In Oregon, whose responsibility is it to ensure the rental property meets health and safety standards?

In Oregon, it is primarily the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the rental property meets health and safety standards. This obligation stems from state and local housing laws that require landlords to maintain their properties in a safe and habitable condition for tenants. This includes ensuring compliance with building codes, making necessary repairs, and addressing any health hazards that may arise, such as issues related to structural safety, plumbing, heating, and sanitation.

The rationale behind this responsibility is to protect tenants and ensure their right to a safe living environment. While tenants are expected to take care of their rented space and report issues to the landlord, it is ultimately the landlord's duty to address those issues and maintain compliance with relevant health and safety regulations. This legal expectation underscores the importance of the landlord's ongoing responsibilities in property management and the protection of tenant rights within the rental process.