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Today we’re breaking down a question every landlord and tenant eventually asks:
Who is responsible for dealing with pests in a rental home in Oregon?
Let’s make this simple — and let’s base it on Oregon law and address some of the nuances of this topic.
What Oregon Law Says – ORS 90.320
Under ORS 90.320, landlords must provide a home that is habitable.
That includes being free from infestations of rodents and insects at the time the tenant moves in, and throughout the tenancy — unless the infestation is caused by the tenant.
In other words:
Landlords are generally responsible for pest control.
When the Landlord Is Responsible
You, as the landlord, must handle pests when they are part of maintaining a safe and livable property.
This includes removing:
Rodents
Ants
Roaches
Fleas (when not brought by the tenant’s pet)
Bedbugs
Other vermin that threaten habitability
If the pests are due to the building structure, cracks in walls, broken vents, or long-term issues, the landlord must fix the cause and pay for extermination.
When the Tenant Is Responsible – ORS 90.325
Oregon law changes responsibility if the tenant causes the infestation.
Under ORS 90.325, tenants must keep the unit clean, dispose of garbage, and avoid behavior that attracts pests.
Examples where the tenant is responsible:
Leaving food out that causes a roach infestation
Improperly storing trash
Causing a flea infestation from their pets
Not keeping the home reasonably clean
In these cases, the tenant can be required to pay for pest control since their behavior created the problem.
What Happens With Bedbugs?
Bedbugs are a special case.
Oregon treats them under the same habitability rule:
If they were present before the tenant moved in, the landlord pays.
If they were introduced by the tenant, the tenant may be responsible — but proof matters.
Most professional managers treat bedbugs as a shared responsibility issue and move quickly to stop the spread.
Best Practices for Landlords
Here are a few tips to stay compliant and protected:
Document the home’s condition before move-in
Provide clear instructions on cleanliness expectations
Respond quickly to pest complaints
Fix structural issues that allow pests in
When in doubt, schedule extermination early to prevent bigger costs later
So, remember:
In Oregon, landlords are responsible for providing a pest-free, habitable home — unless the tenant’s actions caused the problem.
