Renters Rights

 

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Living off campus? Know your renter's rights!

Eugene offers plenty of housing options, such as University Housing, local rental companies, and even local private citizens offering their homely abode. Choosing one is daunting enough, but then you also need to make sure your rights as a renter are protected! Many college students do not know what their rights are as a tenant, and this can lead to frustrating and sometimes even dangerous situations in the home.  It is essential to do your research as you commence your journey in to leasing your own place and this is a good place to start!

Entering the Premises Without Permission
A landlord may not enter a rented residence without legitimate reason or without notice. A 24-hour notice is required.

Eviction
A landlord must provide a notice of 30 days prior to eviction and have legitimate cause to do so. If the eviction is due to property damage, the renter may repair the damage within 14 days to continue renting the property without fear of eviction.

Initial Deposit
This may include a pet or security deposit. It is illegal for a tenant to be charged "normal wear and tear", which includes chipping paint, small amounts of rust, discolored tiles, discolored grout, and fringed window screens. A landlord must provide the tenant with a written account of the amount kept from the initial security deposit as well as a reason for withholding the funds. The landlord must also refund any remaining amount back to the tenant within 31 days of a tenant leaving the residence. It is highly recommended that a tenant take pictures of the newly rented residence, especially any damages. It is also recommended that a new tenant writes down every damaged part of the residence and gives it to the leaser both before moving in as well as when moving out. This ensures that funds are not withheld for damages from previous tenants. Thoroughly cleaning the rental upon moving out can save you some money, as it reduces the cleaning fee.

Repairs
If a repair is needed, a tenant should alert the leaser immediately. If it is a serious hazard, such as a deficient fire detector or mold, a notice should be written and given to the leaser for documentation. If serious problems persist and the landlord fails to fix the issue, the home is considered inhabitable and the leaser could be fined by the City of Eugene or they may owe the tenant money for every month that goes by without repair. They are legally allowed to offer compensation to a tenant for a repair in the situation a tenant has it fixed themselves.

Example Repairs and Maintenance

1. Mold and mold check-ups
2. Fire detector battery replacement
3. All appliances
4. Elevators
5. Stairways, railings, floors, walls, and ceilings: They should be sturdy and without cracks or lose screws.
6. Plumbing: this includes sinks, toilets, showers, pipes, and outdoor facets.
7. Insect or animal infestations
8. Wiring
9. Foundation under the building

Major Issues in Eugene
Living in Eugene is a beautiful-and wet- experience. The year-round moisture can wreak havoc on the foundation of a house or apartments, especially older ones. Mold can cripple the foundation of the building and cause weak walls, floors, and ceilings. This can result in a serious injury. Mold can also seep through windows and walls, destroying clothing and furniture without notice. Even more serious, mold can cause fatal illnesses and allergies. If you are concerned with mold in your home, it is essential to contact your landlord immediately to have them do a mold check-up.

For more information, you may visit the website of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/oregon/renting/tenantrights