Oregon Security Deposit Return Deadline
- Penalty for missing it
- 2x (twice the deposit) (bad-faith retention — up to 2x the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees (ORS §90.300(16)))
- The law
- ORS §90.300
The rule
31 days after termination of the tenancy AND delivery of possession. Landlord must provide a written accounting of deductions (ORS §90.300).
- Odd 31-day deadline — don't assume 30.
- No deposit cap under state law.
- Deposits must be held in a separate account; no commingling.
What happens if your landlord misses the deadline
In Oregon, a missed deadline seriously weakens your landlord's position. Depending on the circumstances, they may forfeit the right to deduct anything at all, owe you the penalty above, or both. The exact consequence depends on ORS §90.300 and whether they provided the required itemized statement. Don't assume the money is gone — a missed deadline is often the strongest fact pattern for getting it back.
Your next steps in Oregon
- Confirm the clock ran. Make sure you provided a forwarding address in writing, and that the full deadline has passed.
- Send a demand letter citing ORS §90.300 and the 2x (twice the deposit) penalty. Most landlords pay at this stage.
- If they ignore it, file in small claims. See our walkthrough for the process.
Oregon deposit questions
How long does my Oregon landlord have to return my deposit?
31 days after termination of the tenancy AND delivery of possession. Landlord must provide a written accounting of deductions (ORS §90.300).
What if my landlord never sends an itemized list of deductions?
In most states — including Oregon — failing to provide the required itemized statement within the deadline forfeits the landlord's right to withhold anything. Check ORS §90.300 for the exact rule.
Can I get more than my deposit back in Oregon?
Oregon law allows 2x (twice the deposit) for bad-faith retention — up to 2x the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees (ORS §90.300(16)). See our penalties guide for how judges apply this.
Source: https://rapideyeinspections.com/blog/security-deposit-return-guide/ · Verified 2026-10-09