The Rental Housing Code Covers the Basics.

The Rental Housing Code only covers habitability standards for rental properties. Other laws and City
of Eugene codes address legal and human rights issues for property owners, managers and renters.
Tips for Renters
HEATING • Don’t wait­­for small issues to become large problems. Talk to your property
SMOKE DETECTION
There must be a permanently installed manager about concerns as they arise.
Each unit must have an approved 
heating source able to provide a room
and working smoke alarm or
temperature of 68°F. Heating devices • Going out of town? Be sure to empty your trash and arrange with the postal
smoke detector installed and
must conform to applicable laws
maintained in accordance with the service to hold your mail. Check with your property manager for policies on when
and fuel-burning appliances must be
state building code.
properly ventilated. . to turn off water, turn down thermostat temperatures, and any requirements for
notification of long-term absence.

• When temperatures drop below freezing, make sure your faucets and fixtures are
SECURITY STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY set to drip in order to keep pipes from freezing and potentially bursting.
Roof, floors, walls, foundations and all
Doors and windows must be
equipped with working locks.
other structural components must meet • Find out what number to call in case of an after-hours maintenance emergency.
the building code.
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and know how to use it.

• Be prepared. A large disaster could limit transportation, supplies, and City services.
WEATHERPROOFING Citizens should be prepared to manage for a minimum of three days, including
PLUMBING stocking upon additional supplies of food and water. For more resources, visit:
Roof, exterior walls, windows and
Systems must be in a safe and sanitary
doors must prevent water leakage www.eugene-or.gov/383/Preparedness
condition, free of defects, leaks and
into living areas; repairs must
obstructions; repairs must be permanent
be permanent and use accepted
and use accepted plumbing methods.
construction methods.

ELECTRICAL
Electrical systems shall be in good APPLIANCES
working order and conform to
applicable law at the time of installation.
All appliances that are furnished by the
landlord must be in good working order
Concerns About Your Rental Property?
Repairs must be permanent and through and shall be maintained by the landlord.
generally accepted electrical methods.
The goal of the Rental Housing Program is to help renters and owners communicate with
each other to resolve issues without further city involvement or legal action. If you are
concerned your rental property may not meet the code, you can:

CARBON MONOXIDE • Learn more about the rental housing standards at www.eugene-or.gov/rentalhousing
Each unit containing or connected RATS
to a carbon monoxide source must Every dwelling unit must be maintained • Talk to your property manager about your concern; follow up with written
have an approved and working CO free of rats. communication a  bout the issue and keep a copy for your records.
carbon monoxide alarm.
• If your concern persists, you can file a complaint with the City of Eugene­—
see reverse for details.
Mold is addressed through the weatherproofing and plumbing standards.
Additional Resources
for Renters
Lane County Legal Aid/
Oregon Law Center How to File a Complaint
www.oregonlawhelp.org
541-485-1017 A complaint may be filed with the City only
after the renter has sent written notice to
Springfield-Eugene Tenant Association the owner or the property manager. The
springfieldeugenetenantassociation.com renter must allow 10-days for the owner to

Eugene
SETAPublic@gmail.com respond to a written complaint regarding
541-972-3715 Rental Housing non-essential services and 48 hours to
respond to a written complaint regarding
Fair Housing Council of Oregon
www.fhco.org
Program essential services.
Rental Housing
503-223-8197
The City of Eugene works with property
owners and renters to ensure our
To file a complaint related to rats or the
structural integrity, heating, plumbing,
weatherproofing, security, electrical,
Standards
Resources for Currently community has safe and livable rental appliances, carbon monoxide, or smoke Helping Landlords and
Enrolled Students housing. The Rental Housing Code detection of a rental: Tenants Address Safe
(Eugene Code 8.425) was adopted Send a written notice to the owner or the Conditions
UO: ASUO Legal Services to establish minimum habitability property manager. It is recommended
541-346-4273 1 that you keep a copy for your records.
standards that all rental properties
LCC: Access the Law must meet and to provide assistance
Allow 10 days for the owner or property
541-686-4890 to renters and property owners or 2 manager to respond (48 hours for
managers when there is a question essential services). HEATING
about those standards. SECURITY
Resources for Property 3
If there is no response, you can submit ELECTRICAL
a complaint to the City online at www.
Owners and Managers eugene-or.gov/rentalhousing.
SMOKE DETECTION
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
Rental Owners Association in WEATHERPROOFING
Complaint investigations will begin only
Lane County Funding after the steps above have been completed. CARBON MONOXIDE
www.laneroa.com Costs for the program are paid by a APPLIANCES
541-485-7368 $10 per unit annual fee. The property Contact the Rental Housing Program PLUMBING
for further information or for help MOLD
Oregon Rental Housing Association, owner (landlord) or owner’s agent is
through the process. RATS
Inc. responsible for paying the fee.
www.oregonrentalhousing.com Funding of the program helps ensure
503-364-5468
our community has safe and livable
Rental Housing Alliance Oregon rental housing.
www.rhaoregon.org Contact Us
503-254-4723 www.eugene-or.gov/rentalhousing
rentalhousing@ci.eugene.or.us
541-682-8282