Tualatin's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Tualatin maintains 50 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 Tualatin falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Just Cause Eviction

The City of Tualatin has not adopted a city-specific just-cause eviction ordinance. Residential evictions inside Tualatin city limits are governed by the statewide just-cause framework under ORS 90.427 (part of the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, ORS Chapter 90), which was substantially amended by Senate Bill 608 (2019) and extended by Senate Bill 611 (2023). After the first 12 months of tenancy on a month-to-month tenancy, a landlord may terminate only for a qualifying landlord-based reason (sale to a buyer who will occupy, owner/family move-in, demolition or major renovation, or removal from residential use) and must pay one month's rent as relocation assistance. TMC Chapter 6-13 requires landlords to give tenants a copy of the chapter; ORS 90 controls the substantive eviction rules.

Key details: City Just-Cause Ordinance: None; ORS 90.427 controls. Governing State Statute: ORS 90.427 (Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act). Adopted By: Senate Bill 608 (2019), expanded by Senate Bill 611 (2023). First 12 Months: Landlord may terminate with 30 days' written notice without stating a reason. After 12 Months - Notice: 90 days' written notice for landlord-based no-cause termination.

Eviction filings inside Tualatin city limits are enforced through the Oregon courts under ORS Chapter 105 (forcible entry and detainer actions) and the substantive provisions of ORS Chapter 90; the Washington County Circuit Court is the trial court for Tualatin. A termination notice that does not comply with ORS 90.427 - for example, a no-cause termination after the first 12 months that fails to identify a qualifying landlord-based reason, that provides less than 90 days' notice, or that fails to pay the one-month relocation assistance where required - is defective, and the tenant has a defense to the FED action. ORS 90.375 (retaliation), ORS 90.385 (retaliatory rent increase/decrease of services), and ORS 90.453 (unlawful ouster) impose statutory damages for landlord conduct designed to circumvent the just-cause framework. Tualatin Code Enforcement does not directly enforce ORS 90.427; landlords and tenants pursue claims and defenses through the Washington County Circuit Court.

This is one of the stricter rules in Tualatin's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Rent Control

Tualatin has not adopted a city-level rent-control ordinance. Residential rents inside Tualatin city limits are subject to the statewide Oregon rent cap codified at ORS 90.323 (and ORS 90.600 for manufactured-home facilities), enacted by Senate Bill 608 in 2019. The cap limits annual rent increases on covered units to 7% plus the September West Region CPI, with a hard ceiling of 10%. The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis publishes the maximum annual rate each September for the following calendar year; the 2026 maximum is 9.5%. Buildings less than 15 years old (measured by certificate of occupancy) are exempt, as are most subsidized units and certain other categories under ORS 90.323(7).

Key details: City Rent-Control Ordinance: None; ORS 90.323 / 90.600 controls. Governing State Statute: ORS 90.323 (residential) and ORS 90.600 (manufactured-home facilities). Adopted By: Senate Bill 608 (2019). 2025 Maximum Increase: 10.0%. 2026 Maximum Increase: 9.5%.

A rent-increase notice that exceeds the statewide cap, that fails to provide at least 90 days' written notice, or that does not identify the new rent amount and effective date as required by ORS 90.323(3) is unenforceable. Under ORS 90.323(5), a landlord who attempts to collect rent exceeding the cap is liable to the tenant for three months' rent plus actual damages caused by the violation. Tenants pursue claims in the Washington County Circuit Court (the trial court for Tualatin) or as defenses in FED actions filed by the landlord. Where a landlord increases rent on a unit they wrongly believe is exempt (e.g., a building they incorrectly date to within the 15-year window), the same liability framework applies. The Oregon Department of Justice Consumer Protection division handles complaints and can pursue civil enforcement; Tualatin Code Enforcement does not directly enforce ORS 90.323.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Tualatin actively enforces its rent control requirements.

The Bottom Line

Tualatin 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 Tualatin, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Tualatin can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.