Landlord Essentials for Renting in Washington County, Oregon

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Jun 12

Things to Know Before Becoming a Landlord in Beaverton, Hillsboro, or Tigard

If you’re thinking about becoming a landlord in Washington County, congratulations. Owning a rental here can be a smart long-term investment thanks to strong job growth, high demand for housing, and fewer local regulations than neighboring Multnomah County. But before you hand over the keys, it’s important to understand what makes this area unique for landlords—and how Oregon’s statewide rules still apply. Curious about renting your property in Portland, we’ve got a post about that here. →

Meet Ben and Marisa: A Real-Life Example

Ben and Marisa were ready to buy their first investment property after years of saving. They wanted something close to Portland but without the extra rental restrictions they’d heard about in the city. After exploring different suburbs, they landed on a newer duplex in Beaverton, where Intel, Nike, and other tech employers keep the rental market strong year-round.

The property checked all the boxes: stable tenants, good schools nearby, and modern systems that kept maintenance costs low. Still, before closing, they wanted to be sure they fully understood their rights and responsibilities as Washington County landlords.

Oregon State Law Still Leads the Way

No matter where you buy in Oregon, landlord-tenant relationships are governed by the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS 90). That means rules around notice periods, rent increases, security deposits, and habitability standards apply statewide.

Here are a few of the key points that matter most:

Notice to Terminate: For month-to-month tenants, landlords must give 90 days’ written notice for a no-cause termination. If you’ve owned the property less than a year, that drops to 30 days.
Rent Increases: Oregon caps rent increases at 7% plus inflation (roughly 10% in 2024). You must provide 90 days’ written notice.
Security Deposits: These must be handled carefully. Oregon law requires a written accounting within 31 days of move-out.

Where Washington County differs from Portland is in what it doesn’t add—there are no extra local rules like relocation assistance fees or city-specific tenant protections.

Why Washington County Is Considered More Landlord-Friendly

Unlike Portland’s city limits, most Washington County cities—Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Tualatin, and Forest Grove—stick closely to the statewide regulations. You won’t find relocation assistance requirements, rent-increase reporting, or mandatory rental registration here.

That simplicity gives landlords more flexibility, especially investors looking for:

Lower administrative costs (no relocation fees).
Streamlined lease renewals without extra local paperwork.
Faster timelines for improvements or changes in tenancy.

Ben and Marisa liked that predictability. They also discovered that newer properties in this area tend to draw long-term tenants—often professionals or families tied to major employers—who appreciate proximity to work and schools.

Tenant Screening and Fair Housing

Even though Washington 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.

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

Taxes, Insurance, and HOAs

While Washington County doesn’t have extra landlord licensing fees, you’ll still need to:

Report your rental income and expenses at tax time.
Carry landlord (dwelling) insurance—standard homeowner’s insurance won’t cover rental use.
Check HOA bylaws if you’re buying in a condo or townhome community. Some associations limit rentals or require advance notice.

Ben and Marisa learned that their HOA allowed long-term rentals but required a copy of the lease to be on file.

Why Washington County Works for Investors

Washington County has strong fundamentals for long-term rental success:

A growing population and robust job market.
High demand for quality rentals near major employers.
Lower property taxes than Portland’s core neighborhoods.
A smoother regulatory path for landlords.

Ben and Marisa’s duplex now provides consistent monthly income with minimal headaches—proof that choosing the right county can make a big difference for landlords.

Local Landlord Resources in Washington County

If you’re planning to rent out property in Washington County, there are several great resources to help you stay informed and supported. The county’s Landlord Resources page offers guidance, forms, and information on housing programs. The Landlord & Tenant Issues section is another helpful place to learn about mediation and fair housing support. For statewide laws and sample forms, visit Oregon’s Landlord-Tenant Resources.

On the city level, Beaverton’s Renters & Landlord Resources provides free workshops and mediation services, while Hillsboro’s Community Resources and Tigard’s Housing Support Resources connect landlords and tenants to local housing stability programs.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a landlord in Washington County is a relatively straightforward process, but it still pays to understand the details. The rules are simpler than Portland’s, yet the expectations around tenant fairness, maintenance, and communication remain high.

If you’re thinking about renting out a home or buying an investment property here, we’re happy to walk you through the numbers, the local rules, and what kind of properties perform best.

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!