ORS § 90 § 90.375
Effect of unlawful ouster or exclusion; willful diminution of services.
Operative Text
If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises, seriously attempts or seriously threatens unlawfully to remove or exclude the tenant from the premises or willfully diminishes or seriously attempts or seriously threatens unlawfully to diminish services to the tenant by interrupting or causing the interruption of heat, running water, hot water, electric or other essential service, the tenant may obtain injunctive relief to recover possession or may terminate the rental agreement and recover an amount up to two months’ periodic rent or twice the actual damages sustained by the tenant, whichever is greater. If the rental agreement is terminated the landlord shall return all security deposits and prepaid rent recoverable under ORS 90.300. The tenant need not terminate the rental agreement, obtain injunctive relief or recover possession to recover damages under this section.
Oregon Revised Statutes § 90.375 addresses situations where a landlord unlawfully locks out a tenant, seriously threatens to do so, or deliberately cuts off essential services such as heat, running water, hot water, or electricity. When such conduct occurs, the law provides the affected tenant with several potential remedies, including injunctive relief to regain possession, termination of the rental agreement, and monetary damages. The damages available can reach up to two months' periodic rent or twice the tenant's actual damages, whichever is greater, and a tenant does not have to move out or go to court to reclaim possession in order to pursue a damages claim.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under ORS § 90.375, compliant landlords in Oregon maintain continuous access to the rental unit for their tenants and ensure that essential services—heat, running water, hot water, and electricity—are never deliberately interrupted as a means of pressuring or removing a tenant. Operators generally document any necessary service interruptions (such as emergency repairs) carefully and communicate with tenants in advance to distinguish legitimate maintenance from conduct that could be characterized as willful diminishment. Because the statute exposes landlords to damages of up to two months' rent or twice actual damages, whichever is greater, property managers typically ensure that any access or service issues are handled through lawful channels such as proper notice and court proceedings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
ORS § 90.375 gives Oregon tenants legal recourse if a landlord unlawfully locks them out, seriously threatens to do so, or deliberately cuts off essential services like heat or running water. Tenants in this situation may have the option to seek a court order restoring possession, terminate the rental agreement and recover security deposits and prepaid rent, or pursue monetary damages—and notably, the statute allows a tenant to seek damages without first terminating the lease or reclaiming possession. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization, a legal aid office, or the Oregon courts to understand the remedies available under § 90.375.
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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