Understanding Oregon pet rent laws in 2025 is essential for landlords and tenants. Many changes have been made to pet fees and deposits. These new laws regulate how landlords can charge tenants with pets. This guide explains legal pet rent rules in Oregon and exceptions for service and emotional support animals.
It also shares tips on how landlords and renters can avoid disputes. The goal is to provide the knowledge to create fair, transparent, and profitable rental agreements. LeaseRunner keeps up with every detail of Oregon’s state laws to assist in effective property management.
Overview of Pet Rent Laws in Oregon
The rules for pet-friendly rental laws in Oregon are changing. New priorities around housing, animal welfare, and tenant rights cause these shifts. Understanding the Oregon pet rent laws, including what is allowed, what is proposed, and what is strictly banned, is the first step. This leads to a smooth rental experience for everyone.
Is Pet Rent Legal in Oregon?
The answer is partially yes. In 2025, landlords in Oregon can add pet rent to the monthly rent, but cannot charge tenants a separate pet rent fee. They may also collect a refundable pet deposit to cover damages.
However, House Bill 2070 (HB 2070) was introduced in the 2025 legislative session. It aims to ban charging tenants any extra rent or fees for their pets. If this bill passes, landlords will no longer be allowed to collect monthly pet rent or any other pet-based fees.
Current Legal Status (2025 Update)
Oregon bases its pet rent laws on the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90), which currently permits pet deposits and pet rent. However, the state is moving toward stronger tenant protections, reflected in proposed legislation.
Landlords must be careful to label these fees correctly. They must clearly distinguish a refundable pet deposit from any other permitted non-deposit charges. Legislative proposals like HB 2070 show a growing move to limit what landlords can charge, aiming to protect tenants from excessive pet rent fees.
These New Oregon rental laws 2025 are part of a wider effort to make housing more affordable and clarify tenant rights. This is a crucial time for property owners to check their pet policies. They should get ready for possible changes to pet rent rules in Oregon.
Legal Pet Fee and Deposit Limits in Oregon
Landlords have the right to get paid for the extra wear and tear pets cause. But the state strictly controls how this money is collected. This section outlines the pet deposit limits, the rules for pet rent, and the crucial legal difference between refundable and non-refundable charges.
Security Deposit Caps and Pet Deposits
Except for the first month’s rent, any payment collected at tenancy start counts as a refundable security deposit by law in Oregon. Unlike states with clear one-month cap deposit laws, Oregon has no fixed statewide security deposit limit. Instead, landlords set the charges based on case evaluations, property conditions, or agreements. However, the law does limit how often a landlord can ask for an additional deposit.
With this flexibility, a landlord often chooses to charge a standard pet deposit for rentals. Yet they must ensure it is clearly stated in the rental agreement. A separate pet deposit is allowed under ORS 90.530 to cover damages caused by the pet. This is subject to the same strict refund rules as the main security deposit.
The combined total of the initial security deposit and the Pet deposit limit in Oregon does not have a legal cap. However, the amount must be reasonable and clearly defined in the lease. Landlords should be aware of Oregon security deposit laws when deciding on their financial terms. Charging amounts that are too high may still be challenged in court as unreasonable.
Rules on Pet Rent Charges
Landlords can charge pet rent in Oregon. This is a periodic charge, usually monthly, which is non-refundable and separate from the security deposit. This monthly pet rent in Oregon is treated as part of the total rent, not a deposit. It is meant to cover the expected higher costs of having pets in the property, such as more wear and tear.
When setting pet rent rules in Oregon, landlords should ensure the amount makes sense and must clearly explain it in the lease. Right now, there is no maximum amount set by law for pet rent.
Landlords using LeaseRunner's tools can easily manage and communicate these charges in their agreements. Remember that pet rent is different from late fees or non-compliance fees, which have their own limits under Oregon law.
Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Pet Fees
One of the most important aspects of Oregon pet rent laws is the clear distinction between fees and deposits.
- Pet Deposit: Pet deposits are refundable under Oregon law and serve to cover potential damages caused by pets beyond normal wear and tear. These deposits count as part of the total security deposit and are subject to applicable limits.
- Pet Fee: Oregon law generally prohibits landlords from charging a one-time, non-refundable pet fee. The only allowed upfront fees are refundable pet deposits to cover potential damages.
Charging a non-refundable pet fee in Oregon is generally illegal. Landlords must treat pet fees as refundable deposits unless used for damage repairs.
Local Ordinances and City-Specific Rules
The Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) cover the whole state. Still, property owners must remember that some cities may add their own rules to Oregon pet rent laws.
- Portland caps deposits at 1.5x rent and requires detailed pet inspections. It enforces dog breed restrictions in Oregon, banning certain breeds. Unauthorised pets can lead to lease termination.
