Tenant Rights & Responsibilities

In this article:

Know Your Rights

Discrimination

It is illegal to turn away, discourage, or show any differential treatment in housing based on race, color, sex, family, status, religion, nation of origin, mental or physical disability, marital status or source of income, sexual orientation, or age.

Housing standards

The City of Eugene has established minimal housing standards in their rental housing code to maintain the health, property, and well-being of renters.

This includes:

  • Structural integrity
  • Safe and sanitary plumbing
  • Heating at a minimum of 68 degrees
  • Proper ventilation
  • Weatherproofing
  • Visible mold removal related to faulty weatherproofing or plumbing
  • Adequate security, including doors and windows that lock
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detection

Tenants have the right to report any health and safety violations to their landlord or local housing authorities and are protected from retaliation for doing so.

Rent increases

In Oregon, the law specifies that rent may only be increased once a year at a maximum increase of 7% plus inflation. Additionally, the landlord must provide notice at least 90 days prior to the effective date of the increase. This law protects tenants from sudden and unaffordable rent hikes.

Reasonable accommodations

Oregon’s Fair Housing Law gives renters the right to request reasonable accommodations from their landlords to accommodate a disability or other special needs. Once a disability is verified, it becomes the legal obligation of the landlord to provide reasonable accommodation or allow the tenant to make reasonable modifications to the rental property.

Unit entry

Under Oregon law, property owners must give tenants at least 24 hours' notice before entering their rental unit. This notice must provide the date, time, and reason for entry. Landlords may only enter the unit for legitimate purposes, such as making repairs or showing the unit to potential renters. If the landlord fails to comply with these requirements, tenants have the right to refuse entry.

Repairs

The property owner must make repairs without cost to the tenant on items directly related to the unit’s habitable condition unless the tenant is the cause of the problem.

Know Your Responsibilities

Duties of the tenant

In addition to the terms spelled out in the lease agreement, the tenant has an obligation to maintain the premises as part of the contractual understanding between property owner and tenant. Some of these obligations include:

  • Follow building and housing codes
  • Keep the unit safe and sanitary, properly disposing of any waste or garbage
  • Properly operate all plumbing and electric fixtures
  • Take proper care of any appliances that have been supplied by the landlord
  • Do not destroy or remove any part of the rental property
  • Be responsible for the actions of anyone you allow on the premises
  • Respect other neighbors' peace and quiet

Agreements made during the rental agreement process are binding.

Failure to comply with terms of a drug or alcohol-free housing agreement may result in eviction within a 48-hour notice from the property owner.

The landlord or property manager will not be responsible for damages inflicted by the tenant and may charge the tenant for damages incurred in their stay.

For support, contact City of Eugene Rental Housing Program, 541-682-8282.

For your safety:

  • Always lock the doors and windows of your home and vehicle
  • Never leave a garage door opener in your car
  • Never leave valuables, identification, or money in view
  • Never leave an extra key hidden outside your house
  • Only share your vacation plans with those who need to know
  • Making your home look occupied while you are away by leaving a light turned on or a car in the driveway.

Hosting a safe party:

  • Fraternity and Sorority Life students are required to register all social events.
  • Let your neighbors know ahead of time that you will be hosting.
  • If you choose to serve alcohol, ensure you are only serving to individuals above age 21.
  • Always cooperate with law enforcement to avoid a citation for an Unruly Gathering
  • If it gets out of control, call the non-emergency police at 541-682-5111.
  • Call 911 for emergency support if you believe someone has alcohol poisoning, or for any other emergency situations

The ordinance on unruly gatherings:

Eugene law holds people criminally responsible for hosting or allowing an unruly gathering (party). An unruly gathering is defined as a party or gathering where alcohol is served and where any two of the following occur:

  • Violation of state or City of Eugene laws relating to sale, service, possession, or consumption of alcoholic liquor (including minor in possession or serving alcohol to minors).
  • Disorderly conduct, noise disturbance, criminal mischief, public urination or defecation, littering, assault, menacing harassment, or intimidation.
  • Property owners will also be penalized if there are more than three occurrences in twelve months.
  • Violators will be issued citations up to $1,000 and will have to pay for police, fire, and emergency response, and repair costs for damage to public property.

Alcohol and marijuana Laws:

Underage individuals are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages, and it is illegal for anyone besides their parent or guardian to provide alcohol to them. Drinking alcohol on private property and possessing open containers in public are also against the law.

It is illegal to use marijuana in public, possess excessive amounts or visible homegrown marijuana or cannabinoid products, or use marijuana in a vehicle. Additionally, individuals under 21 years of age are not allowed to possess or attempt to buy marijuana products.

Your Neighbors and U Guide

The "Your Neighbors and U" guide provides resources and information for students living off-campus in the Eugene community. The guide covers topics such as tenant rights and responsibilities, noise and party ordinances, waste disposal, transportation options, and safety tips. It also includes contact information for various city services and organizations that students can turn to for help or support.

Learn More