Renter deposit guide
Oregon renter move-out cleaning & your security deposit
In Oregon, a landlord generally must return your security deposit — or give a written accounting of any deductions — within 31 days after the tenancy ends. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted, but cleaning or damage beyond normal wear can be. A thorough move-out clean improves your odds of a full refund, but it cannot guarantee one: the landlord decides based on the unit’s overall condition.
What Oregon law generally says
Under Oregon’s residential landlord-tenant law (ORS 90.300), after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the deposit or provide a written accounting of deductions within 31 days. Deposits can generally be applied to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear, and — if the rental agreement says so — cleaning to the condition at move-in. Normal wear and tear cannot be charged to you. This is general information, not legal advice — verify current requirements with ORS 90.300 or an attorney.
How a move-out clean helps — and what it can’t do
A thorough clean directly addresses cleaning-related deductions, which are a common reason for withheld deposits. It does not fix damage (that is repair, not cleaning) and it cannot force a refund — the landlord evaluates the whole unit against your move-in condition report. Beaverton Clean is a referral service that connects you with an independent cleaning provider; it is not the cleaner and is not responsible for the provider’s work or your deposit outcome.
Move-out prep checklist
Before the final walkthrough, cover the basics and match your lease’s turnover list:
- Empty the unit completely and remove all trash
- Clean inside and outside appliances, cabinets, and drawers
- Scrub bathrooms; descale sinks, tubs, and toilets
- Wipe walls, baseboards, doors, and switch plates
- Vacuum carpets and mop hard floors
- Compare against your move-in condition report and photograph the result
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit in Oregon?
Generally 31 days after the tenancy ends. Within that window the landlord must return the deposit or provide a written accounting of any deductions. This is general information — confirm specifics with ORS 90.300 or an attorney.
Can a landlord charge me for cleaning?
A landlord can generally charge for cleaning needed beyond normal wear, or to return the unit to its move-in condition if the rental agreement requires it — but not for ordinary wear and tear. A documented, thorough clean reduces the room for such charges.
Does professional cleaning guarantee my deposit back?
No. It improves your chances by removing cleaning-related deductions, but the landlord decides based on the unit’s full condition, including any damage beyond cleaning. Keep your move-in report and take dated photos after cleaning as evidence.
What counts as normal wear and tear?
Normal wear and tear is the gradual deterioration from ordinary living — light carpet wear, small scuffs, faded paint, minor nail holes. Damage is different: stains, holes, breakage, or heavy soiling from neglect or misuse. Landlords can deduct for damage, not for normal wear.
Ready when you are
Oregon renter move-out cleaning & your security deposit
In Oregon, a landlord generally must return your security deposit — or give a written accounting of any deductions — within 31 days after the tenancy ends. Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted, but cleaning or damage beyond normal wear can be. A thorough move-out clean improves your odds of a full refund, but it cannot guarantee one: the landlord decides based on the unit’s overall condition.