access to rental units. A landlord cannot enter a tenant’s home without advance notice except in true emergencies.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 90.322

Under ORS 90.322:

• At least 24 hours’ written notice is required for non-emergency entry
• Entry must occur at reasonable times
• Entry must be for lawful purposes such as repairs, inspections, or showing the unit

Frequent, unnecessary, or harassing entry violates Oregon law. This rule is a core example of what a landlord cannot do in Oregon.

#2. Illegal Evictions

Landlords Cannot Evict Without Proper Notice

Oregon law prohibits landlords from removing tenants without following the formal eviction process.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 90.392
• ORS 105.105 – 105.168 (Forcible Entry and Detainer)

A landlord cannot:

• Lock out tenants
• Shut off utilities
• Remove doors or windows
• Force a tenant to leave without a court order

Self-help evictions are illegal in Oregon, even when rent is unpaid. Any landlord action outside the court process violates what a landlord cannot do in Oregon laws.

#3. Retaliation

Landlords Cannot Retaliate Against Tenants

Retaliation is illegal under Oregon law. A landlord cannot punish a tenant for exercising legal rights.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 90.385

Unlawful retaliation includes:

• Raising rent after a tenant files a complaint
• Issuing eviction notices following repair requests
• Reducing services or amenities
• Harassment or intimidation

Tenant actions protected by law include reporting code violations, joining tenant unions, or requesting repairs. Retaliation falls squarely under what a landlord cannot do in Oregon.

Also Read: How Often Can a Landlord Inspect their Property?

#4. Discrimination

Landlords Cannot Discriminate Against Tenants

Oregon enforces strict anti-discrimination laws that go beyond federal requirements.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 659A.421
• Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S. Code § 3601)

Landlords cannot discriminate based on:

• Race or color
• Religion
• Sex or gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Disability
• National origin
• Familial status
• Source of income

Oregon explicitly protects tenants who use housing assistance programs. Refusing rent due to lawful income sources violates what a landlord cannot do in Oregon statutes.

#5. Withhold Essential Services

Landlords Cannot Shut Off Utilities

Oregon law prohibits landlords from cutting essential services to force tenant compliance.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 90.375

Landlords cannot:

• Turn off water
• Disconnect electricity
• Shut off heat
• Block access to essential facilities

Utility shutoffs are classified as illegal landlord actions and may result in tenant damages, court orders, and fines.

#6. Ignore Habitability Standards

Landlords Cannot Rent Unsafe or Uninhabitable Units

Rental units must meet minimum habitability standards under Oregon law.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 90.320

Landlords must provide:

• Weatherproof structures
• Safe electrical systems
• Proper plumbing and water supply
• Heating facilities
• Functional smoke detectors
• Sanitary conditions

Failing to maintain these standards is a major violation of what a landlord cannot do in Oregon and allows tenants to pursue remedies.

Also Read: Rental Property Management in Orlando, FL: What to Know

#7. Mishandle Security Deposits

Landlords Cannot Wrongfully Withhold Deposits

Oregon regulates how security deposits are handled.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 90.300

Landlords cannot:

• Keep deposits without itemized deductions
• Use deposits for normal wear and tear
• Fail to return deposits within 31 days

Any deductions must be documented and lawful. Improper handling of deposits clearly violates what a landlord cannot do in Oregon laws.

#8. Raise Rent Without Proper Notice

Rent Increases Are Strictly Regulated

Oregon enforces statewide rent control laws.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 90.323
• ORS 90.600 – 90.630 (Rent Stabilization)

Landlords cannot:

• Raise rent more than once per year
• Increase rent beyond the annual cap
• Raise rent without 90 days’ written notice

Rent increases that exceed legal limits are invalid and unenforceable under Oregon law.

#9. Charge Illegal Fees

Fees Must Be Lawful and Disclosed

Oregon law limits what fees landlords can charge.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 90.302

Prohibited actions include:

• Charging undisclosed fees
• Charging excessive late fees
• Adding surprise administrative fees

Any fee must be stated clearly in the rental agreement and comply with statutory limits.

Also Read: Are Landlords Responsible for Appliances?

#10. Refuse Repairs After Notice

Repairs Cannot Be Ignored

Once a tenant gives proper notice of needed repairs, the landlord must act.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 90.360

Failure to repair essential services allows tenants to:

• Withhold rent
• Repair and deduct
• Terminate the lease
• Seek court remedies

Ignoring repairs is a clear violation of what a landlord cannot do in Oregon.

#11. Harass or Intimidate Tenants

Harassment Is Illegal

Oregon law prohibits conduct that interferes with a tenant’s peaceful enjoyment.

Legal Authority:

• ORS 90.322
• ORS 90.385

Examples of harassment include:

• Excessive inspections
• Threats of eviction without cause
• Verbal abuse
• Repeated entry requests

Tenant harassment exposes landlords to civil liability.

Conclusion

Understanding what a landlord cannot do in Oregon protects tenants from unlawful practices and helps landlords avoid serious legal consequences. Oregon’s landlord-tenant laws are detailed, enforceable, and designed to ensure safe, fair housing for all renters.

Landlords who follow these rules protect their investments, while tenants who know their rights can confidently address violations when they occur.

Also Read: Chicago Landlord-Tenant Ordinance: What You Need to Know