Oregon's main statewide residential security deposit statute is ORS 90.300. It covers security deposits, prepaid rent, last month's rent deposits, written accounting, deductions, delivery methods, and remedies.
Official Oregon sources
Always verify the current statute text and current court procedure before filing or relying on a deadline in court.
ORS 90.300: deposit and receipt basics
Oregon allows a landlord to require a security deposit, and the landlord must provide a receipt when the tenant pays it. If there is a written rental agreement, the agreement should list any security deposit paid or required.
ORS 90.300: deductions
The landlord may claim from the deposit only amounts reasonably necessary for allowed purposes. Common issues include unpaid rent, tenant defaults, tenant-caused damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and carpet cleaning only when Oregon's statutory conditions are met.
The landlord does not necessarily have to complete repairs before making a claim, but labor and repair charges should be reasonable and tied to an allowed basis.
ORS 90.300: accounting and refund deadline
If the landlord claims any part of the security deposit or prepaid rent, the landlord must give a written accounting within 31 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession. The accounting must state the basis or bases of the claim.
The landlord must also return any unclaimed security deposit or prepaid rent balance within 31 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession. If both security deposit and prepaid rent are involved, Oregon calls for separate accounting.
ORS 90.300: delivery methods
Oregon allows the accounting or return by personal delivery, first-class mail, or email if email delivery is valid under ORS 90.155. Email is not automatically enough in every situation.
ORS 90.300: remedies
If the landlord fails to comply with the refund rule or in bad faith fails to return money due, Oregon can allow recovery tied to twice the amount withheld without written accounting or withheld in bad faith.
That remedy should be tied to the facts. It is not automatic double damages in every deposit dispute.
Oregon court and self-help resources
- Oregon Judicial Department landlord and tenant self-help
- Oregon Judicial Department small claims forms
- Oregon Judicial Department fee information
- Oregon Judicial Department Guide and File
These links are official court resources, not a complete filing manual. Local court filing steps, service rules, forms, fees, and procedures can still vary, so confirm current instructions before filing.
Plain-English guides for these procedures
- Oregon 31-day deadline guide
- What to do if your Oregon deposit is not returned
- Oregon move-out checklist
- Oregon security deposit demand letter
The free guide above explains the Oregon statute. The paid system gives you the Oregon-specific letters in order, so you are not guessing what to send next.
Get the Deposit Recovery SystemImportant: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.