Oregon Renters' Handbook - OSPIRG

Chapter 2: Discriminationtenant, to ensure that there arefunds to pay for the removal ofany modifications at the end ofthe tenancy.These protections do notprotect a person whocurrently uses illegal or controlleddrugs, or who has been convicted forthe illegal distribution or manufactureof drugs. They do, however, protectthose who are recovering from anaddiction. Landlords should use thesame criteria that they use on all otherapplicants concerning threats to thehealth, safety, or property of thepremises and occupants.Right to PrivacyApplicants do not have todisclose their type of disabilityunless they are seeking housingspecifically intended for peoplewith disabilities. Landlords arenot entitled to ask for or findout details of the specific disabilityof an applicant or tenant.Familial StatusThe same state and federal lawsprohibit discrimination of familieswith children (e.g. becausethe tenant has a child, has or issecuring legal custody of a child,or is pregnant). A child is a personunder 18 years of age.Renting to MinorsState law says that a contractwith someone under 18 is legaland binding only in the area ofhousing and utilities. It is not requiredby law, but landlords maychoose to rent to certain minors,defined as someone who is: marriedperson living apartfrom their parents or legalguardians; entin physical custody of achild(ren); a child who will be living intheir physical custody.Minors should be held to thesame screening, application, andwww.ospirgstudents.orgOSPIRG11