Can landlords in Oregon charge for a rental application fee?

In Oregon, landlords are permitted to charge a rental application fee, but there are specific regulations that govern this practice to protect tenants. The law requires that these fees be reasonable and clearly disclosed to potential tenants upfront. This means that landlords cannot impose an arbitrary or excessive charge, and applicants must be aware of the fees before they apply for a rental property.

This approach helps to ensure transparency and fairness in the application process. By limiting the fee to what is considered reasonable, the law aims to prevent economic barriers that could unfairly disadvantage prospective tenants. Therefore, landlords must communicate not only the existence of the application fee but also the amount, allowing potential renters to make informed decisions.

While there are conditions and regulations related to how and when these fees can be utilized, they cannot be charged without limitation or in an unregulated manner, hence making this choice the correct understanding of the law regarding rental application fees in Oregon.