Bill > HB3974

This bill amends Oregon law to cap and regulate residential tenant screening charges, limiting landlords to collecting no more than $20 per applicant for screening purposes. The legislation prevents landlords from requiring applicants to purchase specific screening reports and mandates that landlords provide clear, written notice about their screening process, including criteria, potential fees, and applicant rights. Landlords must now adopt written screening criteria and provide detailed information to applicants before collecting a screening charge, such as their nondiscrimination policy, potential rent and deposit amounts, and the applicant's rights to dispute information or appeal decisions. The bill also allows applicants to provide third-party screening reports and requires landlords to refund the screening charge under certain circumstances, such as filling a unit before screening an applicant or not conducting a screening before an application is withdrawn. If a landlord fails to comply with these requirements, an applicant can potentially recover twice the screening charge paid plus an additional $250 in damages. The legislation aims to make the rental application process more transparent, fair, and affordable for potential tenants by limiting screening costs and requiring clear communication from landlords.

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3974