Rent Stabilization in Lebanon, Oregon

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1. Overview of Rent Stabilization in Lebanon

Lebanon tenants are protected by Oregon's Statewide Rent Stabilization Law (Senate Bill 608), which took effect February 28, 2019. Oregon was the first state in the U.S. to enact statewide rent control, covering eligible properties throughout the state including those in Lebanon.

SB 608 provides two major protections: a rent increase cap limiting annual increases to 7% plus CPI (maximum 10%), and just cause eviction protections that prevent landlords from ending a tenancy without a legally specified reason after 12 months.

The law applies to most residential properties built more than 15 years ago. Properties built within the last 15 years are exempt from the rent cap (though still subject to just cause eviction rules after 12 months).

2. Who Is Covered in Lebanon?

Oregon's SB 608 covers most rental housing in Lebanon, with one key exemption:

• Age requirement: The rent cap applies only to properties built more than 15 years ago. In 2026, this means buildings constructed before approximately 2011 are covered. Buildings built in 2011 or later are exempt from the rent cap.
• No unit-count minimum: Unlike many states, Oregon's law covers single-family homes, duplexes, and smaller buildings — not just multi-unit apartment buildings.
• Subsidized housing: Federally subsidized housing (with its own rent rules) is generally not subject to the cap.

Just cause eviction protections apply to all Oregon tenants after 12 months of tenancy — regardless of whether their unit is exempt from the rent cap. This means even tenants in newly built buildings cannot be evicted without a valid reason after living there for a year.

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

If you're a tenant in Lebanon, your landlord can increase your rent by up to 7% plus inflation each year, but never more than 10% total. For manufactured home parks, the cap is 3% + CPI (max 7%).

2026 Rent Increase Caps:

• Most residential properties: 7% + CPI, capped at 10% maximum
• Manufactured dwelling parks: 3% + CPI, capped at 7% maximum

Important Rules:

• Only one rent increase per 12-month period is allowed
• Landlords must provide at least 90 days written notice before any increase
• The cap applies to tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months
• First-year tenants may see increases above the cap (but still need 90-day notice)

Example: If West Region CPI increased by 2.5%, the maximum rent increase would be 7% + 2.5% = 9.5% for most properties.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

After living in your Lebanon rental for 12 months, your landlord can only end your tenancy for one of the legally specified "just cause" reasons under ORS 90.427. These fall into two categories:

Tenant-Fault Causes (landlord does not owe relocation)

• Non-payment of rent
• Material violation of the rental agreement (after written notice to cure)
• Committing or permitting a nuisance, waste, or illegal activity on the property
• Refusing a landlord's entry after proper notice

No-Fault Causes (landlord must pay 3 months' rent in relocation assistance)

• Landlord moving a family member into the unit
• Landlord selling the unit to a buyer who will occupy it
• Landlord demolishing, substantially renovating, or converting the unit to a non-residential use
• Government order requiring the unit to be vacated

For no-fault terminations, your landlord must give you 90 days' written notice (30 days for month-to-month tenant-fault issues) and pay 3 months' rent in relocation assistance within 45 days of the notice.

5. Resources for Lebanon Tenants

If you're a tenant in Lebanon and have questions about your rights, consider these resources:

• City of Lebanon – Official city website with housing information
• Lebanon Housing Department – Local housing programs and resources
• Oregon Law Center – Free or low-cost legal assistance for tenants
• Legal Aid Services of Oregon – Free or low-cost legal assistance for tenants
• Lebanon Housing Authority – Local housing authority and tenant services
• Linn County Housing Authority – Local housing authority and tenant services
• Oregon Housing and Community Services – State agency for housing resources
• Community Alliance of Tenants – Statewide tenant rights organization

You can also use RentCheckMe to check if your building is likely covered based on construction year and property type.

6. Important Disclaimer

This article is a high-level overview of Oregon's Rent Stabilization Law (SB 608) as it applies in Lebanon. It does not cover every exception and does not constitute legal advice.

Laws may change, and how they apply depends on your specific situation. For binding guidance, consult with a qualified attorney, the Community Alliance of Tenants, or Legal Aid Services of Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions