Oregon habitability law (ORS 90.320) requires landlords to keep rentals free of pests, including bed bugs. Portland tenants can demand professional treatment, withhold rent into escrow, or terminate leases for unaddressed infestations.
Oregon does not have a bed-bug specific statute, but ORS 90.320(j) requires rentals to be free of vermin, which courts and Multnomah County housing inspectors interpret to include bed bugs. Tenants give written notice; landlords have a reasonable response time, typically seven to ten days for habitability emergencies. Heat treatment, chemical, or canine-detection plus targeted spraying are accepted methods. Disposal of infested mattresses requires sealed bags labeled to warn waste handlers. The Portland Housing Bureau can mediate disputes; tenants may also file with Oregon BOLI or pursue rent abatement under ORS 90.360 for a habitability breach.
Landlord failure to treat after written notice exposes the owner to rent abatement, lease termination by tenant, and civil damages up to two months rent under ORS 90.360 plus county health enforcement.
See how Portland's bed-bug rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.