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Housing assistance in Oregon

Oregon has a statewide cap on annual rent increases for most housing more than 15 years old, set each year by the Department of Administrative Services. Energy bill help (LIHEAP and the Oregon Energy Assistance Program) is funded through Oregon Housing and Community Services but handed out by local Community Action Agencies. Public housing and vouchers come from local agencies such as Home Forward (Portland) and Homes for Good (Lane County).

Last checked Sources

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Home ForwardPortlandPublic housing agencyHomes for Good Housing AgencyEugene (Lane County)Public housing agency Oregon Housing and Community ServicesStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in OregonHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Oregon

Energy and utility bills

Free legal help

  • Oregon Law Help Oregon State Bar

    Statewide site with civil legal information written by Oregon attorneys, and a directory of free or low-cost legal help and legal aid offices by county.

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Oregon

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statutory maximum amount. A landlord may not require a new or larger deposit during the first year of a tenancy, except for an agreed change such as adding a pet. Pet deposits may not be charged for assistance animals.

ORS 90.300

Deposit return deadline

Within 31 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant gives up possession, the landlord must give a written accounting of any claim against the deposit and return the unclaimed balance.

ORS 90.300(12)-(13)

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

For month-to-month and most other tenancies, the landlord must give either 10 days' written notice (served no sooner than the 8th day of the rental period) or 13 days' notice (served no sooner than the 5th day). Week-to-week tenancies get 72 hours' notice. The notice must state the amount owed and the deadline to pay, and a rental-assistance notice is also required (ORS 90.395).

ORS 90.394

Landlord entry notice

Except in emergencies or other listed situations, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' actual notice and enter only at reasonable times. The tenant may deny consent after receiving notice.

ORS 90.322(1)(f)

Rent increases and rent control

Statewide cap: for tenancies covered by ORS 90.323, the maximum increase for calendar year 2026 is 9.5%; DAS has set 10% for 2027. No increases in the first year, only one per 12 months, and 90 days' written notice is required. Units first occupied less than 15 years ago and some regulated affordable housing are exempt.

ORS 90.323, 90.324

If the landlord won’t make repairs

For a minor habitability defect costing $300 or less, such as leaky plumbing or a stopped toilet, the tenant may give written notice with a repair date at least 7 days out. If the landlord doesn't fix it, the tenant may have it professionally repaired and deduct up to $300 from rent. This does not cover mold, radon, asbestos or lead paint.

ORS 90.368

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Oregon

More local contacts: HUD’s Oregon resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. ORS Chapter 90 (Residential Landlord and Tenant)Oregon State Legislature
  2. DAS Publishes Annual Maximum Rent Increase for 2027 (Sept. 28, 2026)Oregon Department of Administrative Services
  3. Utility Bill Payment AssistanceOregon Housing and Community Services
  4. Oregon Law HelpOregon State Bar
  5. Home ForwardHome Forward
  6. Homes for Good Housing AgencyHomes for Good
  7. Rent Stabilization (2026 maximum rent increase)Oregon Department of Administrative Services, Office of Economic Analysis