Oregon Security Deposit Deadline
Oregon landlords generally have 31 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession to provide any required written accounting and return any unclaimed security deposit balance.
In plain English: the rental must be legally over, and you must have given the rental back. The deadline is not just 31 days after move-out.
That means the cleanest record shows both dates: when the tenancy ended and when you delivered possession. Save the key-return message, walkthrough note, email, text, receipt, or other proof showing the landlord got the unit back.
What must be sent within 31 days
Oregon's deadline covers both parts of the deposit response:
- the written accounting, if the landlord claims any part of the security deposit or prepaid rent
- the unclaimed security deposit or prepaid rent balance still owed back
The accounting should state the basis or bases of the claim. If both deposit and prepaid rent are involved, ask for separate accounting.
How the landlord can deliver the accounting
Oregon allows delivery by personal delivery, first-class mail, or valid email where ORS 90.155 permits it. Email is not automatically valid in every situation.
Give the landlord a current mailing address in writing and keep proof that you sent it.
If you are not sure whether email delivery is valid, do not rely on email alone for your own demand. Use a method you can prove and save a copy.
What happens if the landlord misses the deadline?
Oregon can allow recovery tied to twice the amount withheld without written accounting or withheld in bad faith. That is not automatic double damages in every dispute.
Stronger facts usually include a missed 31-day deadline, missing or weak accounting, unsupported deductions, and clear proof of tenancy termination and possession delivery.
Related Oregon guides
- Oregon security deposit law
- Oregon security deposit demand letter
- What can an Oregon landlord deduct?
- Oregon security deposit evidence guide
Once the 31-day rule matters, the next step is practical: preserve the timeline, ask for the missing accounting or refund in writing, and keep proof of delivery. The paid Oregon Recovery System gives you that letter sequence in order.
Get the Deposit Recovery System
Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.