How Salem Handles Rental Property Rules: A Practical Guide

Salem maintains 123 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 Salem falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Repairs & Habitability

Salem's Housing Code, SRC chapter 59, sets minimum habitability standards for every residential structure in the city. Landlords must provide 68-degree heating capacity, 120-degree hot water, safe wiring and a structure free of pest infestation, all enforced by the City's Inspector under SRC 59.002.

Key details: Purpose: "minimum habitability requirements" (SRC 59.002). Applies to: all residential structures citywide. Hot water standard: 120°F minimum, 15 psi. Heating standard: 68°F at 3 ft above floor. Electrical: GFCI and AFCI required.

Maintaining a residential structure out of compliance with any habitability standard in SRC chapter 59 is an infraction under SRC 59.990(a)(1), with each day of noncompliance a separate violation, and the Court may order the owner to correct it. The City can also impose a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation under SRC 59.990(b), and agents or property managers who assist a noncompliant owner face the same civil penalty under 59.990(c).

Rental Registration

Salem requires an annual license before anyone can operate a multifamily dwelling under SRC 59.400. The license runs through December 31, exempts uses like hospitals and short-term rentals, and comes with proration, inspection and re-scheduling rules enforced by the City Inspector.

Key details: Governing section: SRC 59.400. License term: annual, expires December 31. Fee proration: 3/4 fee Jul-Sep; half fee Oct+. Inspection notice: 24 hours minimum to tenants. Exemptions: hospitals, nursing homes, HUD nonprofit housing, short-term rentals.

Operating a multifamily dwelling without first obtaining the required license is an infraction under SRC 59.990(a)(2), with each day of unlicensed operation counted as a separate violation. Continuing to operate after a license has expired, been suspended, or been revoked is a separate infraction under SRC 59.990(a)(3), and the City may add a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation under SRC 59.990(b).

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

The Bottom Line

Salem'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 Salem is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Salem's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.