Discriminación ilegal en la vivienda
Si usted es un inquilino o está tratando de alquilar, es ilegal que un propietario lo trate distinto (lo discrimine) debido a:
- su sexo, identidad de género u orientación sexual;
- su situación familiar, como tener hijos, estar embarazada o su estado civil;
- su raza, religión, color o nacionalidad de origen;
- de dónde saca el dinero para pagar el alquiler, como vales de la sección 8 u otros programas de asistencia pública; o
- una discapacidad física o mental; o la necesidad de una adaptación razonable, como una rampa para sillas de ruedas o animal de servicio.
No. As of 2025, Oregon law says landlords can’t ask about your immigration status. They can’t ask if you’re in the U.S. legally or if you have a green card. Learn more about protections for immigrants.
A landlord can’t refuse to rent to you just because you get public assistance, like:
- Section 8 housing vouchers
- Disability benefits
- Emergency rental assistance
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Refugee assistance
- Social Security benefits
However, a landlord can refuse to rent to you if:
- You don’t meet their income requirements (even after including government benefits as part of your income)
- Your income is from illegal activity
No. It’s illegal to:
- Evict you because you’re pregnant or have children.
- Limit you to one person per bedroom.
- Refuse to rent to families with kids.
- Ban kids from common areas or outdoor spaces.
Exception: Some housing is legally for people 55 and older. These places can refuse to rent to families with children.
In Oregon:
- If you’re 16 or 17, you can rent without an adult. A landlord can’t deny your application just because you’re not 18.
- If you’re under 16, you can rent if you’re pregnant or a parent and your child lives with you.
A landlord can’t deny you just because you have a criminal record. They also can’t have a blanket policy that they don’t rent to people with criminal histories.
Landlords must look at your situation individually.
They can consider:
- Drug-related convictions (except marijuana possession)
- Crimes against others (like assault or abuse)
- Crimes involving dishonesty (like fraud or theft)
- Other crimes that may affect safety or property
If they deny you, they must give you a chance to explain:
- What crime it was
- When it happened
- How your life has changed
You can also provide supportive letters from:
- Counselors or therapists
- Parole officers
- Recovery programs
If you have a record, check out:
- How to Clear (“Expunge”) Your Criminal Record in Oregon
- Moving Forward with a Past – a PDF guide for people with criminal histories
A landlord can’t deny your application just because of an arrest—unless:
- The case is still open
- You’re in a diversion program
- You were later convicted
A landlord can’t treat you unfairly because:
- You have a medical marijuana card
- You use marijuana for health reasons
- You were charged in the past for something that’s now legal
But landlords can:
- Ban smoking or growing marijuana on the property
- Enforce a no-smoking rule (including marijuana)
No. It’s illegal for a landlord to retaliate if you:
- Complain about discrimination
- Ask for your legal rights
- Report unsafe or unfair conditions
Retaliation could include:
- Eviction
- Raising your rent
- Changing your lease terms
Here are the Oregon laws that protect you from housing discrimination:
- ORS 90.303 – Rules for screening rental applicants
- ORS 90.385 - Rules against landlord retaliation
- ORS 90.390 – Discrimination in renting
- ORS 90.449 – Protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and bias crimes
- ORS 109.697 – When minors (under 18) can rent housing without parents
- ORS 659A.145 – Protections for people with disabilities
- ORS 659A.421 – General rules against housing discrimination
You’re also protected under federal law: Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (also called the Federal Fair Housing Act), 42 United States Code Section 3604.