Multnomah County, OR Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard adopted
- 2006 International Property Maintenance Code
- Enforcing agency
- Health Department
- Penalty
- Up to $250 per day
- Notice period
- 30 days to remedy
- Scope
- Unincorporated county only, not Portland
Summary
Rental homes in unincorporated Multnomah County must meet the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code, adopted by county ordinance and enforced by the Health Department through inspections, notices, and civil penalties.
The International Property Maintenance Code, 2006 Edition, prepared by the International Code Council, as thereinafter amended or revised "ICCPMC"), are adopted and by this reference incorporated as part of this subchapter. The provisions of this subchapter and MCC Chapter 29, Building Regulations, take precedence over any similar provisions of the ICCPMC.
(B) Residential rental properties must meet the standards set forth in this subchapter and are subject to the inspection and enforcement provisions of this subchapter. (Ord. 1196, Amended 12/20/12; Ord. 1144, Added, 09/03/2009, eff. 10/5/2009)
Full Breakdown
The county's Residential Rental Property Maintenance Code (RRPMC) incorporates the 2006 International Property Maintenance Code as the habitability baseline for every residential rental unit in unincorporated Multnomah County. The Health Department director inspects on complaint, issues a written notice giving the owner 30 days to remedy violations, and can order emergency abatement or vacate an unsafe unit outright. Owners who miss the deadline face a civil penalty up to $250 per day, with each unremedied day counted separately. Motels, hotels, licensed care facilities, and approved accessory dwellings are exempt. Portland, Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village enforce their own separate housing codes: this chapter reaches only the unincorporated county.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty up to $250 per day per unremedied violation after the 30-day notice period; the director can also order emergency abatement or a vacate order for unsafe units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this cover rentals in Portland?
What happens if an owner doesn't fix a violation?
What kind of rentals are exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Multnomah County
Compare Multnomah County to another location·View the Oregon rental property rules overview
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