Oregon security deposit law
The state rules a landlord in Oregon has to follow for a residential security deposit, from ORS 90.300.
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory limit.
- Deadline to return it
- 31 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant delivers possession.
- Itemized deductions
- Separate written accounting for the deposit and for prepaid rent, stating the specific basis of each claim.
- Interest on the deposit
- Not required by state law.
- Penalty for wrongful withholding
- Tenant may recover twice the amount withheld without a written accounting or withheld in bad faith.
Before you keep any part of a deposit
- Compare the unit with the move-in inspection and photos. Normal wear and tear is generally not chargeable.
- Keep receipts or written estimates for every deduction.
- Send the return or the itemized list within the deadline above, to the tenant's forwarding address, and keep proof of mailing.
Working out the last month's rent? The prorated rent calculator does the partial-month math.
Source
Verification status: verified summary. Research date: November 5, 2026. Statute: ORS 90.300. Source: www.oregonlegislature.gov.
General information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add stricter rules, and laws change. Check the current statute or a local attorney before you act.
Other states: Oklahoma · Pennsylvania · all states
Last updated November 5, 2026.