What are the Oregon screening fee rules?

Short answer

Under ORS 90.295, an Oregon landlord may charge an applicant a screening fee only up to the actual average cost of obtaining the screening report, plus reasonable handling. The landlord must give the applicant a written notice of the screening criteria and a receipt, and refund the fee if no screening is performed.

When this comes up

Setting up an application packet, charging applicants, and answering applicant questions about fees.

Oregon rule or source to check

ORS 90.295 is the controlling statute. Portland and other cities may have additional limits.

Practical workflow

1. Calculate the actual cost. Document what your screening vendor charges and any reasonable handling component.
2. Prepare the disclosure. Provide written screening criteria and the screening fee disclosure to applicants before charging.
3. Issue a receipt. Give the applicant a written receipt for the fee.
4. Refund when required. If no screening is performed, refund the fee per ORS 90.295.
5. Track local overlays. Confirm whether the property is in a city with stricter rules (for example, Portland) and adjust accordingly.

Common mistakes

Charging a round-number fee unconnected to actual cost, skipping the written criteria disclosure, and not issuing a receipt.

Related forms or workflows

Screening criteria document, screening fee disclosure, fee receipt, refund log.

Ask Propsistant

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Related Oregon resources

Propsistant provides educational information and workflow guidance. It is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

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