Get Your Security Deposit Back in Oregon
This Oregon hub helps renters handle a security deposit problem in order: check the deadline, compare deductions, organize proof, send a written demand, and understand the small claims path if the landlord still will not fix it.
Oregon landlords generally must give a written accounting and return any unclaimed security deposit balance within 31 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession.
This site explains the Oregon timeline, what deductions can be claimed, why ordinary wear matters, and how to move forward without guessing.
Start based on your situation
What Oregon law is built around
Oregon Revised Statutes ORS 90.300 covers security deposits and prepaid rent. For ordinary deposit disputes, the key questions are when the tenancy ended, when you gave the rental back, whether the landlord sent a written accounting, and whether the deductions fit an allowed basis.
If the landlord keeps money, the written accounting should explain the basis for each claim. Any unclaimed deposit balance should be returned within the same 31-day period.
Oregon also treats prepaid rent and a last month's rent deposit carefully. If those are involved, keep them separate from ordinary damage deductions.
This is a sequence, not one magic letter
One letter is sometimes enough, but often it is not.
- Document tenancy termination, possession delivery, current address, and deposit-response facts
- Send a clear deposit-due notice after Oregon's 31-day deadline passes
- Escalate with ORS 90.300, the missing accounting, deduction limits, and your proof
- Send a final demand before deciding whether to file in small claims
Step 1 is preventive. It helps make the address, timing, possession, and delivery record clear before the dispute hardens.
A 4-step Oregon recovery system with the letters, timing, and next steps in one place.
Get the Deposit Recovery SystemImportant: This site provides general information and is not legal advice.