- Eugene prohibits non-refundable pet fees and requires transparent disclosure of all pet charges.
- Salem follows state deposit limits but requires landlords to give written receipts for all deposits and encourages clear pet policies.
- Gresham mandates compliance with state deposit laws and timely return with itemised deductions.
Landlords managing property in different cities should research city-specific rules to prevent mistakes. Oregon is often considered one of the less landlord-friendly states in the US due to strong tenant protections, making strict compliance vital. Following the latest Oregon rent control laws and city codes keeps property owners and tenants on solid legal ground.
Pets, Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals
Oregon provides special housing protections for assistance animals, which include service animals and emotional support animals. In these cases, federal and state fair housing laws take precedence over Oregon’s standard pet rent laws, ensuring tenants with disabilities are exempt from typical pet fees and deposits.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in Oregon
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in Oregon is not seen as a pet under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and Oregon's disability laws. Under the FHA, ESA is defined as an animal that provides emotional support to alleviate one or more symptoms or effects of a person's disability. This is different from a service animal, which is trained to do specific tasks for a disabled person.
For housing, the key is the tenant's right to a reasonable accommodation under the pets housing policy. Landlords must arrange accommodations for a tenant with an assistance animal, even if there is a strict “no-pets" rule in the building.
However, the property owner cannot inquire about the tenant’s specific disability or require disclosure of medical information.
When Pet Rent and Fees Cannot Be Charged
One of the clearest parts of fair housing law is the financial exemption for assistance animals. Landlords cannot charge any deposit, fee, or rent for an approved assistance animal. This means:
- No pet rent for ESA or service animals.
- Fees are prohibited for assistance animals, including the refundable pet deposit.
The animal is not an extra “amenity." It is a necessary part of the tenant’s disability accommodation. Because of this, the Oregon law on emotional support animals and service animals ensures the tenant is not financially penalised for needing this accommodation. Charging any fee for an ESA would be a violation of non-discrimination housing in Oregon.
Landlords can, however, charge the tenant for any real, excessive damage the assistance animal causes to the property. This cost can come out of the regular security deposit when the tenancy ends, just like any other damage caused by the tenant.
Verification and Documentation Rules in Oregon
When a tenant asks for a reasonable accommodation for a pet housing policy for an assistance animal, landlords can ask for proof. This is called the verification process assistance animal. This process must be handled carefully to respect the tenant's privacy rights.
- Request for Documents: The landlord may ask for reliable proof. This proof must confirm that the tenant has a disability and needs the animal because of that disability.
- Reliable Proof: To meet the ESA definition under FHA, the proof is usually an ESA letter from a qualified professional. The letter must state that the tenant has a disability and that the animal helps with the disability's symptoms. Landlords cannot ask for private details about the diagnosis.
- No Formal Certification: Landlords cannot require the animal to be "certified," "registered," or wear a special vest. No government agency offers an official certification for a service animal definition housing in Oregon or an ESA.
Landlords must work with the tenant in good faith. A determination must be made if the request fits the right to reasonable accommodation under the FHA and ESA laws in Oregon.
Rights and Responsibilities for Landlord and Tenants
A clear understanding of the rights and duties regarding pets is essential for a peaceful tenancy and for following Oregon pet rent laws. Clear communication and following the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90) are vital for both sides. This section outlines what landlords and tenants must do concerning pets.
Landlord Duties Under Oregon Law
Landlords in Oregon have several key landlord obligations pets policy, and general duties. Besides following the deposit and fee rules, landlords must:
- Give Notice: Follow strict notice requirements security deposit. If a deposit is held back, a written statement must be sent within 31 days of the move-out date. These Oregon-required landlord notices are critical for avoiding penalties.
- Limit Damages: Only deduct costs that are truly necessary to fix damage caused by the tenant or the tenant's pet. This cannot include normal wear and tear.
- Prevent Discrimination: Strictly follow non-discrimination housing in Oregon, especially for people with disabilities. This relates directly to assistance animals.
- Fair Housing: Honour all valid requests for a right to reasonable accommodation for assistance animals.
Landlords must be careful not to overstep boundaries. This is a key part of what a landlord cannot do under Oregon law.
Tenant Rights and Obligations
Tenants with pets also have specific duties. These should be clearly spelled out in the rental agreement using a full Pet Addendum Template in Oregon.
- Follow the Contract: Tenants must follow the lease clause for pets in Oregon. This includes paying the monthly pet rent in Oregon and any required standard pet deposit for rentals.
- Pet Ownership: The tenant is fully responsible for their pet's actions. This includes noise, cleaning up waste, and making sure the pet does not bother other tenants.
