Oregon has some of the most tenant-protective rental laws in the country — and they change frequently. For Bend landlords, staying current isn’t optional. One improperly issued notice, one non-compliant lease clause, or one missed deadline can cost you a case in court or result in significant financial penalties.
This post covers the most important Oregon landlord-tenant law requirements Bend rental owners need to understand in 2025. This is not legal advice — consult an Oregon real estate attorney for your specific situation.
Oregon passed Senate Bill 608 in 2019, which significantly restricted no-cause evictions statewide. Here’s where things stand:
First year of tenancy: During the first 12 months of a tenancy, landlords can terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause with proper written notice.
After 12 months: Once a tenant has lived in the property for more than 12 months, landlords can only terminate for cause — meaning documented lease violations, nonpayment of rent, or other specific reasons outlined in Oregon law.
This means tenant screening has never been more important. The tenant you place is likely the tenant you’ll have for the long term.
Oregon limits how and when landlords can raise rent:
Statewide rent control: Oregon law caps annual rent increases at 7% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For 2025, check the Oregon Housing and Community Services website for the current cap.
Notice requirement: Landlords must give at least 90 days written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
First year restriction: You cannot increase rent during the first 12 months of a tenancy.
Failing to follow these requirements — even by a single day on notice — can invalidate a rent increase entirely.
Oregon does not cap the amount of a security deposit, but has strict rules around how it must be handled:
Return timeline: You must return the security deposit within 31 days of the tenant vacating.
Itemized statement: If you withhold any portion, you must provide a written itemized statement of deductions.
Wrongful withholding penalty: If a court finds you wrongfully withheld a deposit, you may owe the tenant twice the withheld amount plus attorney fees.
Document everything at move-in and move-out with photos and written records.
Oregon requires landlords to provide tenants with specific disclosures at or before move-in, including a move-in checklist documenting the condition of the property, information about the landlord or authorized agent, disclosure of any known lead-based paint hazards for properties built before 1978, and a copy of any applicable HOA rules.
Missing required disclosures can complicate eviction proceedings and create legal liability.
Oregon landlords must give at least 24 hours advance written notice before entering a rental unit, except in genuine emergencies. Routine inspections, repairs, and showings all require proper notice. Failure to provide notice can be considered harassment under Oregon law.
Oregon landlords are required to maintain rental properties in habitable condition. This includes functioning heat capable of maintaining 68°F during cold months, working plumbing and hot water, weatherproofing, and freedom from pest infestations. Failure to address habitability issues in a timely manner can give tenants the right to repair-and-deduct or withhold rent under certain conditions.
Bend’s rental market is competitive, which means tenant-landlord disputes do happen. Oregon’s legal framework is heavily weighted toward tenant protection, and the courts take compliance seriously.
Self-managing landlords who aren’t staying current on Oregon law are taking on significant legal and financial risk. A single improperly handled situation can cost far more than a year of professional management fees.
Oregon landlord-tenant law is complex, frequently updated, and unforgiving of mistakes. The best protection for Bend rental property owners is thorough tenant screening, meticulous documentation, and working with a licensed property manager who stays current on Oregon compliance requirements.
Questions about managing your Bend rental property? Call Jeff at (541) 550-3173 or subscribe to the Bend Rental Market Insights Newsletter for monthly updates on local regulations and market conditions. Sign up at rentalpropertymanagementbend.com.
Written by Jeff Olson, licensed Oregon property manager and Bend real estate investor since 2017. Jeff manages residential rental properties in Bend using AI-powered marketing to achieve faster placements and above-market rents.
Jeff placed a qualified tenant in 11 days and our property has been issue-free for 14 months.
Jeff always amazes me with his business insight and unique approaches to solving problems. When you really get to connect with him, you'll discover a fantastic person who has an ease in building interpersonal relations with others.
I’ve had the privilege of working with Jeff on a number of projects over the years. His ability to identify market opportunities and create solutions has always impressed me. He is humble and full of integrity.
