Only 1 charge per 60 days, and refunds within 30 days if unit is filled.
Why, and the exact law
From Oregon law (ORS), read Oct 4, 2026.Show the law
“A landlord may only require an applicant to pay a single applicant screening charge within any 60-day period, regardless of the number of rental units owned or managed by the landlord for which the applicant has applied to rent …”
This page covers state law only. Cities with their own rules have their own pages.
Oregon lawIn force
Oregon applicant screening charges
How much can they charge me to apply?
Only the real cost of screening you.
Only 1 charge per 60 days, and refunds within 30 days if unit is filled.
In force since
1993
The law, word for word
“A landlord may only require an applicant to pay a single applicant screening charge within any 60-day period, regardless of the number of rental units owned or managed by the landlord for which the applicant has applied to rent …”
Oregon prohibition on deposit or fee to enter rental agreement
What can they charge me to apply?
Only a screening fee and a holding deposit.
If a landlord charges anything else, they owe you that amount plus $150.
In force since
1995
The law, word for word
“a landlord may not charge a deposit or fee, however designated, to an applicant who has applied to a landlord to enter a rental agreement for a dwelling unit …”
If a landlord charges other fees, you can get twice your damages or $300.
In force since
1995
The law, word for word
“A landlord may not charge a fee at the beginning of the tenancy for an anticipated landlord expense and may not require the payment of any fee except as provided in this section …”