Why Tigard Has Some of the Strictest Rental Property Rules in the State

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Tigard, Oregon, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Just Cause Eviction

Tigard has not enacted a city-specific just-cause eviction ordinance. Just-cause eviction protections in Tigard come from Oregon's statewide statute, ORS 90.427, enacted by Senate Bill 608 (2019). After the first 12 months of occupancy, landlords statewide may terminate a month-to-month or fixed-term tenancy only for qualifying landlord-cause or for-cause reasons, with 90 days' written notice and, for landlords owning more than four units, a relocation assistance payment equal to one month's rent.

Key details: Governing Statute: ORS 90.427 (SB 608, 2019). Tigard City Just-Cause Ordinance: None codified. First-Year No-Cause Termination: Permitted with 30-day notice (subject to statute). After 12 Months: Just-cause only; 90-day notice for landlord-based cause. Relocation Assistance: One month's rent (landlords owning 5+ units, ORS 90.427(7)).

Eviction notices that do not satisfy ORS 90.427 are not enforceable; Oregon courts will dismiss FED (forcible entry and detainer) actions under ORS Chapter 105 that are filed on a defective or non-cause notice after the first 12 months of occupancy. Landlords who fail to pay required relocation assistance under ORS 90.427(7) may be liable to the tenant for three months' rent plus actual damages. Local code-compliance enforcement by Tigard does not extend to landlord-tenant disputes; tenants seeking enforcement file in Washington County Circuit Court under ORS Chapter 105. Tigard's lack of a city ordinance means there is no Tigard-specific relocation-assistance amount above the state-required one month's rent and no Tigard registry of landlord-based-cause notices.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Tigard actively enforces its just cause eviction requirements.

Rent Control

Tigard does not impose city-level rent control. Statewide rent stabilization under ORS 90.323, enacted by Senate Bill 608 (2019), applies to rental dwellings in Tigard that are 15 years or older. The annual maximum rent increase is the lesser of 7% plus the prior year's West Region CPI-U, or 10%. For 2026, the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has set the official maximum at 9.5%. Newly constructed dwelling units less than 15 years old, and certain subsidized housing, are exempt by statute.

Key details: Governing Statute: ORS 90.323 (SB 608, 2019). Tigard City Rent Control: None codified. Annual Maximum: Lesser of 7% + West Region CPI-U or 10%. 2026 Maximum (DAS): 9.5%. New Construction Exemption: Dwellings less than 15 years from first certificate of occupancy.

Rent increases that exceed the ORS 90.323 statutory maximum or that are imposed more than once in a 12-month period are void to the extent of the excess; the tenant may recover three months' rent plus actual damages from the landlord under the remedies in ORS Chapter 90. Failure to provide 90 days' written notice of an increase also invalidates the increase. Because Tigard has not adopted a city-level rent stabilization ordinance, tenants seeking enforcement file in Washington County Circuit Court under ORS Chapter 105; Tigard Code Compliance does not enforce ORS 90.323. New construction less than 15 years old is statutorily exempt from the cap and a landlord is not subject to ORS 90.323 enforcement for an above-cap increase on a unit within the 15-year window, although the once-per-12-months rule still applies.

Compared to other cities, Tigard takes a harder line on rent control. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Tigard is tougher than many cities when it comes to rental property rules. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Tigard, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Tigard's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.