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Oregon
Security Deposit
An Oregon landlord can
make you pay a deposit for pets, cleaning, keys and
security. You can try to work out the amount with the
landlord. Some landlords may let you make several
payments on the deposit instead of paying it all at
once.
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If you paid a
"refundable deposit," the landlord must
return the deposit when you move out if you leave the
place in good repair, pay the rent, and return the
keys. The landlord does not have to return your
deposit if it was clearly marked as a
"nonrefundable fee" when you paid it. When
you pay the deposit, ask for a receipt that shows you
paid a "refundable deposit." Check the
receipt, rental advertisement, cancelled check and
other writing you may have to see whether the deposit
was clearly labeled as a "nonrefundable
fee."
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Interest payments on a security
deposit
In most
cases, Oregon Landlords do not have to pay
interest on your deposit.
Failure
to Return Deposit in Oregon
Within 30 days after
you move and return your keys, the landlord must
either return all of your deposit or tell you in
writing why all of it is not being refunded. Read your
rental agreement to find out how the landlord may use
the deposit money.
If the landlord does
not return the right amount of your money, or does not
give you a written explanation, you may sue asking for
twice the amount wrongfully withheld. If the landlord
refunds only part of the deposit, you can cash the
check and still sue the landlord if you think you are
owed more money. But you should be ready to defend
yourself against a possible counterclaim by the
landlord for property damages.
Read Rentlaw.com's Normal
Wear and Tear Guide for information on what to do when moving out to
improve your chances of getting your deposit back.
ORS90.300
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