Rent Stabilization in Milwaukie, Oregon

Last updated: January 2026

Oregon's statewide rent stabilization law (SB 608) protects tenants in Milwaukie with rent increase caps and eviction protections.

Want to skip straight to checking your own building? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.

1. Overview of Rent Stabilization in Milwaukie

Located in the greater Portland area, Milwaukie tenants benefit from Oregon's comprehensive tenant protection laws.

Oregon's Statewide Rent Stabilization Law (SB 608), effective since February 2019, provides:

• Rent increase caps – Annual increases limited to 7% + CPI (max 10%)
• Just cause eviction protections – Landlords must have valid reasons to evict tenants after 12 months
• Relocation assistance – Required for certain no-fault evictions

This article provides an overview of how Oregon's rent stabilization law applies in Milwaukie. It is not legal advice. For specific questions, consult with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization.

2. Who Is Covered in Milwaukie?

Oregon's rent stabilization law applies to most residential rental properties in Milwaukie that meet these criteria. Properties built more than 15 years ago are covered, meaning tenants in older buildings benefit from rent increase caps and just cause eviction protections.

• Property age – Properties built more than 15 years ago are covered (built before approximately 2011 in 2026)
• Property type – Apartments, duplexes, single-family homes, condos, and townhouses used as rentals
• Tenancy duration – Rent caps apply after 12 months of tenancy

Key Exemptions:

• Newer construction – Properties built within the last 15 years (rolling exemption)
• Small landlords – Single-family homes exempt if landlord is an individual owning 4 or fewer such properties
• Owner-occupied – Duplexes where owner lives in one unit
• Affordable housing – Properties with existing rent restrictions
• Short-term rentals – Rentals under 30 days

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Under Oregon law, landlords in Milwaukie are subject to these rent increase limits:

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

Oregon provides just cause eviction protections for tenants in Milwaukie who have lived in their unit for 12 months or more.

At-fault just cause reasons (tenant is at fault):

• Non-payment of rent
• Material violation of lease terms
• Committing a crime on the premises
• Permitting or creating a nuisance
• Intentional damage to the property

No-fault just cause reasons (tenant is not at fault):

• Owner or family member move-in
• Demolition or major renovation
• Withdrawal from rental market
• Sale of property to buyer who will occupy

Relocation Assistance: For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide one month's rent as relocation assistance to tenants who have lived there 12+ months.

5. Resources for Milwaukie Tenants

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

• City of Milwaukie – Official city website with housing information
• Milwaukie 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
• Milwaukie Housing Authority – Local housing authority and tenant services
• Home Forward (Portland Metro Housing) – 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 Milwaukie. 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