Landlord Essentials for Renting in Clackamas County

Tips

Jul 11

What to Know Before Becoming a Landlord in Clackamas County

If you’re planning to rent out a property in Clackamas County, there’s good news — the rules here are generally less strict than in Portland or Multnomah County. You’ll still need to follow Oregon’s statewide landlord-tenant laws, but most cities in Clackamas don’t have extra local ordinances that add complexity or extra fees. That makes it a bit easier for new landlords to get started, especially if you’re renting out a single-family home or small multi-unit property.

That said, “less strict” doesn’t mean “hands off.” Understanding notice periods, rent increase limits, and tenant rights upfront will help you avoid surprises and set your rental up for success. Curious about renting your property in Portland, we’ve got a post about that here. →

Mark’s Rental in Milwaukie

When Mark bought a duplex in Milwaukie, he assumed managing it would be simple. He’d heard Clackamas County was “more landlord-friendly” and thought that meant fewer rules to worry about. Things went smoothly until one of his tenants stopped paying rent and he realized he wasn’t sure what steps he was legally allowed to take.

Mark reached out to us, and we walked him through Oregon’s statewide laws — including notice requirements and timelines for lease violations. Even though Clackamas County doesn’t add extra local regulations, landlords must still follow state rules to the letter. After following the proper notice and waiting period, Mark was able to resolve the issue without conflict and learned an important lesson about documentation and clear communication.

► What Makes Clackamas County Different

Clackamas County follows Oregon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which applies statewide. Unlike Portland or some areas of Washington County, there are no countywide relocation assistance requirements or additional rent control measures.

Here’s what that means for you:

Rent Increase Limits – Oregon caps rent increases at 7% plus inflation (around 10% for 2024), and you must give tenants 90 days’ written notice.
Termination Notices – No-cause terminations still require 90 days’ notice if you’ve owned the property for more than a year. If you’ve owned it for less than a year, that drops to 30 days.
Relocation Payments – These are not required by Clackamas County, though cities like Milwaukie may have their own rules for certain redevelopment or demolition situations.
Screening and Fair Housing – You must still follow Oregon’s Fair Housing laws and provide your screening criteria in writing to every applicant.

City-Level Differences

While Clackamas County doesn’t have the same added regulations as Portland, some individual cities do.

Oregon City – Generally sticks to state laws but requires all rental properties to comply with safety and livability codes before renting.
Milwaukie – No local relocation fees but does have strong code enforcement for rental habitability.
Lake Oswego – Known for strict building and zoning codes, so check with the city if you’re planning to add an ADU or short-term rental.

If you’re buying a property to rent, it’s worth confirming with the city’s planning department that your use fits local zoning and occupancy rules.

Tenant Screening and Fair Housing

Even though Clackamas County is more relaxed on local regulations, Oregon’s fair housing and tenant screening laws still apply. You’ll need to:

Clearly outline your screening criteria before accepting applications.
Apply the same income and background standards to all applicants.
Keep records of communications and decisions to protect yourself legally.

Mark used a professional property management service for screening and bookkeeping—something we often recommend for new landlords when juggling their first investment.

Taxes, Insurance, and Recordkeeping

Like all Oregon landlords, you’ll need to:

Register your rental property if you’re operating as an LLC or business entity.
Track all rental income and expenses for tax purposes.
Maintain landlord insurance that covers both property damage and liability.

Many landlords in Clackamas County also add “loss of rental income” coverage so they’re protected if the property becomes temporarily uninhabitable due to damage.

Stay Informed and Supported

While Clackamas County doesn’t have as many local resources as Portland, there are still excellent places to learn and get help. The Clackamas County Housing & Community Development department offers information for both tenants and property owners. You can also refer to Oregon’s Landlord-Tenant Resources for statewide laws and sample lease forms.

Another great support option is the Rental Housing Alliance of Oregon, which serves landlords across all three Portland metro counties with classes, forms, and legal updates.

► Final Thoughts

Mark’s story is a good reminder that while Clackamas County may be simpler to manage than Multnomah or Washington, it still requires attention to detail. Staying informed and documenting everything from applications to repairs will keep you protected and your tenants happy.

Being a landlord is a business, even when it’s just one property. The more you treat it that way, the smoother your experience will be — and the more likely your rental will become a steady, long-term investment.

If you’d like more guidance about buying or managing an investment property in Clackamas County, we’re always happy to help.

At Campbell Salgado Real Estate Group, we love helping our clients explore the possibilities of real estate investment in Clackamas County.

At Campbell Salgado Real Estate Group, we help clients buy, sell, and invest with confidence across the Portland metro area — from historic Portland neighborhoods to growing communities in Clackamas and Washington counties. Whether you’re exploring your first rental property or planning your next move, we’re here to share honest guidance and local expertise every step of the way.

If you’re ready to find your next investment property or need advice on becoming a landlord, we’d love to help. Call or text us today at 503-951-8547 to start your journey!