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Lincoln City is a coastal community of roughly 10,000 residents situated along the Oregon Coast in Lincoln County. Because of its tourism economy and proximity to scenic beaches, the local rental market includes a mix of year-round residents and short-term vacation tenants. Many renters in Lincoln City search for information about how much their landlord can raise their rent, what protections exist against sudden eviction, and how to recover a security deposit — all governed primarily by Oregon state law.
Oregon's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (RLTA), codified at ORS Chapter 90, is the primary legal framework protecting Lincoln City renters. Oregon enacted statewide rent stabilization in 2019 (House Bill 2001), the first state in the nation to do so, and followed with significant tenant protections including just-cause eviction requirements after the first year of tenancy. These protections apply in full to Lincoln City renters.
Lincoln City has not enacted any local landlord-tenant ordinances beyond Oregon state law. This article summarizes the most important state protections that apply to renters here. It is intended as general legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters with specific situations should consult a qualified attorney or local legal aid organization.
Lincoln City does not have a local rent control or rent stabilization ordinance. However, Oregon enacted statewide rent stabilization under ORS 90.600 (effective February 28, 2019), which limits annual rent increases for most residential rental units to no more than 7% plus the change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — with an overall cap of 10% per year. For 2025, the Oregon Office of Economic Analysis calculated the allowable increase cap. Landlords must notify tenants in writing at least 90 days before a rent increase takes effect (ORS 90.600(5)).
Important exemptions: Rent stabilization under ORS 90.600 does not apply to rental units in buildings that received their first certificate of occupancy within the last 15 years. This means newer construction in Lincoln City — which includes some coastal development — is exempt. Additionally, government-subsidized housing may have separate rules.
In practical terms, if you rent a unit in a building built more than 15 years ago in Lincoln City, your landlord cannot raise your rent by more than the allowed annual percentage without violating state law. If your building is newer, there is no cap on rent increases, though the 90-day written notice requirement still applies (ORS 90.600(5)). There is no local ordinance that provides a stricter cap or any additional protections beyond ORS 90.600.
Oregon's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ORS Chapter 90) provides Lincoln City renters with a comprehensive set of legal protections.
Habitability (ORS 90.320): Landlords must maintain rental units in a habitable condition, including working plumbing, heating, electrical systems, structural safety, and freedom from pest infestation. If a landlord fails to make essential repairs after proper written notice, tenants may terminate the rental agreement or, in some cases, repair and deduct costs (ORS 90.365).
Repair and Deduct / Rent Withholding (ORS 90.365): If a landlord fails to address a habitability issue within a reasonable time after written notice, tenants may arrange for the repair and deduct up to one month's rent from the next payment, provided the repair cost does not exceed that amount and proper notice procedures are followed.
Security Deposit Rules (ORS 90.300): Landlords must return the security deposit within 31 days of the tenancy ending, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Normal wear and tear cannot be charged. Wrongful withholding can result in up to twice the wrongfully withheld amount as damages.
Notice Requirements (ORS 90.427): For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give 30 days' written notice (tenancy under 1 year) or 60 days' written notice (tenancy 1 year or longer) to terminate without cause, and only during the first 12 months of occupancy. After 12 months, just cause is required (see eviction section).
Anti-Retaliation (ORS 90.385): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for complaining about habitability, organizing with other tenants, contacting government agencies, or exercising any right under Oregon law. Retaliatory acts include rent increases, service reductions, or threats of eviction within 90 days of a protected activity. Tenants may sue for damages and attorney fees.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (ORS 90.375): Landlords are prohibited from using self-help eviction tactics such as changing locks, removing doors, or intentionally shutting off utilities to force a tenant out. Such conduct is unlawful and may entitle the tenant to recover up to two months' rent or twice actual damages, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees.
Under ORS 90.300, Oregon law governs security deposits for all residential rentals in Lincoln City. There is no statutory cap on the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit in Oregon — landlords may set any amount, though market competition typically limits this in practice.
Return Deadline: A landlord must return the security deposit (or any remaining balance after lawful deductions) within 31 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant vacates the unit. Along with any refund, the landlord must provide a written, itemized accounting of any deductions made from the deposit.
Lawful Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and other specific charges allowed by the rental agreement. They may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear, such as minor scuffs on walls or carpet worn from normal use.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding: If a landlord wrongfully withholds all or part of a security deposit — meaning the deductions are not lawful or the deposit is not returned within 31 days — the tenant may recover up to twice the amount wrongfully withheld in a court action, in addition to the actual deposit amount (ORS 90.300(14)). Tenants may also be awarded attorney fees. To protect your rights, document the condition of the unit at move-in and move-out with photos and written records.
Evictions in Lincoln City are governed by ORS Chapter 90 and ORS Chapter 105 (Forcible Entry and Wrongful Detainer). Oregon law sets specific notice and procedural requirements that landlords must follow before a tenant can be removed.
Just Cause Requirement (ORS 90.427): After a tenant has lived in a unit for more than 12 months, the landlord must have a qualifying just cause reason to terminate the tenancy. Permissible just cause reasons include nonpayment of rent, material violation of the lease, property damage, conduct that substantially affects neighbors, or certain landlord-side reasons such as owner move-in or demolition (with longer notice periods and, in some cases, relocation assistance). During the first 12 months, a landlord may terminate month-to-month tenancy without cause with proper notice.
Notice Periods:
Court Process: If the tenant does not vacate after proper notice, the landlord must file an FED (Forcible Entry and Detainer) action in Lincoln County Circuit Court. The court will schedule a hearing, typically within 7–14 days. A tenant has the right to appear and contest the eviction. If the court rules for the landlord, a Writ of Execution is issued and the sheriff (not the landlord) carries out the removal.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal (ORS 90.375): A landlord may never lock out a tenant, remove doors or windows, or shut off utilities to force a tenant to leave. Such conduct entitles the tenant to recover the greater of two months' rent or twice actual damages, plus attorney fees and costs.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws can change, and the applicability of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. Lincoln City renters with legal questions should consult a licensed Oregon attorney or contact a local legal aid organization such as Oregon Law Center. The information on this page reflects laws and regulations as of April 2026; always verify current statutes at ORS Chapter 90 or with a qualified professional.
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