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State deposit dispute guide

Oregon Security Deposit Not Returned After 31 Days

If your Oregon security deposit was not returned after 31 days, the first question is whether the landlord complied with the state's timing and notice rules at all.

Deadline: 31 daysPenalty multiplier: Up to 2xItemized deductions: RequiredStatute: Or. Rev. Stat. Section 90.300

The law in plain English

Return deadline

Under Or. Rev. Stat. Section 90.300, the deposit response usually has to be sent within 31 days of the move-out timeline described by the state rule.

Required notice

Oregon generally does not impose a statewide deposit cap, but the landlord usually has 31 days to send the refund or an itemized statement, and late or bad-faith withholding can support up to double damages.

This dispute type

Once the Oregon deadline passes, the dispute stops being only about the deductions and becomes a deadline-compliance problem too. A landlord may still argue damage existed, but Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300 sets the clock for returning the balance and explaining any amount withheld.

Penalty leverage

If the withholding was wrongful or in bad faith, the exposure allowed under the statute is: You can recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld (failure to return on time can constitute bad faith)

FAQ

Common questions renters ask

When does the Oregon deposit-return clock usually start?

That depends on the state rule and the facts around surrender of possession. The safest approach is to document the move-out date, key return, and any forwarding-address notice.

What if the landlord mailed the itemization late?

Late mailing is often part of the dispute. Renters usually compare the mailing date, postmark, and actual receipt date against the statutory deadline.

Can I still challenge the deductions if the deadline was missed?

Yes. Missing the deadline does not make the underlying damage issue disappear, but it can materially improve your negotiating position.

Why is the penalty language important?

Because You can recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld (failure to return on time can constitute bad faith) is the leverage point many renters use when a landlord keeps the deposit or delays the refund beyond the statutory window.

Keep reading

Free tier

Use the free intake before you escalate the dispute.

Compare your timeline, deduction notice, and the landlord's stated reason against the state-specific rule set first.

Not legal advice - jurisdiction-accurate legal research