How To Check if Your Landlord’s Eviction Notice Is Legal
Did you know that Oregon landlords must follow many laws when they give you an eviction notice? These laws protect you even if you only have a verbal rental agreement with your landlord.
You can use this guide to understand if your landlord followed the rules. If your landlord didn't follow the rules, this means their notice isn't legal, and you don't have to move out.
Need more help? Try calling the Community Alliance of Tenants hotline or the Eviction Defense Project. These programs provide free help to tenants facing eviction in Oregon.
Did your landlord tell you in writing they want you to move out?
If your landlord doesn't give you a piece of paper that says they want you to move out, they haven't given you a legal notice.
Did your landlord give you the notice in the right way?
Your landlord has to give you a copy by either:
- Handing you the notice;
- Mailing it to you by regular, USPS mail;
- Posting it on your door and then mailing you a copy (but only if your rental agreement says they can do this); or
- Emailing it to you and then mailing it to you (but only if you signed something saying you agree to get email notices).
Does your landlord's notice include information for veterans?
All notices (even notices for renters who aren't veterans) must have information for veterans about where to find community resources.
Does your landlord's notice tell you the exact date (and sometimes time) you must move out by?
Your landlord's notice must always state the exact date you must move out by.
- Right: January 1, 2026.
- Wrong: 30 days from now.
In some situations, your landlord's notice must also include the exact time you must move out by. This rule applies if you're being evicted for:
- Not paying rent.
- Engaging in outrageous or criminal conduct (including domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking).
- Using drugs or alcohol when you live in drug and alcohol free housing.
- Being an unauthorized occupant (squatter).
In these situations, your landlord must also specify the time you have to move out. For example:
- Right: "You must move out by January 1, 2024, at 11:59 p.m."
- Wrong: "You must move out within 10 days of the date of the notice," or "You must move out by January 1, 2024."