Landlord Essentials for Renting in Portland Oregon
Things to Know When Becoming a Landlord in Multnomah County
So, you’re thinking about becoming a landlord in Multnomah County—congratulations! Owning a rental property can be a great investment and a way to create passive income. But before you dive in, it’s important to understand the rules, rights, and responsibilities that come with being a landlord in this tenant-friendly county.
Tenant Rights in Multnomah County
Oregon has some of the strongest tenant protections in the country, and Multnomah County takes things a step further. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Tenant Rights Start Immediately: Once a tenant moves in, they are protected under Oregon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This includes the right to habitable housing, a fair application process, and proper notice for things like rent increases or lease terminations.
Notice Periods: For month-to-month tenants, landlords must give 90 days’ notice for a no-cause termination. If you’ve owned the property for less than one year, that notice period drops to 30 days.
Let me share a story about one of our clients, Sarah, who decided to rent out her charming Craftsman home in Portland’s Woodstock neighborhood. Initially, everything went smoothly—Sarah was excited about becoming a landlord and had happy tenants settling in. A few months later, however, she decided she wanted her family member to move into the house, assuming it would be a straightforward transition. That’s when she hit a roadblock: Multnomah County’s regulations.
Sarah learned that relocating tenants to make room for a family member requires specific steps and notice periods under Oregon’s tenant protection laws. Additionally, in some cases, landlords may even be required to pay relocation assistance. Sarah hadn’t accounted for these requirements, and the process became more complicated than she anticipated.
We pointed Sarah to resources like the Rental Services Office and educational workshops to help her better understand her responsibilities to her tenants. With these tools, she gained clarity on her rights and obligations and was able to navigate the situation with confidence. This experience was an eye-opener for Sarah and a good reminder for anyone becoming a landlord in Multnomah County. Understanding your responsibilities and the rules governing tenant rights is crucial, especially in situations like this. Here’s what she (and you!) should know before handing over the keys.
Relocation Assistance
One of the biggest surprises for Sarah was learning about Portland’s relocation assistance ordinance. If you’re a landlord within the City of Portland (which includes much of Multnomah County), you may be required to pay relocation assistance if:
You terminate a lease without cause.
You issue a rent increase of more than 10% within a 12-month period, and the tenant chooses to leave.
Relocation assistance can range from $2,900 to $4,500 depending on the size of the rental. For Sarah, this meant planning ahead financially in case her tenants decided to move out after a rent adjustment.
Screening Tenants
Portland has strict screening criteria to ensure equity in the rental process. You’ll need to follow fair housing laws and provide applicants with your screening criteria upfront. This includes:
Setting income requirements (typically no more than 2x to 2.5x the rent).
Offering an “open application period” to ensure all potential tenants have equal opportunity to apply.
Maintaining the Property
As a landlord, you’re responsible for keeping the property safe and habitable. This includes addressing repairs promptly and ensuring things like plumbing, electrical, and heating systems are in good working order.
Taxes and Permits
Don’t forget to register your rental property with the City of Portland if applicable. You’ll also want to keep track of your rental income and expenses for tax purposes—working with a CPA can be a lifesaver here.
Final Thoughts
Sarah learned a lot during her first year as a landlord, and she’s now thriving. Her tenants are happy, her property is well-maintained, and she feels confident navigating Multnomah County’s rental laws. Becoming a landlord is rewarding, but it’s also a big responsibility. Taking the time to understand your obligations upfront will save you headaches—and dollars—down the road.
To make your journey smoother, consider taking advantage of free classes funded by the Rental Services Office. They partner with community organizations and housing educators to offer educational sessions on landlord-tenant law and other key topics. Additionally, joining the Rental Housing Alliance of Oregon gives you access to Oregon Landlord Tenant Forms, advocacy, and ongoing education.
Let us know if you’d like additional insights or guidance tailored to your situation! (Buttons below will help you access these valuable resources.)
Kim Campbell & Francisco Salgado
At Campbell Salgado Real Estate Group, we love helping our clients explore the possibilities of real estate investment.
Whether you’re a first-time landlord or a seasoned investor, finding the right property is key to your success. We even have personal experience in this area, with a short-term rental unit of our own, so we understand the ins and outs of managing rental properties firsthand.
If you’re ready to find your next investment property or need advice on becoming a landlord, we’d love to help. Call us today at 503-951-8547 or visit campbellsalgadorealtors.com to start your journey!
