Note: In some of the answer sections of this booklet you will see references to ORS, which stands for Oregon Revised Statutes. For example, ORS 90.110. These references are to some of Oregon's landlord-tenant laws. These statutes can be found in most libraries as a part of a sixteen-volume set. You do not need to read these laws to use this booklet.
4. Can a landlord evict me, refuse to rent to me, or treat me differently because of my sex, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, physical handicap, mental handicap, because I have a guide dog, or because of my source of income?
Not legally. If you think that the landlord is treating you differently because you fit into one of these categories, contact a lawyer (see the Resource Section at the back of this booklet), the Fair Housing Council of Oregon (1-800-424-3247 or 223-8295, in Portland), or the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD - 1-800-877-0246).
There is one exception to the general rule stated above: a landlord can discriminate based on sex when the landlord rents a space in the landlord's own residence and all occupants share some common space within the residence.
It is not legal to refuse to rent to a blind or deaf person because the person has an animal needed to help this person. Landlords cannot charge additional rent or fees for a hearing or guide dog. (ORS 90.390)
State law also prohibits discrimination because of a tenant's source of income (for example, welfare).But, state law does not clearly say that a landlord is prohibited from discriminating against people with Section 8 certificates or vouchers.
5. Does a Landlord have to make a unit accessible if I have a disability?
If you live in federally-subsidized housing (See Question 10), the landlord has to permit and pay for changes to the unit to reasonably accommodate your disability, unless it would be impracticable.
Examples: Assign you a parking space near the door, install a ramp, change a rule.
Private landlords, as a general rule, must permit you to make changes to the unit to reasonably accommodate your disability, but are not required to pay.
Contact the Fair Housing Counsel at the number listed in Question 4 if you have questions about reasonable accommodations in rental units.
6. Can a landlord refuse to rent to me or treat me differently because I have children?
A landlord may not refuse to rent to you, evict you or treat you differently because you have children. There are exceptions for certain federally subsidized projects, for projects where all of the tenants are over 62, for projects where 80% of the tenants are over 55, and when the landlord rents space in the landlord's own residence if all occupants share some common space within the residence. In all other cases, if your landlord is discriminating against you because you have children, you should contact a lawyer (see Resources Section at the back of this booklet), or the organizations listed under Question 4, above.
7. Can a landlord rent to me if I am younger than 18?
Yes. A state statute says that, if you are at least 16 years old or if you are pregnant with a child who will live with you, you can enter into rental agreements and be held responsible for paying rent and utilities. Minors who are younger than 16 or who are not pregnant can also sign a binding rental agreement under some circumstances. Under state law it may be legal for landlords to refuse to rent to you because of your age. The law for housing is different than for other issues such as employment. Some city ordinances make it illegal to discriminate against a person because of his or her age. (ORS 105.168)