Rent Increase Laws in Oregon
Your landlord just hit you with a rent increase. Before you panic or sign anything, here's what Oregon law actually says they can and can't do.
Statewide cap under SB 608 (2019) and SB 611 (2023): the lesser of 10% or 7% plus a regional CPI figure, over any 12-month period. No increase is permitted during a tenancy's first year, and at most one increase is allowed per 12 months. The first state to enact statewide rent control.
Next step
What's happening?
•Rent Control
Does Oregon Have Rent Control?
Yes. Statewide cap under SB 608 (2019) and SB 611 (2023): the lesser of 10% or 7% plus a regional CPI figure, over any 12-month period. No increase is permitted during a tenancy's first year, and at most one increase is allowed per 12 months. The first state to enact statewide rent control.
Oregon caps most annual rent increases at the lesser of 10% or 7% plus the September 12-month average change in the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI-U, West Region), under ORS § 90.324. Applies to most residential rentals generally 15+ years old; no increase permitted during a tenancy's first year; at most one increase per 12 months. A parallel formula applies separately to manufactured-dwelling-park and floating-home tenancies (ORS 90.600).
Increases are limited to once per 12 months. Landlords cannot stack multiple increases to get around the cap.
•Notice Requirements
How Much Notice Must Your Landlord Give?
Oregon law requires written notice before a rent increase, and the period varies — notice period depends on the tenancy's rental period: 7 days for a week-to-week tenancy, 90 days for any other periodic tenancy (e.g. month-to-month) — under ORS § 90.323.
- 7 days — a week-to-week tenancy
- 90 days — any other periodic tenancy (e.g. month-to-month)
The notice must be in writing. A verbal mention in passing does not count. If your landlord failed to give proper written notice, you do not owe the increased amount until the notice period has fully elapsed.
•Local Ordinances
Cities in Oregon With Their Own Rent Control
These cities have local rent control ordinances that may be stricter than state law. If you live in one of these cities, the local rules apply to your unit — check directly with your city's rent board.
| City | Cap | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Portland | Varies | Subject to the statewide cap (lesser of 10% or 7%+CPI). Portland also has mandatory relocation assistance for no-cause evictions and large rent increases. |
Portland: Subject to the statewide cap (lesser of 10% or 7%+CPI). Portland also has mandatory relocation assistance for no-cause evictions and large rent increases.
•Exemptions
What Units Are Exempt From Rent Control in Oregon?
Even in states with rent control, not every unit is covered. These categories are typically exempt:
- Units less than 15 years old
- Subsidized housing
- Landlord-occupied duplexes
If your landlord claims your unit is exempt, ask them to cite the specific statute. “It's exempt” is not a legal argument — the exemption has to actually apply to your building and your tenancy.
•Take Action
What to Do If Your Rent Increase Seems Illegal
- Check the math. If Oregon has a cap, calculate whether the increase exceeds it. If there is no cap, check whether the notice period was met (the notice period that applies to your tenancy (see above) under ORS § 90.323).
- Check the timing. Mid-lease increases are generally unenforceable unless your lease explicitly allows them. Pull your lease and read it.
- Check for retaliation. Did you file a complaint, request repairs, or join a tenant organization in the last 6 months? A rent increase right after any of those is legally suspect.
- Negotiate. Even in states without rent control, landlords prefer keeping reliable tenants. Counter with a smaller increase, a longer lease term, or a delayed effective date. Get it in writing.
- Escalate if needed. File a complaint with your local rent board or housing authority. You do not need a lawyer to do this.
•Market Data
How to Check If Your Rent Is Fair
Even if your landlord's increase is technically legal, that does not mean it reflects reality. Use these tools to check whether you're being asked to pay more than the market supports:
- HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) data — huduser.gov. The federal government publishes annual FMR estimates by county. If your new rent is significantly above the FMR for your area, you have a negotiation data point.
- Zillow / Apartments.com — search comparable units in your building or neighborhood. Screenshot the listings — this is evidence if you negotiate.
- Local tenant organizations — many maintain rent surveys and can tell you what others in your area are paying.
When you negotiate, lead with data, not emotion. “Comparable units in this ZIP code are renting for $X, and HUD's FMR for this county is $Y” is more effective than “this increase is unfair.”
More Oregon Guides
●Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Oregon have rent control?
Yes. Statewide cap under SB 608 (2019) and SB 611 (2023): the lesser of 10% or 7% plus a regional CPI figure, over any 12-month period. No increase is permitted during a tenancy's first year, and at most one increase is allowed per 12 months. The first state to enact statewide rent control. Check local ordinances — some cities have stricter caps than the state.
How much notice does my Oregon landlord have to give before raising rent?
Oregon law requires written notice before a rent increase, and the period varies — notice period depends on the tenancy's rental period: 7 days for a week-to-week tenancy, 90 days for any other periodic tenancy (e.g. month-to-month) — under ORS § 90.323. If your landlord gave you less notice than that, the increase may not be enforceable.
Can my landlord raise my rent during a lease in Oregon?
Generally, no. If you have a fixed-term lease, your landlord cannot raise rent until the lease expires — unless the lease itself contains a clause allowing mid-term increases. Month-to-month tenants can receive increases with the notice period that applies to your tenancy (see above) under ORS § 90.323.
What can I do if my rent increase seems unfair in Oregon?
If your increase exceeds the legal cap, you can file a complaint with your local rent board or housing authority. Document the increase amount, the date you received notice, and the applicable statute. You are not required to pay the illegal portion while the dispute is pending.
Is there a maximum rent increase in Oregon?
Yes. Oregon caps most annual rent increases at the lesser of 10% or 7% plus the September 12-month average change in the regional Consumer Price Index (CPI-U, West Region), under ORS § 90.324. Applies to most residential rentals generally 15+ years old; no increase permitted during a tenancy's first year; at most one increase per 12 months. A parallel formula applies separately to manufactured-dwelling-park and floating-home tenancies (ORS 90.600). Increases are limited to once per 12 months.
See what your state’s law says your landlord owes you, then generate a demand letter. Check my rights & generate my letter — $19
DepositHawk is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Information and documents are for informational purposes only. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.