What are Oregon's rental application rules?

Short answer

Oregon landlords must use written screening criteria, apply them consistently, and follow ORS 90.295 and ORS 90.303 on application screening, including limits on credit and criminal history use. Adverse-action requirements may also apply when screening data is used to deny an applicant.

When this comes up

Setting up an application packet, screening prospective tenants, and handling denials.

Oregon rule or source to check

ORS 90.295 (screening charge), ORS 90.303 (use of criminal/credit history), and any city-specific rules (e.g., Portland FAIR Ordinance).

Practical workflow

1. 1. Write screening criteria. Publish criteria covering income, credit, rental history, and any criminal-history rules consistent with ORS 90.303.
2. 2. Use a single, consistent application. Apply the same form and questions to every applicant; avoid ad-hoc requests.
3. 3. Handle screening fees correctly. Charge no more than the actual cost of screening as allowed by ORS 90.295, and provide the required disclosures.
4. 4. Document approvals and denials. Keep a screening file for each applicant with criteria applied and the reason for any denial.
5. 5. Send adverse-action notices. If a consumer report contributes to a denial, send the required FCRA adverse-action notice.

Common mistakes

Asking different questions of different applicants, charging screening fees over actual cost, and skipping adverse-action notices.

Related forms or workflows

Written screening criteria, application form, screening fee disclosure, adverse-action notice.

Related questions

• Oregon screening fee rules
• Oregon move-in checklist
• Forms needed for a new Oregon tenant
• Oregon lease packet checklist

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Related Oregon resources

• Oregon Landlord-Tenant Resource Center
• Oregon lease packet checklist
• Oregon Landlord-Tenant Law Hub