How to Write a Legal Security Deposit Demand Letter in Oregon
In Oregon, security deposits are governed by Oregon Revised Statutes § 90.300. Landlords must return your deposit within 31 days of move-out, and wrongful withholding can expose them to damages up to 2× the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees.
See your Oregon demand letter free — in 30 seconds
Paste your deductions and instantly preview a formal letter citing ORS § 90.300. No account, no email.
Generate free preview →Oregon security deposit law at a glance
- Governing statute
- Oregon Revised Statutes § 90.300
- Cite in your letter as
- ORS § 90.300
- Return deadline
- 31 days after move-out
- Penalty for bad faith
- 2× the wrongfully withheld amount
- Small claims limit
- $10,000
5 steps to a demand letter that gets a response
- 1
State the facts up front
Open with your deposit amount, the property address, and your move-out date. Make clear you are formally disputing the deductions — not asking a favor.
- 2
Cite ORS § 90.300
Reference Oregon Revised Statutes § 90.300 by name. Oregon landlords must return the deposit within 31 days and may only withhold for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Naming the statute signals you know your rights.
- 3
Itemize every disputed charge
List each deduction and explain why it is not lawful — routine cleaning, repainting, and ordinary carpet wear are the landlord's cost of doing business, not yours.
- 4
State the penalty exposure
Spell out that wrongful withholding under ORS § 90.300 can expose the landlord to damages up to 2× the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees. This is what moves landlords to settle.
- 5
Set a deadline and send certified
Demand return within 31 days and send the letter via USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt. The receipt is your proof of delivery if you end up in Oregon small claims court (limit $10,000).
Skip the formatting — we draft it citing ORS § 90.300
Preview free, then get a court-ready PDF prepared for certified mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What law governs security deposit demand letters in Oregon?
Oregon Revised Statutes § 90.300 (cited in letters as ORS § 90.300) governs security deposits in Oregon. It requires return within 31 days of move-out and limits deductions to damage beyond normal wear and tear.
How much can I demand in Oregon?
You can demand the full amount that was wrongfully withheld. If the landlord acted in bad faith, ORS § 90.300 allows for damages up to 2× the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees, which you can pursue in small claims court (Oregon limit: $10,000).
Do I have to send the demand letter by certified mail in Oregon?
It is not always legally required, but it is strongly recommended. Certified mail with a return receipt proves the landlord received your demand and started the clock — essential evidence if you file in Oregon small claims court.
Can I see a Oregon demand letter before I pay?
Yes. You can generate a free instant preview of a Oregon security deposit demand letter — citing ORS § 90.300 — with no account or payment required.
Related Oregon guides
Tenant rights tips — free
Security deposit guides and landlord dispute tactics. One email per week.