Oregon Statewide Rule

Oregon Has a Statewide Rent Cap and Preempts Local Rent Control

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oregon (2026)

Key Facts

Local rent control: Preempted (ORS 91.225); statewide program applies instead
Statewide rent cap: Lesser of 10% or 7% + CPI; 9.5% for 2026
Statute: Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.323/90.324; preemption at § 91.225
Cities with rent control: Statewide cap applies everywhere

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Oregon Public Law

Summary

Oregon is unusual: it bans cities and counties from passing their own rent control, yet imposes a statewide annual rent-increase cap that applies almost everywhere. The cap is the lesser of 10% or 7% plus regional CPI, recalculated each year. For 2026 the maximum is 9.5%. First-year tenancies and units under 15 years old are exempt.

(2) During any tenancy other than week-to-week, the landlord may not increase the rent: (a) During the first year after the tenancy begins. (b) At any time after the first year of the tenancy without giving the tenant written notice at least 90 days prior to the effective date of the rent increase. (c) More than once in any 12-month period. (d) Except as permitted under subsection (5) of this section, by a percentage greater than the maximum calculated under ORS 90.324 (1).

Source: Oregon Public LawView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Or. Rev. Stat. § 91.225, "a city or county shall not enact any ordinance or resolution which controls the rent that may be charged," preempting most local rent control. In its place, SB 608 (2019), amended by SB 611 (2023), created a statewide cap in Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.323 and § 90.324: a landlord may not raise rent in any 12-month period by more than "the lesser of: (a) Ten percent; or (b) Seven percent plus the September annual 12-month average change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, West Region." The Department of Administrative Services publishes the figure each year; the 2026 maximum is 9.5%. No increase is allowed in the first year of tenancy, and units whose first certificate of occupancy issued less than 15 years ago are exempt from the cap.

Violations & Penalties

A landlord who raises rent above the statewide cap or before the first year ends is liable to the tenant for an amount equal to three months' rent plus the tenant's actual damages under Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.323/90.324.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rent control legal in Oregon?

Yes, at the state level. Oregon runs a statewide rent-stabilization program under ORS 90.323/90.324 that caps annual rent increases. Local rent control, however, is preempted under ORS 91.225, so individual cities generally cannot adopt their own rent-control rules.

Can a city in Oregon pass its own rent control?

No, with narrow exceptions. ORS 91.225 bars cities and counties from enacting ordinances that control rent. Limited exceptions exist for subsidized housing, condominium conversions, and temporary post-disaster controls, but general municipal rent control is preempted in favor of the statewide cap.

How much can rent increase in Oregon each year?

The annual cap is the lesser of 10% or 7% plus the regional CPI, recalculated each year by the Department of Administrative Services. For 2026 the maximum increase is 9.5%. No increase is allowed in the first year, and units less than 15 years old are exempt.

Sources

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