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Deposits

Security deposit law in Oregon

Oregon's cap, return deadline, itemization rule, and wrongful-withholding penalty, with the controlling statute linked.

4 min read

Short answer

Oregon sets no statutory limit on the security deposit a landlord may collect, and the deposit must be returned within 31 days. Wrongful withholding exposure is up to 2x wrongfully withheld. The controlling text is Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300, verified July 2026; confirm the current statute before acting, since legislatures amend deposit law and cities layer stricter rules on top.

No statutory limit. The return rule is 31 days. The controlling text is Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300.

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Oregon's return deadline

31 days.

You have 31 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit or deliver a written accounting of any deductions with the balance.

The itemized statement rule

A written accounting that describes each deduction is required within 31 days, and you may not deduct for ordinary wear. A missing or late accounting exposes the withheld amount.

Account and interest rules

Oregon sets no separate-account or interest requirement. Hold the deposit apart from operating cash regardless, and note that some cities add their own rules.

Exposure for wrongful withholding

Up to 2x wrongfully withheld.

A landlord who fails to account within 31 days or wrongfully withholds is liable for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. The written accounting on time is the discipline that keeps a deduction defensible.

Oregon has no statutory deposit maximum

No statutory limit.

Compare Oregon with neighboring states

  • Washington: no statutory limit; return rule: 30 days.
  • Idaho: no statutory limit; return rule: 21 days.
  • Nevada: three months' rent; return rule: 30 days.
  • California: one month's rent; return rule: 21 days.

Verified against Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300 and official state sources in July 2026. Before withholding money, check the current statute text or ask a local landlord-tenant attorney. General information, not legal advice.

Questions landlords actually ask

Does Oregon cap residential security deposits?
No statutory limit
What is the security deposit return deadline in Oregon?
31 days. You have 31 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit or deliver a written accounting of any deductions with the balance.
What itemization does Oregon require?
A written accounting that describes each deduction is required within 31 days, and you may not deduct for ordinary wear. A missing or late accounting exposes the withheld amount.
What is the wrongful-withholding exposure in Oregon?
Up to 2x wrongfully withheld. A landlord who fails to account within 31 days or wrongfully withholds is liable for up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. The written accounting on time is the discipline that keeps a deduction defensible.