- No Damage Rule: The tenant is always responsible for any damage their pet causes that is more than normal wear and tear.
- Pets Not Allowed: If a tenant breaks the Pet Policy Lease Sample by getting an unapproved animal, the tenancy risks eviction under Oregon law.
When a tenant leaves a property and fails to remove belongings, the rules on abandoned property in Oregon detail the process landlords must follow.
Managing Pet-Related Damages and Deductions
Pet damage often causes disagreements. Oregon pet rent laws say a landlord can only take money from the security deposit. This includes the pet deposit for real damages beyond normal wear and tear.
- Proof is Key: Landlords must be able to prove the pet caused the damage. This needs great records from the move-in inspection, pets in Oregon, and the move-out walkthrough pets inspection.
- Cost Calculations: Deductions should only cover the fair cost to repair or replace the damaged item. This must take into account how old the item was (depreciation).
- Return Deadline: The landlord has 31 days after the lease ends to return the deposit or send a written list of deductions. This follows the notice requirements for the security deposit.
If a tenant thinks the deductions are unfair, the dispute can be solved through mediation or small claims court.
Best Practices to Avoid Disputes for Landlords
To lower the chances of legal issues and ensure adherence to Oregon pet rent laws, proactive measures are essential. With LeaseRunner’s tenant screening and property documentation services, Oregon landlords can stay compliant and minimise disputes.
1. Clear Pet Terms in the Lease
Every rental agreement should include a precise Pet Addendum Template in Oregon, listing each permitted animal, as well as details such as breed, weight, and name. Using a pet policy lease sample template ensures that every document is clear and legally defensible.
Landlords should also make expectations for pet care, noise, and cleaning habits very clear. Note any dog breed restrictions in Oregon to limit liability, but apply the rules only to pets, not to legitimate assistance animals.
Landlords can require tenants to maintain pet liability insurance for renters to protect the property owner against claims if a pet causes injury or damage.
2. Document Property Condition Before and After Tenancy
Thoroughly checking the property at both move-in and move-out protects everyone involved. A complete move-in checklist helps create a fair baseline for property condition, ensuring tenants are only held responsible for changes. Photos and walkthroughs signed by both parties add critical evidence if any claims arise.
3. Communicate Pet Expectations Early
Good communication prevents most issues. Landlords should clearly explain pet approval, necessary documentation, and any extra fees to applicants, setting expectations and avoiding misunderstandings during the screening. In the rental ad, you should disclose your tenant screening criteria for tenants, including the pet rental history. You can collect their personal information and documents with LeaseRunner’s online rental application platform.
Additionally, you have to choose a reliable screening service like LeaseRunner. We can access the applicants’ data with their consent to give you instant and accurate screening results.
4. Keep Transparent Records of Fees
Maintaining detailed, transparent records of all pet-related financial transactions is critical. Landlords should provide itemised receipts for all deposits taken and for any deductions made for pet damage during tenancy. Written statements explaining these deductions help tenants know exactly why money was withheld, building trust and reducing disputes.
Conclusions
Understanding Oregon pet rent laws is key to smooth rentals in 2025. New laws ban pet rent but allow refundable pet deposits within limits. Assistance animals get full protection with no fees allowed. Clear lease terms and good documentation keep both landlords and tenants safe. LeaseRunner provides trusted templates and legal updates by states to make compliance easier.
FAQs
1. What is the new pet rent law in Oregon?
There is no single "new" law passed as of early 2025. Still, there have been repeatedly proposed bills regarding pet rentals (like HB 2070) that aim to limit or stop a landlord from charging monthly pet rent in Oregon.
Right now, Oregon pet rent laws allow monthly pet rent. However, collecting a one-time non-refundable pet fee in Oregon is strictly banned. The most important New Oregon rental laws 2025 focus on limiting deposits and making sure all fees are refundable.
2. What is the maximum amount a landlord can charge for pet rent in Oregon?
State law does not set a maximum dollar amount for monthly pet rent in Oregon. The landlord generally sets the charge. It must be seen as reasonable. The charge must also follow Oregon's rent control laws if the total rent increase, including the pet rent, goes over the annual limit.
3. Can a landlord break a lease for pets in Oregon?
Yes, if a tenant breaks the lease’s pet policies or sneaks in unauthorised animals, a landlord can serve notice. The tenant must cure the violation or remove the animal. Failure to do so could lead to lease termination.
4. Can I get evicted for pet sitting in Oregon?
Potentially yes. Unauthorised pet sitting may be treated as a breach of the rental agreement. Oregon law allows landlords to issue a notice for lease violations involving pets, which can lead to eviction.
