Eviction Laws in Oregon
Non-payment of rent eviction in Oregon
When a tenant falls behind on rent in Oregon, the landlord must first serve a 10-day pay-or-quit notice. This gives the tenant 10 days to either pay the full amount owed or vacate. If the tenant does neither, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit — called an unlawful detainer or summary possession action — in Oregon court.
A court order is required before any lockout. The landlord cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, or remove the tenant's belongings before winning a judgment.
Lease violation eviction in Oregon
For non-payment lease violations — unauthorized pets, excess occupants, noise complaints, property damage — the landlord must give 30 days notice. The tenant has 14 days to cure (fix) the violation. If corrected within that window, the tenancy continues. If not cured, the landlord may proceed with filing.
Terminating month-to-month tenancy in Oregon
To end a month-to-month rental agreement without cause, the landlord must give 30 days written notice. The tenant's notice requirement may differ — check your lease agreement.
Note: Oregon requires just cause to terminate any tenancy. A no-fault month-to-month termination must still qualify under one of the state's recognized grounds. See ORS § 90.392; § 90.394; § 90.427 for the full list.
Important Oregon eviction details
Oregon: 10-day pay-or-quit for non-payment (72 or 144 hours for chronic late-payers). HB 2001 (2021) requires just cause to evict after 1 year of tenancy. Month-to-month termination: 30 days (< 1yr) or 90 days (1+ yr). SB 608 (2019) imposes statewide rent increases capped at 7% + CPI annually. No-cause terminations trigger mandatory relocation assistance.
What counts as an illegal eviction in Oregon?
In Oregon, a landlord who attempts to evict a tenant without following the legal process commits an illegal (self-help) eviction. This includes:
- Changing the locks without a court order
- Removing doors, windows, or the tenant's belongings
- Shutting off utilities (electricity, water, heat)
- Harassment designed to pressure the tenant to leave
Self-help evictions are prohibited in all 50 states and DC. Tenants who experience an illegal lockout can typically seek emergency relief from a court and may be entitled to damages.