Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.
Reference
Security deposit rules in Portland, OR
Oregon (Portland): return the deposit within 31 calendar days of the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy. Interest: conditional. Penalty if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed): 2x the amount withheld. (Or. Rev. Stat. 90.300; Portland City Code 30.01.087.C.2)
What the city changes
interest, conditional; deposit cap 1 month(s) of rent; plus up to $250.00 per violation; documentation duties. Everything else follows Oregon's rule (Or. Rev. Stat. 90.300).
The rule text
A landlord may claim from the security deposit amounts equal only to the costs reasonably necessary to repair the premises to its condition existing at the commencement of the rental agreement (commencement date); provided however, that a landlord may not claim any portion of the security deposit for routine maintenance; for ordinary wear and tear;
Portland City Code 30.01.087.C.2. Source: Portland City Code 30.01.087 Security Deposits; Pre-paid Rent, read 2026-10-09.
Notes on this ordinance (2)
- Return timing follows ORS 90.300 (31 days after termination; the City brochure restates 31 days); no city change.
- Code applies to rental agreements for dwelling units covered by the Oregon RLTA within Portland city limits.
Research notes (1)
How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.
- Depreciation schedule REMOVED: from 2020-03-01 to 2022-07-28 the rule (HOU-3.07) required withholdings to use PHB's depreciation schedule (appliances/equipment 15 years, fixtures 20, personal property 30). The rule amended 2022-07-29 and the current code (eff. 2025-01-01) no longer mention depreciation. Do not apply the schedule to current move-outs; it is kept in useful_life.yaml notes as history.
Worked example
The same move-out as on the state pages. A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.
- Return by
- October 31, 2026
31 calendar days after the later of move-out and the end of the tenancy.
- Allowed deductions
- $1,650.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
- Refund due
- $350.00
Interest $0.00.
- Also under Portland City Code 30.01.087.C.2: up to $250.00 per violation
The draft statement for this example
DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT Rule: Or. Rev. Stat. 90.300; Portland City Code 30.01.087.C.2 (Oregon, Portland) Move-out date: September 30, 2026 Security deposit held $2,000.00 Interest credited see note Deduction: Unpaid rent -$300.00 Deduction: Cleaning -$150.00 Deduction: Carpet -$1,200.00 Total deductions -$1,650.00 Refund due to tenant $350.00 Return by October 31, 2026 Notes: - Labor costs over $200 charged to the tenant need documentation that they are reasonable and consistent with typical hourly rates in the metropolitan region (30.01.087.D.3). - Photograph any visual damage in excess of normal wear and tear and give the photos to the tenant with the ORS 90.300(12) written accounting (D.3). Move-in condition report with photos at commencement (D.1); final inspection walk-through within one week after termination, 24 hours' notice (D.2). - Itemized under Or. Rev. Stat. 90.300; Portland City Code 30.01.087.C.2.
Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.