Landlord Essentials for Renting in Portland Oregon
Things to Know Before 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 steady source of income. But before you get started, it’s important to understand the rules, rights, and responsibilities that come with being a landlord in one of Oregon’s most tenant-friendly areas.
► Tenant Rights in Multnomah County
Oregon has some of the strongest tenant protections in the nation, and Multnomah County adds a few more layers. Here’s what you should know from the start:
Tenant rights begin immediately. Once a tenant moves in, they’re covered under Oregon’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. That means the right to a safe and habitable home, a fair application process, and proper notice for rent increases or terminations.
Notice periods matter. 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 a year, the notice period drops to 30 days.
Sarah’s Story
One of our clients, Sarah, decided to rent out her Craftsman home in Portland’s Woodstock neighborhood. Everything went smoothly at first—happy tenants, no major repairs, steady rent payments. A few months later, though, she decided she wanted a family member to move into the home.
That’s when she ran into a surprise: Multnomah County’s relocation and notice rules.
Under local law, even if a landlord wants to move a family member in, specific notice periods and paperwork are required. In some cases, landlords must also pay relocation assistance.
We connected Sarah with the Rental Services Office and a few great educational workshops. Once she learned the proper steps, she was able to move forward legally and confidently. It was a good reminder that Portland-area landlords have extra rules to navigate—and it’s always best to know them upfront.
Relocation Assistance
If your property is within the City of Portland, relocation assistance may apply. This means you could owe tenants a payment if:
You terminate a lease without cause.
You raise rent more than 10% in a year and the tenant chooses to move out.
Depending on the size of the rental, relocation assistance ranges from about $2,900 to $4,500.
When Relocation Assistance Doesn’t Apply
There are a few exceptions, but you must follow the correct process to qualify. According to Portland City Code § 30.01.085, you may be exempt if:
You rent week-to-week.
You live on the property (for example, a duplex or ADU situation).
You’re temporarily renting your primary residence (up to three years or during military service).
You notify tenants in writing before move-in that the home will be sold, converted, or not renewed.
You own affordable housing or a short-term rental under a valid demolition permit.
You or an immediate family member are moving in within 60 days and will live there for at least a year.
Important: Most exemptions require filing a Relocation Exemption Application (REA) with the Portland Housing Bureau before ending a lease. If you skip this paperwork, you could still owe relocation payments even if you technically qualify.
► Note for Landlords in Other Multnomah County Cities
If your rental is located in Gresham, Fairview, Troutdale, or Wood Village, you’re still under Multnomah County and Oregon state laws, but the City of Portland’s relocation assistance rules do not apply. These cities generally follow Oregon’s statewide rental laws, which cover notice periods, rent increases, and tenant protections. Still, it’s worth checking with your local housing department, since smaller cities sometimes add their own requirements.
Understanding Rent Increase Rules
Oregon limits rent increases to 7% plus inflation (about 10% for 2024). You also must give tenants 90 days’ written notice before raising rent.
Missing that notice can make the increase invalid and may lead to penalties, so it’s best to plan well in advance.
Screening Tenants
Portland’s screening rules are designed for fairness and transparency. You’ll need to:
Share your screening criteria with applicants before accepting applications.
Open an application window so everyone has equal opportunity to apply.
Set income requirements that are realistic—typically 2x to 2.5x the rent—and applied consistently.
Maintaining the Property
As a landlord, you’re responsible for providing safe, habitable housing. That includes addressing repairs promptly and keeping electrical, plumbing, and heating systems in working order.
Taxes and Permits
If your rental is in the City of Portland, you may need to register it. Also, track your rental income and expenses for tax season—having a CPA who understands Oregon rental law is worth it.
Landlord Insurance: A Must-Have
Standard homeowner’s insurance won’t cover rental situations. You’ll need a landlord policy (also called a “dwelling policy”) that covers structure, liability, and potential lost rental income.
If you own a condo or townhome, check with the HOA to see what’s covered under their master policy and fill any coverage gaps.
Know Your HOA Rules
If your rental sits within an HOA, double-check their regulations before listing. Some limit the number of rentals, require notification before leasing, or enforce lease-length minimums. These rules can change, so staying informed helps you avoid unexpected fines.
Final Thoughts
Sarah’s journey had a few bumps, but it ultimately led to success. Her tenants are happy, her home is well cared for, and she understands her role as a landlord.
Becoming a landlord in Portland can be rewarding—but it also takes preparation and attention to detail. Understanding your obligations upfront will save you time, stress, and money later.
Resources for Portland Landlords
To make your journey smoother, take advantage of these resources:
Free classes through the Rental Services Office offer guidance on landlord-tenant law and best practices.
The Rental Housing Alliance of Oregon provides access to landlord forms, education, and advocacy.
If you’d like help evaluating whether renting your home makes sense for your goals—or guidance connecting with these resources—reach out anytime.
(Buttons below will take you directly to each resource.)
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 or text us today at 503-951-8547 to start your journey!
