By Type
Pay or Quit – Notifies the tenant that rent is overdue. It explains the consequences of failing to pay.
Cure or Quit – Used for lease violations that can be corrected. The tenant is given time to fix the issue.
Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy (30-Day Notice) – Ends a month-to-month rental with advance notice.
Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity – Applies to serious illegal conduct. Often does not allow a cure.
Eviction Laws
Oregon law provides different notice periods depending on the type of violation and, in some cases, the landlord’s chosen notice format.
- Rent Grace Period: 5 or 8 days, depending on the notice used.[1]
- Non-Payment of Rent: 10-day or 13-day notice.[1]
- Lease Non-Compliance: 14-day notice, or 10 days for a second violation.[2]
- Imminent Danger or Illegal Activity: 24-hour notice.[3][4]
- Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy: 30 or 90 days, depending on tenancy length and circumstances.[5]
- Eviction Lawsuit Type: Actions for Recovery of Real Property / Forcible Entry and Wrongful Detainer.[6]
Notices must clearly state the reason for eviction and the deadline to cure or vacate, when applicable.
Prohibited Landlord Actions
Utility Shutoff – If a landlord willfully interrupts essential services such as heat, running water, hot water, or electricity, the tenant may seek damages of up to twice the monthly rent.[7]
Changing the Locks – If a landlord unlawfully excludes a tenant from the premises, the tenant may also seek damages of up to twice the monthly rent.[7]
These actions can delay or invalidate an eviction case.
How to Evict a Tenant in Oregon (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Provide the Proper Eviction Notice
Before filing in court, the landlord must give written notice and allow the required time to pass. Common notices include:
- 24-Hour Notice to Quit – Imminent danger or illegal activity
- 10-Day or 13-Day Notice to Quit – Non-payment of rent
- 14-Day or 10-Day Notice to Quit – Lease non-compliance
- 30-Day or 90-Day Notice to Quit – Month-to-month tenancy
Proof of delivery should be retained for the court.
Step 2: File a Complaint and Summons With Circuit Court
If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file a Residential Eviction Complaint and Summons with the Circuit Court in the county where the property is located. A $88 filing fee applies, plus any required trial fees.[8] Copies of the notice served on the tenant must also be filed.
Step 3: Serve the Tenant
After filing, the landlord must serve the tenant with the complaint and summons by the end of the day following the filing date. The tenant then has the right to submit an Answer to a Residential Eviction and defend the case.
Step 4: Attend the Court Hearing
The court will schedule a hearing. If the tenant does not appear or the court rules in favor of the landlord, a Judgment will be issued requiring the tenant to move out.
Court Forms & Resources
- Residential Eviction Complaint– Filed by the landlord to formally begin the eviction process after proper notice.
- Residential Eviction Summons– Notifies the tenant that an eviction case has been filed and provides the court date.
- Residential Eviction General Judgment– Issued by the court after the hearing to record the outcome.
- Answer to a Residential Eviction– Allows the tenant to explain why they believe they are entitled to remain in the unit.
Additional guidance is available through Oregon Eviction Information for Landlords and Oregon Eviction Information for Tenants.