How should Oregon landlords write a rental pet policy?

Short answer

An Oregon rental pet policy should clearly state what pets are allowed, any size or breed limits, deposit and fee structure, and rules of behavior, while making clear that service animals and assistance animals are not 'pets' and are not subject to pet deposits or fees.

When this comes up

New leases, renewals, and applications where the prospective tenant has a pet or animal.

Oregon rule or source to check

ORS 90.300 and ORS 90.302 (deposits and fees), fair-housing rules on assistance animals (federal and state), and lease pet addendum language.

Practical workflow

1. Decide the policy. Pets allowed? With limits? Document the answer for consistent application across applicants.
2. Use a written pet addendum. Spell out species, size, number, behavior expectations, and any pet deposit.
3. Handle deposits separately. Any refundable pet deposit must comply with ORS 90.300. Avoid non-refundable 'pet fees' that may not be allowed.
4. Carve out assistance animals. State clearly that service and assistance animals are not pets and are not subject to pet deposit or fees.
5. Apply consistently. Use the same criteria for all applicants to avoid discrimination concerns.

Common mistakes

Charging non-refundable pet fees that violate ORS 90.302, treating an assistance animal as a pet, and breed restrictions that conflict with fair housing or insurance policy.

Related forms or workflows

Pet addendum, separate pet deposit accounting, written assistance animal accommodation log.

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