What a landlord cannot do in Oregon

What a landlord cannot do in Oregon – Learn More Here

jeremy raglin Portland Rental News and Tips June 14, 2021 | 0

There’s no doubt that owning rental property is an excellent way to build wealth while establishing passive income but when it comes to being a owner landlord, there are a variety of things that an owner can and cannot do.

In this article we will offer you some tips on what a landlord cannot do so that regardless if you plan on investing in your first rental property in Portland Oregon, or if you’ve been an investor for a while, you will have the framework that you need as a land lord to move forward.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that a Landlord does have the right to refuse to rent out their property to certain people, but the guidelines are stringent. According to the Fair Housing Act, a land-lord cannot reject your application based on any of the following:

Sex
Religious Affiliation
Race
National Origin
Familial Status
Disabilities or Handicaps

Also, in some states like California, landlords cannot refuse to rent to a potential tenant simply because they don’t want to. This would be considered arbitrary discrimination and is also illegal.

However, there are certain situations where a landlording professional does maintain the right to refuse an application. You will find these listed below.

What a Landlord Can Do

Having pets where pets are not allowed
Potential tenants who have a criminal history
Refusal to submit a background check where one is otherwise required
A poor credit history
Bankruptcy issues
Poor referrals or references
Evidence of a drug habit
Too many people for the unit/property
A poor history with previous rentals or damage of a previous property
Refusing to abide by the conditions mentioned in the lease
Falsified information

Landlords can only screen applicants based on their rental history, credit score, background, and income.

If you have already signed a lease agreement, don’t be fooled into thinking that your landlord can now get away with whatever they want. The most common question is often, “can landlords do random inspections?”. Even though you are renting, you have the right to privacy, so oftentimes people wonder if their landlord can enter their home without permission. In short, the answer is no. Your landlord must inform you beforehand, in writing, if they need to enter the property, except in the case of an emergency. Tenants have the right to privacy, but landlords also reserve the right to enter the rental property under the approved conditions. These are usually stipulated in your leasing agreement. However, if a landlord tries to come into your home without advanced written notice, say for a “random inspection,” the tenant has every right to refuse entry.

Other Illegal Landlord Actions include:

A landlord cannot prevent a tenant from entering the rental property.
A landlord cannot evict a tenant without an adequately obtained eviction notice and sufficient time.
A landlord cannot retaliate against a tenant for a complaint.
A landlord cannot forego completing necessary repairs or force a tenant to do their own repairs.
A landlord cannot forego disclosing certain conditions of the property, such as the presence of lead-based paints.
A landlord cannot ask invasive or unnecessary questions.
A landlord cannot violate the rights of any tenants considered to be a protected class (this would include refusing service animals to tenants with disabilities).
A landlord cannot remove a tenant’s personal belongings.

A landlord must also provide a habitable environment for the tenant (warrant of habitability law).

The Right To Quiet Enjoyment

According to the law, all legal tenants possess what is known as the “Right To Quiet Enjoyment.” This, by definition, means “A property owner or tenant’s right to possess and use his or her property without disturbance, including by a person with the superior title. A disturbance of an owner or tenant’s possession or use may constitute a nuisance. A deed or lease may include a covenant of quiet enjoyment to insure an owner or tenant against a disturbance.”

This law gives you the right to live in a rental property peacefully and without disturbance. Your right to quiet enjoyment may be violated if, for example, your landlord frequently makes unnecessary and unannounced visits to the property, or your landlord harasses you on the phone or in person.

How To Get Your Landlord Into Trouble

If you feel like any of your rights as a tenant have been violated by your landlord, there are ways to take legal action against them. You should never feel that, as a tenant, you do not have the right to live peacefully and undisturbed in your rental residence. Just because the landlord owns or is in charge of the property, it doesn’t mean that they can do whatever they like. And if they do something illegal, you can certainly take action and get your landlord in trouble.

The first thing you should do is review the terms of your lease and make notes of any actions your landlord has taken that you think might be illegal or violate your rights. It’s essential to have as much detail as possible if you intend to sue or take legal action against your landlord. Some common reasons people choose to take their landlords to court include refusal to return a security deposit, refusing repair requests, entering the property without proper notice and violation of the Fair Housing Act.

Consider whether or not it’s worth suing your landlord before taking action. Often, the threat of being taken to court may be enough to get them to fix that annoying leaky faucet. Remember, suing someone is time-consuming, and if you lose, paying court costs can be expensive. It’s best to exhaust all other options before deciding to take legal action.

If you do decide to go ahead and sue, you should first check the procedure for your state. The next step is to file a complaint at the county courthouse and then wait for your landlord to respond. If you go to court, make sure that you have all the necessary paperwork and a detailed account of what you are suing them for. Remember, your landlord can file a counter-complaint, so be prepared to defend yourself thoroughly. It is best to consult a real estate attorney if you decide to pursue this option.

Ultimately, having a difficult landlord can make your life a living hell. If things are miserable, always remember that there are options available to you. If you keep track of abuses of power and negligence, you can get the problem fixed. Or, the worst-case scenario is you have to relocate or wait until your lease is up to find a new place. As a tenant, you have the right to live peacefully, so if you feel like you are being treated unfairly, make sure you speak up.