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Rental Property Rules

How Gresham Handles Rental Property Rules: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Gresham maintains 113 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Gresham falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Repairs & Habitability

Gresham landlords must supply heat maintaining at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit in every habitable room of a rental year-round, under the city's Property Maintenance Code.

Key details: Minimum temp: 68°F (20°C) year-round. Applies to: All habitable rooms. Portable heaters: Cannot satisfy requirement. Open-flame heaters: Prohibited.

Failing to supply 68-degree heat is a Property Maintenance Code violation, enforceable by the city manager under GRC Article 10.30.

Rental Registration

Gresham requires owners of any residential rental property, including owner-occupied homes renting a single room, to hold an annually renewed City rental license under GRC Article 9.55 before renting.

Key details: Governing law: GRC Article 9.55. License term: 1 year, annual renewal. Update deadline: 30 days for ownership changes. Exempt: Motels, hotels, licensed care homes.

Renting out a residential unit without a current Residential Rental Property License, or failing to report an ownership or agent change within 30 days, violates GRC 9.55.060 and can draw penalties under GRC 9.55.160, including license suspension or revocation.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Gresham actively enforces its rental registration requirements.

The Bottom Line

Gresham's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Gresham is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Gresham's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.