⚡ Oregon Quick Facts
Your Rights as a Oregon Tenant with a Pet
Oregon is one of the few states with a specific pet deposit cap — landlords may only charge up to half a month's rent as a refundable pet deposit. Portland's strong tenant protections combined with this state cap make Oregon one of the better states for pet owners.
What Oregon Law Actually Says
Oregon's landlord-tenant law under ORS 90.300 specifically addresses pet deposits. Landlords may charge a refundable pet deposit of up to 1/2 month's rent. This is separate from the security deposit and is capped. Landlords may also charge a non-refundable pet fee in addition, but total charges are regulated.
All refundable deposits — including the pet deposit — must be returned within 31 days after the tenant vacates with an itemized accounting. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits can be liable for 2x the deposit amount plus attorney fees.
Portland has particularly strong tenant protections, including relocation assistance requirements and strict notice requirements for rent increases. Oregon also has statewide rent stabilization (limiting annual rent increases to 7% + CPI for buildings 15+ years old).
Emotional Support Animals: Oregon Landlords CANNOT Charge Fees
Under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) and HUD guidelines, emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals are not classified as "pets." This means:
- Landlords cannot charge pet deposits for an ESA or service animal
- Landlords cannot charge monthly pet rent for an ESA
- Landlords cannot require PetScreening or similar paid screenings for ESAs
- Landlords can request documentation from a licensed mental health professional — but this documentation must be reasonable and is limited in scope
- Landlords cannot demand your specific diagnosis, medical records, or charge an application fee for ESA accommodation requests
What Oregon Landlords CANNOT Do
- Charge a refundable pet deposit exceeding 1/2 month's rent
- Charge pet fees, deposits, or pet rent for documented ESAs
- Require ESA owners to use paid screening services
- Fail to return deposits within 31 days with itemized statement
- Discriminate based on disability under Oregon Fair Housing Law
What Oregon Landlords CAN Legally Do
- Charge a refundable pet deposit up to 1/2 month's rent
- Charge a separate non-refundable pet fee (if disclosed in lease)
- Charge monthly pet rent for conventional pets
- Request reasonable ESA documentation
If Your Oregon Landlord Violated Your Rights
Document Everything
Verify your pet deposit vs. the 1/2 month cap. Track all pet-related charges separately.
File with BOLI
File at Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries. BOLI enforces both state and federal fair housing.
Free HUD Complaint Letter Template
Copy and customize this template for your HUD complaint or direct communication with your landlord. Replace all [BRACKETED] placeholders with your actual information.