MHCO Community Updates

Legislation Impacting Oregon Landlord-Tenant Relationships - Passed In 2026 Short Session

Do you want access to MHCO content?

For complete access to forms, conference presentations, community updates and MHCO columns, log in to your account or register now.

HB 4123 (2026) – Overview

 

Definition of Confidential Information

The bill defines “confidential information” to include the following:

  • Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Banking information
  • Tax returns
  • W-2 statements
  • Sources of income or financial assistance
  • Immigration or citizenship status
  • Membership in a protected class
  • Records related to the assertion of domestic violence allegations
  • Medical records or records related to a disability

Restrictions on Disclosure

Landlords are prohibited from disclosing confidential information related to a tenant, former tenant, applicant, or any member of a tenant’s, former tenant’s, or applicant’s household.

Exceptions to the Disclosure Prohibition

There are several exceptions where disclosure is permitted:

  1. With the consent of the individual
  2. When required by a court order, judicial warrant, or subpoena (but not an administrative warrant or subpoena)
  3. As necessary to communicate with grantors, auditors, or third-party preparers to ensure compliance with federal, state, or local government affordable housing regulations
  4. As necessary to conduct background or credit checks
  5. To share phone numbers or emails for repair or maintenance issues
  6. For reference requests
  7. As necessary for use by a landlord in an insurance claim, collection matter, or administrative or court action

Penalties for Violations

A “knowing” violation of these restrictions results in a penalty equal to twice the monthly rent.

 

SB 1523 (2026) – Tenant Portal Legislation Overview

Definition of Tenant Portal

A “tenant portal” is defined as any electronic application, software, website, or digital platform provided by or on behalf of a landlord that a tenant, applicant, or prospective applicant uses in connection with applying for, establishing, maintaining, or terminating a tenancy. However, this does not include communications with the landlord or the landlord’s agent via email or text message.

Landlord Requirements for Tenant Portals

  • If a landlord uses a tenant portal to accept applications, the landlord must post a printable copy of the application on the landlord’s website or, within seven days of receiving a written request from a prospective applicant, provide a printed or printable copy of the application by mail or electronic mail.
  • Landlords must process all applications, whether they are received through the tenant portal or by other means.
  • If an applicant or tenant requests an alternative in writing, the landlord may not require the use of a tenant portal as the sole means to verify identification, review and sign addenda or other legal agreements, or submit documents related to the tenancy.

Payment Methods and Fees

  • Landlords must allow tenants to make payments by check or other commercially reasonable methods, such as money orders.
  • Landlords may not require tenants to make payments exclusively by debit card, credit card, ACH, tenant portal, or similar electronic means. These options can be offered but not mandated.
  • Landlords may not charge late fees or terminate a tenancy for nonpayment if they refuse to allow payment by check or money order.
  • Landlords are permitted to pass through processing fees incurred from payment by credit or debit card to the tenant, provided that:
    • The payment processing company allows the fees to be passed on to the payor
    • Tenants are allowed to pay by non-electronic means
    • Records of fees passed through are made available to the tenant upon written request

Access to Common Areas

There must be a physical method of unlocking common areas that does not require use of a tenant portal.