Salem, OR Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

The licensing duty sits in the Salem Housing Code, SRC chapter 59. Section 59.400 says no one can operate a multifamily dwelling without a license, and that the license is issued annually and stays effective until December 31 of the calendar year unless suspended or revoked earlier. A multifamily dwelling is any dwelling classification with three or more dwelling units or guest rooms, or any group of three or more units on one lot or contiguous lots offered for rent or lease. An apartment house is a structure with three or more dwelling units, a hotel or motel has three or more guest rooms rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days, and a room and board facility has three or more beds offered for rent.

Section 59.405 exempts hospitals and clinics, nursing homes, adult foster homes, residential care facilities, residential homes and short-term rentals defined in SRC 111.095(e). A nonprofit that runs HUD-inspected housing is exempt only if it files written confirmation, with a copy of the HUD report, by January 1 each year showing every unit was inspected within the past five years.

Section 59.430 gives the Inspector authority to inspect and re-inspect and to seek administrative warrants under SRC chapter 4. Homeless shelters, hotels, motels and room and board facilities get an inspection not less than once per calendar year. Apartment houses and retirement apartments are inspected as the Director prescribes. The owner must notify tenants at least 24 hours before an inspection and give the inspector access to every area needed. A second or later missed appointment triggers a re-scheduling fee set by Council resolution under SRC 59.435.

Fees are set by Council resolution. Under SRC 59.410, an application filed July 1 through September 30 pays three-fourths of the fee, and one filed on or after October 1 pays one-half. Renewal applications are due by December 31 so the new license takes effect January 1. Renewal is refused if license or re-scheduling fees are unpaid, the application held untrue or incomplete information, or the property violates federal, state or local law. After a passing inspection the owner receives a certificate of inspection under SRC 59.440 and must keep it for viewing on request.