Editor's Note: MHCO is working on developing a new form - addendum - to meet the new requirements set forth in SB1069. We hope to have the new form uploaded to MHCO.ORG later next month.
SB1069 modifies portions of the Oregon Landlord Tenant Law to permit the transmission of certain kinds of written notice by electronic mail (“email”). After a landlord and tenant have entered into a written rental agreement, the parties may sign an addendum permitting the service of written notices by email. This addendum must be signed afterthe original rental agreement and after the tenant has begun occupying the premises.
The email addendum must include:
- The email address from which the landlord will be sending and receiving notices.
- The email address from which the tenant will be sending and receiving notices.
- A provision that either party may terminate their agreement to receive email notices or may change the email address from which they send and receive notices, with three-days written notice.
- The following statement:
THIS IS AN IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS
REGARDING RECEIPT OF WRITTEN NOTICES.
By signing this addendum, you agree to receive written notices from your landlord by e-mail. This may include important legal notices, including rent increase and tenancy termination notices. Failure to read or respond to a written notice could result in you losing your housing or being unaware of a change in rent. Signing this addendum is voluntary. Only agree to service of written notices electronically if you check your e-mail regularly.
Email Service of Termination Notice. Even if the parties agree to email service of written notices as outlined above, landlord and tenant must serve any written termination notices by both email and first-class mail.
Miscellaneous.
ORS 90.160 is amended to specify that notices containing a number of days (e.g. a 10-day notice), counting of the required days begins the day after service of the notice and concludes at 11:59 pm on the last day of the period. However, for notices requiring a certain number of hours, counting of the consecutive hours is to commence immediately upon service. For notices to terminate by 11:59 pm, the day of service is counted from the time of first-class mail and attachment (if allowed under the rental agreement for both landlord and tenant) or first-class mail and email (if allowed under the addendum).
Electronic Return of Funds: After the tenancy begins and the tenant has occupied the premises, the landlord and tenant may agree to an addendum allowing the landlord to electronically return a security deposit, prepaid rent, or the appropriate portion of either to the tenant’s preferred bank account or financial institution. The required written accounting for the security deposit and/or prepaid rent may be returned to the tenant via email if the tenant has executed an email notice addendum as described above.
If a landlord must make repayment of rent to a tenant to avoid waiver under ORS 90.412 or ORS 90.414, the landlord may make that repayment in person, by first class mail, or electronically if allowed by addendum. Rent repayment going to any other non-tenant payor must be made personally or by first class mail.
Nonpayment of Rent. After a nonpayment notice a tenant’s payment will be considered timely if mailed within the notice period, unless the tenant has received their nonpayment notice in person, by first-class mail and attachment, or by first-class mail and email.
