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Portland, OR Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing code
Portland City Code Chapter 29.30
Enforcing agency
Portland Permitting & Development
Smoke alarms
Required in every sleeping room
CO alarms
Required where unit has a CO source
Appeal body
Code Hearings Officer

Summary

Portland's Housing Maintenance Code requires landlords to keep supplied facilities and equipment in working order, and every residential property must meet current building, plumbing, and electrical code standards or the City Administrator can order repairs.

All facilities or equipment present in a dwelling and supplied by the landlord must be maintained and able to perform their intended function to prevent structural damage to the building or hazards of health, sanitation, or fire.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Chapter 29.30 sets minimum maintenance standards for every residential structure in Portland: sound foundations and walls, weathertight windows and doors, safe stairs and handrails, and working smoke alarms in every sleeping room. Landlord-supplied appliances and equipment must be kept functional so they don't create health, sanitation, or fire hazards (§29.30.270). Existing rental units need carbon monoxide alarms installed per state Fire Marshal rules if a CO source is present (§29.30.245). The City Administrator (Portland Permitting & Development) inspects on complaint, issues a notice and order to repair, and can refer noncompliance to the Code Hearings Officer or vacate a structure found dangerous.

Violations & Fines

Violations get a notice-and-order to repair from the City Administrator; noncompliance can be referred to the Code Hearings Officer, prosecuted in court, or trigger a vacate order for dangerous conditions (§29.60.030, §29.60.050, §29.60.070).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who enforces Portland's rental habitability rules?
The City Administrator, through Portland Permitting & Development, inspects residential property and issues a notice and order to repair. Unresolved violations can go to the Code Hearings Officer or court under Chapter 29.60.
Must my landlord fix broken appliances they provided?
Yes. Under § 29.30.270, any facility or equipment the landlord supplies in a dwelling must be maintained and kept functional so it doesn't create a health, sanitation, or fire hazard.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Portland

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All Portland rules

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Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Multnomah County handle repairs & habitability.

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