Oregon State Renters Laws
Renters looking for property anywhere in the state of Oregon have certain rights. In Corvallis, Portland and Ashland, landlords cannot refuse to rent to anyone who is lesbian or gay. Teens who are at least 16, or who are pregnant and plan to have their child live with them are legally able to rent an apartment; minors who are even younger are legally allowed to sign a binding rental contract.
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Discrimination
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Renters in Oregon cannot be discriminated against by landlords. As a renter, you should be able to rent from a landlord of your choice regardless of physical handicap, national origin, mental handicap, marital status, color, race, gender, disability or your source of income. A landlord can't refuse to rent to you because you rely on a helping dog; nor can the landlord charge extra in nonrefundable fees because you have a helping dog.
If you believe you are being discriminated against based on any of the above categories, file a complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor, Civil Rights Division.
Right to Privacy
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At the time you sign a contract to rent a single-unit home, apartment or trailer, you legally enter into a landlord-tenant relationship, with all of the legal rights and responsibilities.
After you sign a contract to rent a unit, you hold the "right of exclusive possession," meaning you have the right to privacy -- even though the landlord owns the property. Your landlord can't walk in on you without calling you ahead of time and making an appointment. In Oregon, your landlord is required to give you 24-hours notice before entering your home unless there is an emergency requiring immediate entry.
If you have asked for repairs or maintenance to your rental home and you have not given specific dates and times when you'll be home, the landlord has the right to enter.
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Subsidized Housing
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Oregon residents who qualify to live in federally subsidized housing have rights as well. You have the right to have guests visit your rental unit and you are able to use your home just like you would use a non-federally-subsidized unit.
Habitability
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As an Oregon renter, you have the right to a home that is "habitable." Your home must be free of pests and bugs, safe and sanitary when you move in. Electrical wiring, heating, plumbing and weatherproofing must be properly done and maintained.
Your landlord has to ensure that the safe and habitable conditions are maintained during the entire time you live in his unit. You should not be charged for utilities usage from other tenants or units or for materials and repairs needed for sanitation or safety. If you break something, the landlord does have to fix it, charging you a reasonable cost.
Tenant Responsibilities
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Rights come with related responsibilities. As a renter in the state of Oregon, you need to pay your rent on time every month and you can only use your rental unit as a home -- not as an office.
You need to keep your home "reasonably" clean and you should not disable the smoke detector.
You have the obligation to be a good neighbor -- keep the level of noise coming from your home down; don't allow loose trash to blow around; maintain your pets and don't let them run loose or bark excessively.
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