Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Salem

Salem, OR Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Significant Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: SRC 59.400
License term: annual, expires December 31
Fee proration: 3/4 fee Jul-Sep; half fee Oct+
Inspection notice: 24 hours minimum to tenants
Exemptions: hospitals, nursing homes, HUD nonprofit housing, short-term rentals
Penalty: infraction per day plus up to $2,000 civil penalty

Summary

Salem requires an annual license before anyone can operate a multifamily dwelling under SRC 59.400. The license runs through December 31, exempts uses like hospitals and short-term rentals, and comes with proration, inspection and re-scheduling rules enforced by the City Inspector.

Unless specifically exempt by SRC 59.405, a license shall be required for the operation of any multifamily dwelling. Any person desiring to engage in the operation of any multifamily dwelling shall obtain a license before engaging in the activity. A license to engage in the operation of any multifamily dwelling shall be issued annually and shall be effective until December 31 of any calendar year unless sooner suspended or revoked.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 26 Update 1).

Full Breakdown

405 specifically exempts it; a person must obtain the license before engaging in the activity, and the license runs annually until December 31 unless sooner suspended or revoked. 095(e), and HUD-inspected nonprofit housing that files annual written confirmation of a HUD inspection within the past five years. 410 prorates the fee: three-fourths of the annual fee if the application is filed between July 1 and September 30, and half the fee if filed on or after October 1. 420 requires annual renewal by December 31 with a nonrefundable renewal fee.

430 authorizes the Inspector to inspect and re-inspect licensed premises, requires shelters, hotels, motels and room-and-board facilities to be inspected at least once a year, and obligates the owner to give tenants at least 24 hours' notice before any inspection. 705 allow suspension or revocation for unpaid civil penalties, ongoing violations, or refusing to cooperate with an inspection.

Violations & Fines

Operating a multifamily dwelling without first obtaining the required license is an infraction under SRC 59.990(a)(2), with each day of unlicensed operation counted as a separate violation. Continuing to operate after a license has expired, been suspended, or been revoked is a separate infraction under SRC 59.990(a)(3), and the City may add a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation under SRC 59.990(b).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Salem rental properties need a license?

Only multifamily dwellings. SRC 59.400 requires an annual license before operating one, running through December 31 each year, but SRC 59.405 exempts hospitals, nursing homes, HUD-inspected nonprofit housing, adult foster homes, residential care facilities, residential homes, and licensed short-term rentals.

How much notice must a Salem landlord give before an inspection?

SRC 59.430(d) requires the owner to notify tenants at least 24 hours before any inspection and to give the Inspector adequate access to all areas of the multifamily dwelling needed for the inspection.

What happens if I operate an unlicensed multifamily property in Salem?

SRC 59.990(a)(2) makes operating a multifamily dwelling without a license an infraction, with each day of operation counted as a separate violation, and the City can add a civil penalty of up to $2,000 per violation under 59.990(b).

Sources & Official References

[1]Salem Revised Code Chapter 59, Housing Code (Municode)

Other rules in Salem

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Repairs & HabitabilitySome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Salem rules

Compare Salem to another location·View the Oregon rental property rules overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.