What does Oregon SB 1523 (2026) change?
It's an omnibus update to ORS Chapter 90 - refreshed definitions, clarified noncompliance fee rules (with a $250 cap on repeat fees in listed categories), and conforming amendments across the chapter.
Oregon SB 1523 (2026): Updates to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Short answer
Oregon SB 1523 (2026) is an omnibus update to ORS Chapter 90. It refreshes core definitions (including 'applicant screening charge,' 'security deposit,' and 'month-to-month tenancy'), clarifies how landlords may charge noncompliance fees (capped at $250 for a second or subsequent violation in listed categories such as smoking or improper vehicle use), and makes conforming amendments across the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
What SB 1523 changes
SB 1523 touches multiple sections of ORS Chapter 90. The bill updates statutory definitions, conforms terminology across the chapter, and modernizes rules around landlord-imposed fees for specific categories of tenant noncompliance.
Refreshed definitions to know
Updated or restated terms include applicant screening charge (any pre-rental payment to cover application processing), security deposit (a refundable payment held against future obligations), and month-to-month tenancy (a tenancy that automatically renews on the same terms). Confirm internal templates and addenda use the current statutory language.
Noncompliance fee cap - $250
SB 1523 retains and clarifies the framework for fees for specific repeat conduct, including smoking in a designated nonsmoking unit or area and improper use of vehicles within the premises. For a second or subsequent noncompliance, the fee may not exceed $250, and must be tied to a written rental-agreement provision delivered to the tenant.
Habitability and essential-services language
The bill restates several habitability elements - including obligations tied to ORS 90.730 (manufactured-dwelling parks) - and reinforces that failures creating a serious threat to a tenant's health, safety, or property remain treated as essential-services or habitability violations.
What landlords should do now
Re-check lease templates, fee schedules, screening notices, and house rules for outdated terminology or fee caps exceeding what SB 1523 allows. Update property-management software fee codes so noncompliance fees do not auto-charge above statutory limits.
Effective date and where to read the text
SB 1523 was enrolled in the 2026 Regular Session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly. The bill includes applicability provisions for rental agreements entered into before, on, or after the effective date for certain sections - read the enrolled text to see which sections apply to existing tenancies.
Frequently asked
Does SB 1523 cap noncompliance fees?
Yes - for listed repeat-noncompliance categories such as smoking in a nonsmoking area or improper vehicle use, a second or subsequent fee may not exceed $250.
Do landlords have to update existing leases?
Some sections apply to existing tenancies; others apply only to new agreements. Confirm against the enrolled text before relying on a single template change.
Does SB 1523 change rent-increase rules?
SB 1523 is an omnibus update; for rent-increase-specific rules, also review ORS 90.323 and 90.600 and the latest annual rent-cap calculation.
When is SB 1523 effective?
Per the 2026 Regular Session enrolled text - confirm the operative date on the Oregon Legislature's bill page.
Source references
- Oregon SB 1523 (2026 Regular Session)
- ORS Chapter 90 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)
- ORS 90.295 (applicant screening charge)
- ORS 90.302 (fees)
- ORS 90.320 (habitability)
- ORS 90.730 (manufactured-dwelling parks)
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Propsistant provides general landlord-tenant information from selected statutes and official sources. It is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and is not a substitute for a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.