Rental Housing Standards

Standards Summary

Below is a summary of the Rental Housing Code standards. You can also review the Rental Housing Regulations:

Structural Integrity

Roof, floors, walls, foundations and all other structural components shall be capable of resisting loads prescribed by the building code in effect at the time of construction.


Plumbing

  • Plumbing systems shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary condition and shall be free of defects, leaks and obstructions. The presence of significant visible mold may be a symptom of faulty plumbing; however, the presence of mold, by itself, is not a violation for purposes of sections 8.400 through 8.440 of this code.
  • Repairs must be permanent rather than temporary and shall be through generally accepted plumbing methods. If significant visible mold results from faulty plumbing, repairs must include removing the mold, which may include mold on or in interior walls, sheetrock, insulation, floors, carpets or carpet backing.


Heating

  • All heating devices or appliances shall conform to applicable law at the time of installation.
  • A permanently installed heat source able to provide a room temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit three feet above the floor, measured in the approximate center of the room, in all habitable rooms. Portable space heaters shall not be used to achieve compliance with this section.
  • Ventilation for fuel-burning heating appliances shall be as required by the Mechanical Code at the time of installation.


Weatherproofing

  • Roof, exterior walls, windows and doors shall be maintained to prevent water leakage into living areas which may cause damage to the structure or its contents or may adversely affect the health of an occupant. The presence of significant visible mold may be a symptom of faulty weatherproofing, however, the presence of mold, by itself, is not a violation for purposes of sections 8.400 through 8.440 of this code.
  • Repairs must be permanent rather than temporary and shall be through generally accepted construction methods. If significant visible mold results from faulty weatherproofing, repairs must include removing the mold, which may include mold on or in interior walls, sheetrock, insulation, floors, carpets or carpet backing.


Security

  • Doors and windows leading into a dwelling unit must be equipped with locks and shall be maintained in a condition so as to restrict access into the dwelling unit.

Smoke Detectors

  • Every dwelling unit shall be equipped with an approved and properly functioning smoke alarm or smoke detector installed and maintained in accordance with the state building code, ORS 479.270, 479.275, and 479.285, and applicable rules of the State Fire Marshal.

Electrical

  • Electrical systems shall be in good working order and conform to applicable law at the time of installation. Repairs must be permanent and through generally accepted electrical methods.

Appliances

  • All appliances that are furnished by the landlord must be in good working order and shall be maintained by the landlord.

Carbon Monoxide

  • Each unit containing or connected to a carbon monoxide source must have an approved and working carbon monoxide alarm.

Rats

  • Every dwelling unit must be maintained free of rats.