Renters’ Handbook on Portland’s Rental Application and Screening Requirements - Starting March 1, 2020

Sep 16, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky

Renters’ Handbook on Portland’s Rental Application and Screening Requirements explains how Portland’s FAIR ordinance starting March 1, 2020 changes landlord advertising, application processing, and applicant screening. It outlines key exemptions to screening rules, specific advertising duties and required disclosure during an open enrollment period, and the rental application forms and screening-related fees. The handbook also covers required and optional screening criteria, application approvals and denials, reasonable accommodations, and rights for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time6 min

AccessFree to download

Overview of the FAIR ordinance

Purpose and scope

Exemptions from screening rules

Advertising available rental units

Open Enrollment Period

Required advertisement information

Required application forms and screening fees

Landlord application processing

Screening criteria

Required screening criteria

Optional screening criteria

Application approvals and denials

Reasonable accommodations

Rights for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking

RENTER’S HANDBOOK ON PORTLAND’S RENTAL APPLICATION AND SCREENING REQUIREMENTS Starting on March 1, 2020, a new law in the City of Portland (Fair Access in Renting, or “FAIR ordinance”) requires landlords to follow certain requirements for how they advertise available rental units located in the City of Portland, how they process applications for available rental units, and how they screen applicants. This packet contains information about the City of Portland’s rental application and screening laws. In many situations, an applicant will be given the opportunity to provide additional information about any barriers in their background that make it more difficult to find housing. By using this handbook and the form letters included at the end of the handbook, you may have abetter chance of being approved for housing. This packet contains the following: • Information about the City of Portland’s Rental Application and Screening Law 1) Exemptions from the screening rules p. 2 2) How landlords must advertise available units p. 2 3) Required application forms p. 3 4) Screening fees p. 4 5) How landlords must process applications p. 4 6) Required screening criteria p. 5 7) Optional screening criteria p. 7 a. Portland’s low barrier screening p. 7 b. Optional landlord screening + individualized assessment p. 9 8) Application approvals and denials p. 10 9) Reasonable accommodations p. 11 10) Rights for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking p. 12 • Sample letters to provide “Supplemental Evidence” along with your application • Sample Reasonable Accommodation requests • Sample Verification letters More information about the City of Portland’s application and screening rules is available from the Portland Housing Bureau’s Rental Services Office. The Rental Services Office can be reached by phone at 503-823-1303, by email at [rentalservices@portlandoregon.gov](rentalservices@portlandoregon.gov), and in person at 421 SW 6th Avenue, Suite 500, Portland, Oregon 97204 You can also view the text of the FAIR Ordinance, Portland’s rules for how to follow the FAIR Ordinance, and other information at [https://beta.portland.gov/phb/rental-services/application](https://beta.portland.gov/phb/rental-services/application)and-screening A landlord who fails to follow this law is liable to an applicant for up to $250 per violation of the law plus actual damages. INFORMATION ABOUT THE CITY OF PORTLAND’S RENTAL APPLICATION AND SCREENING LAW The law is intended to reduce barriers to housing and make it easier for people in Portland to find a safe place to live. However, the law is complicated, so it’s a good idea to read through this handbook carefully to know what your rights are as a renter or applicant. 1) EXEMPTIONS FROM THE SCREENING RULES The FAIR Ordinance’s screening rules apply only to property that is located in the City of Portland. For property located in Portland, the FAIR ordinance does not apply to the following types of housing: • Housing not advertised or rented to the general public; • Housing shared with the landlord; • Housing shared with an existing tenant who has their own rental agreement; • One unit of a duplex where the landlord lives in the other unit; • An accessory dwelling unit (“ADU”) where the landlord lives on the same site; • A house where the landlord lives in the ADU on the same site; • Housing regulated as affordable housing by a federal, state, or local government for individuals making no more than 80% of the median household income and that is subject to the Multnomah County Coordinated Access System or some other formal referral agreement between the landlord and a non-profit service provider or the government; • Housing in which there is a conflict between the local, state, or federal funding or loan requirements and Portland’s tenant screening law. The parts of the law that conflict with specific requirements will not apply. T

FAQs

When does the FAIR ordinance take effect and what does it cover?

It takes effect on March 1, 2020 and addresses how landlords advertise available rental units, process applications, and screen applicants in the City of Portland.

Which types of housing are exempt from the FAIR ordinance screening rules?

The handbook lists exemptions such as housing not offered to the general public, housing shared with the landlord or an existing tenant, certain duplex and ADU arrangements, and certain affordable housing subject to formal referral systems or funding conflicts.

What must landlords disclose in advertisements before processing applications?

Landlords must advertise for at least 72 hours and include the open enrollment period, any screening criteria used if an application fee is charged, and whether the unit is accessible for mobility-impaired applicants; additional details apply when advertising multiple units or a wait list.

Sep 16, 2026

Uploaded by Rizky