Landlord Expectations
This blog is written by Erik Wilson- www.nobigdeallaw.com
Most of us know what a landlord can expect from us:
- Rent paid on time
- Returning the property in a good condition
- Notice before moving out
- Fulfillment of the terms of the lease or rental contract.
But what can a tenant expect from the landlord?
The Oregon Residential Landlord Tenant Act governs a majority of landlord/tenant relationships. ORLTA requires residential landlords in Oregon to provide a habitable residence for tenants and to make repairs to the property when they are needed. What are some things that may violate this provision?
- A lack of weatherproofing/waterproofing (roof, windows, exterior walls and doors)
- Adequate heating equipment maintained in good working order
- Working locks and window latches
- … And many others.
If your landlord is NOT providing a habitable living condition, you may have remedies under the Oregon Residential Landlord Tenant Act. In some cases, failure to provide habitable conditions can be a defense to eviction, even if the eviction is based on the non-payment of rent. If your rental is not habitable and you are facing eviction for failure to pay rent, you can ask the court to determine how much money your landlord owes you for damages caused by the landlord’s failure to provide a habitable living space and apply that to the rent owed.
If you are facing eviction for non-payment of rent, and you believe you have a claim against the landlord for failure to provide habitable living conditions, documentation of your claim is important.
- Take pictures of any leaking exterior walls, windows, or doors
- Document when you called the landlord to advise them of the conditions and request repairs
- Obtain estimates from professionals for the cost to repair the complained of conditions
Proper documentation of the conditions and your reporting of the conditions will make a defense to eviction for non-payment of rent much easier to prove in court.
You can always call us today if you have any questions.
