OAR 839 § 839-003-0230
Remedies in Housing Discrimination Complaints
Operative Text
(1) In cases of unlawful practices in housing, remedy includes, but is not limited to: (a) Rental, lease or sale of real property; (b) Service lost; (c) Expenses or lost benefits attributable to the unlawful practice; (d) Compensation for emotional distress and for impaired personal dignity; and (e) Interest. (2) Settlements of complaints and the awards in commissioner's final orders do not necessarily include all possible remedies named in sections (1) of this rule. Nothing in this rule will be construed to limit or alter the statutory powers of the commissioner to protect the rights of persons similarly situated to the aggrieved person or to order the performance of an act or a series of acts designed to eliminate the effect of any unlawful practice found. (3) The commissioner may order the respondent to eliminate the effects of any unlawful practice found and may require respondent to do one or more of the following: (a) Perform a designated act or series of acts that are calculated to carry out the policy of these rules in order to eliminate the effects of an unlawful practice and to protect the rights of those affected; (b) Take action and submit reports to the commissioner on the manner of compliance with the terms and conditions specified in the commissioner's order or agreement; (c) Refrain from any action prohibited by the order or agreement that would jeopardize the rights of the individuals or groups named in the complaint or would frustrate the purpose and the policy of these rules and relevant statutes. (4) Any person aggrieved by the violation of terms of a settlement agreement signed by a representative of the division, or the commissioner, may file an action for mandamus or injunction or civil action to compel specific performance. (5) Any person aggrieved by a violation of an order issued by the commissioner, or the commissioner, may file an action for mandamus or injunction or civil action to compel compliance. (6) Any person aggrieved by violation of a settlement agreement to which the division is a party, may file a complaint with the commissioner to seek enforcement of the settlement agreement within one year after the act or omission alleged to be a violation of the agreement. The commissioner will process the complaint in the same manner as provided for a complaint filed under ORS 659A.820.
Oregon Administrative Rule OAR 839 § 839-003-0230 establishes the range of remedies available when an unlawful housing discrimination practice is found. Available remedies can include access to housing that was wrongfully denied, reimbursement for expenses or lost benefits, compensation for emotional distress and impaired personal dignity, and interest. The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries commissioner has broad authority to craft orders that eliminate the effects of discrimination and protect those similarly situated to the person harmed, and settlements or final orders may not include every possible remedy listed in the rule.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under OAR 839 § 839-003-0230, a housing provider found to have engaged in an unlawful practice may be ordered to take affirmative corrective steps, submit compliance reports to the commissioner, and refrain from conduct that would further harm affected individuals or groups. Compliant operators generally maintain nondiscriminatory policies, document their practices, and respond promptly and fully to any commissioner orders or settlement terms. Failure to honor a settlement agreement or commissioner's order can expose a respondent to mandamus, injunction, or civil action to compel compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
OAR 839 § 839-003-0230 outlines the remedies that may be available to someone harmed by unlawful housing discrimination in Oregon, including access to housing, reimbursement of expenses, and compensation for emotional distress. Tenants or applicants who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, which processes housing discrimination complaints under ORS 659A.820. If a settlement agreement is later violated, the aggrieved person may file a new complaint with the commissioner within one year of the alleged violation, or may pursue a court action for mandamus, injunction, or civil enforcement — consulting a tenant-rights organization can help clarify which paths may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 7, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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