Do Landlords In Oregon Have To Provide A Refrigerator In The Rental Unit?

One of the most common questions that we are often asked by tenants during the year is if a landlord is legally required to provide a refrigerator in their rental property?

The answer to this question is no. Landlords in Oregon are not legally required to provide a refrigerator in their rental units.

Landlords are also not required to provide other appliances like washers/dryers, microwaves, or stoves but many tenants typically find that their rental properties have some, or all, common appliances.

Why Some Landlords Will Provide Refrigerators

Even though some landlords may balk at the idea of providing a refrigerator in their rental units, the reality is that most owners will choose to offer a fridge and other appliances in their properties.

Offering a fridge in the rental unit helps the tenant to have less to do when they move in, and this also makes it easy as possible for the tenant to get established in their new rental property.

With most used refrigerators costing under $500 these days, it makes sense for an Oregon landlord to offer a fridge in their rental unit, especially if it will mean the difference between a tenant staying longer in their rental property or not.

When the Refrigerator is Part of the Agreement

It is often assumed that the refrigerator should be maintained and repaired by the landlord because it is a part of the house. Most people would view the refrigerator as integral to the functionality of a house as a ceiling fan, garbage disposal, or doorbell.

If that were the case (and it sometimes is), it would mean that the responsibility of replacing a fridge would fall onto the landlord’s lap. Refrigerators are not always considered to be a part of the rental from a legal standpoint, however.

Get it in Writing

For the refrigerator to be included in the list of features of a home that should the landlord is responsible for, it needs to be viewed as part of the agreement (in writing).

Contact Rent Portland Homes – Professionals

For more property management tips, or to speak with us about property management for your rental property, contact us today by calling (503) 447-7735 or click here.