Landlord Oregon Laws

[Katie Nolan]

Hey everyone! I’m in the process of closing on a duplex and will be inheriting a tenant on one side. I’m looking for advice on the legal aspects I should consider to protect myself as a landlord. Are there any specific documents or legal steps I need to have in place before renting to tenants? Additionally, if anyone has recommendations for a good CPA or attorney familiar with real estate and landlord-tenant laws in Oregon, I’d love to hear them! Any tips or resources are appreciated. Thanks! 

[Pat Aboukhaled]

Hey Katie,

Big congrats on closing that duplex! I still remember the thrill of sealing my first deal..it feels like stepping into a whole new world, doesn't it? Inheriting a tenant can be a bit of an adventure, but with the right steps, you'll be golden.

First things first, dive into that existing lease agreement. Make sure you're familiar with all the terms, and maybe have a trusted attorney give it a once-over to ensure everything lines up with Oregon's latest landlord-tenant laws. I had a buddy who missed a small clause once, and it turned into a bit of a headache.. better to catch those things early.

Speaking of attorneys, in Eugene, from what I've heard, Thompson Legal specializes in real estate and has helped a few folks I know navigate the local regulations smoothly.

On the CPA front, having someone who gets the ins and outs of real estate can make a world of difference come tax time. Jensen & Co have a solid reputation for working with investors like us.

Don't foget to update any necessary disclosures and think about getting landlord insurance if that's not already on your radar.

By the way, if you're ever curious about expanding your investments beyond Oregon, I've been helping investors tap into markets like Phoenix and Austin; some exciting opportunities out there. Always happy to chat more about it.

Feel like grabbing a virtual coffee sometime? Could be fun to swap stories and ideas.

- Jasper / Pat Aboukhaled
Turning investment visions into reality in Phoenix, AZ - Ranked #1 for residential real estate growth and opportunity by PwC

[Mike Grudzien]

Katie!
Great to hear the news about the duplex!  Good to see you here posting and getting help on BP.  You know you may reach out anytime.  Wishing you much success.
Mike

[Dan Gandee]

Congrats on the closing! Just shoot me an email and I'll provide you contacts to a great landlord attorney, investor friendly CPA, and also the necessary steps for leasing to the new tenants, as well as the renewal of the current tenant if/when that has not been completed yet. We can discuss this in our next meeting as well. Happy to help and good work on the first acquisition. 

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Katie Nolan:

Here's the Oregon Landlord - Tenant Law: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html

Here's a handbook that may be easier to understand: https://oregonlawhelp.org/resources/landlord-tenant-law-oreg...

If you're going to be successful, particularly in a heavily regulated state, then I recommend you study the law regularly. It simply amazes me how many landlords never look at the law until they are hit with a non-paying tenant or some other issue. 

[Scott Smith]

Congrats on becoming a housing provider in Eugene, Oregon.  The state of Oregon and the city of Eugene both have complex and unforgiving regulations that most often favor the tenant, so it is important that you learn about these laws so that you can make strategic choices now that avoid pitfalls later.

Fortunately,  the Oregon Rental Housing Association at the state level and the Rental Owners Association of Lane county at the local level can provide you with excellent resources.  I highly recommend you join up!

[Katie Nolan]

Quote from @Pat Aboukhaled:

Hey Katie,

Big congrats on closing that duplex! I still remember the thrill of sealing my first deal..it feels like stepping into a whole new world, doesn't it? Inheriting a tenant can be a bit of an adventure, but with the right steps, you'll be golden.

First things first, dive into that existing lease agreement. Make sure you're familiar with all the terms, and maybe have a trusted attorney give it a once-over to ensure everything lines up with Oregon's latest landlord-tenant laws. I had a buddy who missed a small clause once, and it turned into a bit of a headache.. better to catch those things early.

Speaking of attorneys, in Eugene, from what I've heard, Thompson Legal specializes in real estate and has helped a few folks I know navigate the local regulations smoothly.

On the CPA front, having someone who gets the ins and outs of real estate can make a world of difference come tax time. Jensen & Co have a solid reputation for working with investors like us.

Don't foget to update any necessary disclosures and think about getting landlord insurance if that's not already on your radar.

By the way, if you're ever curious about expanding your investments beyond Oregon, I've been helping investors tap into markets like Phoenix and Austin; some exciting opportunities out there. Always happy to chat more about it.

Feel like grabbing a virtual coffee sometime? Could be fun to swap stories and ideas.

- Jasper / Pat Aboukhaled
Turning investment visions into reality in Phoenix, AZ - Ranked #1 for residential real estate growth and opportunity by PwC

 Thank you Pat! I would love to grab virtual coffee. Can I reach out in a week to schedule a time? Thank you for your response, I will look into the resources you've provided. 

[Katie Nolan]

Quote from @Mike Grudzien:

Katie!
Great to hear the news about the duplex!  Good to see you here posting and getting help on BP.  You know you may reach out anytime.  Wishing you much success.
Mike

 Thank you Mike! I might be reaching out once we transition to Airbnb. I recently joined the Oregon Rental Owners Association too. Looking forward to being part of the community. Thank you for everything! 

[Katie Nolan]

Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

Quote from @Katie Nolan:

Here's the Oregon Landlord - Tenant Law: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html

Here's a handbook that may be easier to understand: https://oregonlawhelp.org/resources/landlord-tenant-law-oreg...

If you're going to be successful, particularly in a heavily regulated state, then I recommend you study the law regularly. It simply amazes me how many landlords never look at the law until they are hit with a non-paying tenant or some other issue. 

 Thank you, Nathan!

This is really helpful, and I appreciate the guidance. I’ll start by reviewing the resources you shared and make it a priority to stay on top of the legal aspects regularly. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction!

[Henry T.]

Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

Quote from @Katie Nolan:

Here's the Oregon Landlord - Tenant Law: https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors090.html

Here's a handbook that may be easier to understand: https://oregonlawhelp.org/resources/landlord-tenant-law-oreg...

If you're going to be successful, particularly in a heavily regulated state, then I recommend you study the law regularly. It simply amazes me how many landlords never look at the law until they are hit with a non-paying tenant or some other issue. 

Awe, a handbook should be the simple version of rental law, imagine what the code reads like.  74 pages of insanity. Hats off to anyone that wants to deal with all of that. Consider moving to another state where you can feel better about being a landlord.

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Henry T.:

Right? All our statutes can fit on a few pages.

[Cory Carlson]

Read summaries of SB608 and HB 2001. Then find yourself a wonderful attorney and management company! 

[Ashish Acharya]

@Katie Nolan Congrats on your duplex! Key steps to protect yourself as an Oregon landlord:

1. Lease Agreement: Use a compliant, detailed lease covering rent, rules, and responsibilities.

2. Know Tenant Rights: Oregon requires 90 days' notice for rent increases and enforces just-cause evictions.

3. Property Condition Report: Document the property's condition with the tenant to manage future damage claims.

4. Security Deposit: Follow Oregon’s rules—return deposits within 31 days with documented deductions.

5. Landlord Insurance: Get coverage for damages, liability, and rental income loss.

This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship. The information contained in this post is not to be relied upon. Readers should seek professional advice.