Question 1

What are Oregon's rent control laws?

Accepted Answer

Oregon enacted statewide rent control in 2019 (SB 608), making it the first state in the country to do so. The law caps annual rent increases at 7% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10%, whichever is lower, for covered residential properties. The law also requires landlords to have a qualifying just cause for evicting tenants who have occupied a unit for 12 months or more. Properties less than 15 years old are exempt from the rent increase cap but are still subject to just-cause eviction requirements. Landlords who terminate a tenancy without cause must pay relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.

Question 2

How do I form an LLC in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

To form an LLC in Oregon, file Articles of Organization with the Oregon Secretary of State and pay a $100 filing fee. You must designate a registered agent with an Oregon address. Oregon LLCs must file an annual report with a $100 fee. An operating agreement is not required to be filed but is strongly recommended. Oregon does not have a state sales tax, which simplifies some aspects of business operations. However, the state does impose a Corporate Activity Tax on businesses with Oregon commercial activity exceeding $1 million.

Question 3

Does Oregon have a sales tax?

Accepted Answer

No, Oregon does not have a state or local sales tax. This makes Oregon one of only five states without a general sales tax. The absence of a sales tax simplifies business transactions and means that commercial agreements and contracts do not need to address sales tax collection and remittance. However, Oregon does impose a Corporate Activity Tax on businesses with Oregon commercial activity over $1 million, and the state has relatively high income tax rates. These factors should be considered when evaluating the overall tax burden of operating a business in Oregon.

Question 4

What are Oregon's security deposit rules?

Accepted Answer

Under Oregon law (ORS § 90.300), landlords must return security deposits within 31 days after the tenant vacates, with an itemized accounting of any deductions. There is no statutory cap on the deposit amount, but deposits must be reasonable. Oregon requires landlords to provide tenants with a written accounting of the deposit within 31 days and to hold deposits in a trust account (if required by local ordinance). Landlords who fail to comply with the deposit return requirements may be liable for up to twice the amount of the deposit.

Question 5

What are the requirements for a valid will in Oregon?

Accepted Answer

Under Oregon law (ORS § 112.235), a valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and signed by at least two witnesses in the testator's presence. The testator must be at least 18 years old and of sound mind. Oregon does not recognize holographic wills. Self-proving affidavits are available and recommended. Oregon probate courts handle estate administration. The state does not impose an estate tax on estates below the federal exemption threshold, simplifying estate planning for most Oregon residents.

Property Division	Equitable Distribution
At-Will Employment	Yes (with extensive statutory protections)
State Income Tax Rate	4.75% - 9.9%
Statewide Rent Control	Yes (SB 608 — caps increases at 7%+CPI or 10%)
LLC Formation Filing Fee	$100
Minimum Wage	$14.70/hr standard; $15.95/hr Portland metro
Online Notarization	Allowed
State Bar Association	https://www.osbar.org

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