Oregon’s rent control laws have evolved in recent years to address housing affordability and protect tenants from excessive rent hikes. With the 2025 rent increase cap now set, it’s important for renters to understand their rights, the limits on rent increases, and what to expect from their landlords in the coming year.
2025 Maximum Rent Increase: 10%
For the 2025 calendar year, the maximum allowable rent increase for most residential rental units in Oregon is 10.0%. This cap applies to rental units that are at least 15 years old. The cap is calculated as 7% plus the annual average change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the West Region, but cannot exceed 10% by law.
Key points:
- The 10% cap applies to most apartments and rental homes built 15 years ago or earlier.
- Newly constructed units (less than 15 years old) and government-subsidized housing are exempt from this rent control cap.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
Landlords must provide proper written notice before increasing rent:
- 90 days’ written notice is required for most rent increases.
- For week-to-week renters, the minimum notice is 7 days.
- No rent increase is allowed during the first year of tenancy.
The notice must clearly state:
- The amount of the rent increase
- The new total rent
- The effective date of the increase
Frequency and Limitations
- Only one rent increase is allowed in any 12-month period for a given tenancy
- If a landlord increases rent above the legal cap, tenants may be entitled to damages of up to three months’ rent plus actual damages.
Exemptions and Special Cases
-
Units less than 15 years old: The rent cap does not apply; landlords can raise rent by any amount.
-
Government-subsidized housing: Different rules may apply; check with your local housing authority or legal aid.
What If Your Rent Increase Exceeds the Cap?
If your landlord tries to raise your rent above the 10% cap (and your unit isn’t exempt), you can:
- Notify your landlord that the increase is not legal
- Seek legal assistance or contact tenant advocacy organizations
- File a complaint or take legal action, which may result in compensation
Summary Table
| Rule/Requirement | 2025 Law for Most Rentals |
|---|---|
| Maximum annual rent increase | 10.0% |
| Applies to units | 15+ years old |
| Exemptions | <15-year-old units, subsidized housing |
| Notice required | 90 days (written) |
| Rent increases per year | 1 |
| First-year rent increase | Not allowed |
Oregon tenants in 2025 are protected by a statewide rent increase cap of 10% for most older rental units. Landlords must provide 90 days’ notice and can only raise rent once per year. If you believe your landlord is violating these rules, seek legal advice or contact a tenant rights organization to ensure your rights are upheld.
Sources:
- https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/DAS/Posts/Post/das-publishes-annual-maximum-rent-increase-for-2025
- https://rentpost.com/resources/article/raise-rent-laws-in-oregon/
- https://www.uptownpm.com/blog/oregon-rent-control-laws-what-landlords-need-to-know-in-2025
- https://portlandrentalhomes.com/housing-laws-2025-what-portland-landlords-should-know/