Oregon stands out nationally by being one of the very few states with a specific, explicit cap on pet deposits. ORS 90.300 directly addresses pets — one of the clearest and most protective pet deposit rules in the country.
The Cap: 1/2 Month's Rent
Oregon landlords may charge a refundable pet deposit of up to one-half of one month's rent. This is a hard cap. If your rent is $1,600/month, your pet deposit cannot exceed $800.
The cap applies per rental agreement, not per pet — two cats still get a maximum deposit of half a month's rent. Non-refundable pet fees are also regulated.
Portland's Extra Layer of Protection
Portland tenants have additional local protections: relocation assistance requirements, just cause eviction rules, and strict rent increase notice requirements. While not directly about pet fees, these create greater landlord accountability.
Oregon Statewide Rent Stabilization
Oregon was the first state to enact statewide rent stabilization (2019). Buildings 15+ years old face annual rent increase caps of 7% + CPI — indirectly limiting the use of pet rent as an uncapped escalation workaround.
ESA Protections
Oregon ESA owners cannot be charged: any pet deposit (even within the 1/2 month cap), monthly pet rent, non-refundable pet fees, or third-party screening fees. Oregon's Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) enforces both state and federal fair housing laws.
Filing in Oregon
Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries — enforces ORS 90.300 violations with 2x deposit penalty plus attorney fees.