Oregon · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Oregon security deposit law

In Oregon, your landlord has 31 days to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

In Oregon, the deposit limit is: No statewide limit on the amount. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 31 days after the tenancy ends and you move out, the landlord must return your deposit (and any unused prepaid rent), or give you a written accounting of what is kept and return the rest.

deposit limit: No statewide limit
to return a deposit: 31 days
deposit penalty: Up to 2× (bad faith)

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Oregon: Give your forwarding address in writing.
Wait for the deadline: Within 31 days after the tenancy ends and you move out, the landlord must return your deposit (and any unused prepaid rent), or give you a written accounting of what is kept and return the rest.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000. Small claims court in Oregon on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Oregon

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Oregon

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

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Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Oregon

Limit: No statewide limit on the amount. The landlord must give you a receipt and list the deposit in a written lease. During the first year, the landlord can't make you pay a new or bigger deposit (except an agreed pet deposit). After the first year, you get at least 3 months to pay a new or bigger deposit. No pet deposit for a service or assistance animal.
Deadline to return it: Within 31 days after the tenancy ends and you move out, the landlord must return your deposit (and any unused prepaid rent), or give you a written accounting of what is kept and return the rest. It must be delivered in person, by first-class mail, or by email if you agreed. Give your forwarding address in writing.
Itemized list: To keep any part, the landlord must give a written accounting within 31 days stating the specific basis for each claim, with separate accountings for the deposit and for prepaid rent. Labor must be charged at a reasonable hourly rate. Receipts are not required by the law.
What may be deducted: Only what is reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent and other lease defaults, and to repair damage you caused beyond ordinary wear and tear. Machine carpet cleaning only if the carpet was cleaned before you moved in and the written lease says so. The landlord can't keep the deposit because you didn't stay a minimum number of months in a month-to-month tenancy. A last month's rent deposit must be used for the last month's rent.
Interest: No statute requires interest.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: Twice the amount withheld without a written accounting, or withheld in bad faith.
Law: ORS 90.300

Small claims court in Oregon

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $10,000.

How to file in Oregon

More for Oregon renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026