Glossary of Landlord Law Terms Oregon

cleaning deposit- A security deposit that is limited to securing the landlord against the cost of cleaning the premises if the tenant fails to leave the premises in a clean condition when the tenant vacates.

cleaning fee- A fee charged by landlords to clean the premises either when the tenant takes possession or when the tenant vacates.

constructive eviction- An act by the landlord that makes the premises unlivable, permitting the tenant to vacate the premises and end her lease obligation to pay rent.

exculpatory clause- A provision in a lease or rental agreement that says that the landlord is not liable to the tenant if the tenant is injured on the property. Sometimes these provisions are valid, and sometimes they are not.

implied covenant of quiet enjoyment- A requirement implied into a lease or rental agreement, under which a landlord promises not to disturb the tenant's right to peaceful possession of the property.

landlord- Someone who rents out property to a tenant.

notice to pay or quit- A written notice given by the landlord ordering the tenant to pay overdue rent or leave the premises within a stated period of time (usually 3 days).

retaliatory eviction- An eviction motivated by the landlord's desire to punish the tenant for the tenant's exercise of some right protected by law.

retaliatory rent increase- A rent increase motivated by the landlord's desire to punish the tenant for the tenant's exercise of some right protected by law.

self-help eviction- Acts by a landlord to evict a tenant, other than through an eviction lawsuit. Such acts might consist of changing locks, turning off utilities, or removing doors or windows. In most instances, self-help evictions are illegal.

unlawful detainer- A lawsuit filed by a landlord to evict the tenant.

resident manager- A person hired by the landlord to manage the property while living in one of the building's apartments.

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