Rental Housing Code

Rental Assistance


The State of Oregon will reopen Oregon Emergency Rent Assistance Programs (OERAP) applications on January 26th, for a limited time.

Applications will be prioritized based on need, but the window to apply will likely only last a few weeks. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Learn more at oregon.gov/ohcs/housing-assistance/Pages/emergency-rental-assistance.aspx.

If you are worried you cannot pay your back or future rent, go to oregonrentalassistance.org and 211info.org and apply for help ASAP. There are programs to help pay back rent, current rent, future rent, utilities, and other housing expenses.

• Tenants who gave documentation to their landlord but whose 60/90 days have expired are now protected during the entire pendency of their applications so long as there has not already been a judgment against them.
• Tenants in need of assistance who have not yet applied for assistance should do so as soon as possible via local programs (see www.211info.org or the list available at www.oregonrentalassistance.org) and get documentation to their landlords asap. The state set aside another $200 million for rent assistance and other housing stability services, so more assistance is available.
• The grace period for repayment of back-due COVID rent still expires at the end of February – if a tenant thinks they will not be able to pay this back-due rent by the end of February, it is important to apply for assistance right away.


Information about rental assistance in English.

About the Rental Housing Code

The rental housing code was created in 2005 to ensure rental properties in the city are safe by creating minimum habitability standards, and by providing resources for property owners/managers and renters.


The standards cover ten areas:

  • heating
  • plumbing
  • security
  • electrical
  • appliances
  • smoke detection
  • structural integrity
  • weatherproofing
  • carbon monoxide alarms
  • rats 

Mold is addressed through the weatherproofing and plumbing standards.


Download Rental Housing Code Brochures

Rental Housing Code Brochure for Renters (English): 

Download (PDF, 210 kb)



Rental Housing Code Brochure in English Opens in new window


 Reglamento de Alquiler de Vivienda en Eugene (Folleto en español): 

Descargar (PDF, 212 kb)


Rental Housing Code Brochure in Spanish Opens in new window


Updates to the Rental Housing Code  

Effective February 26th, 2017, Eugene City Council adopted proposed changes to the Rental Housing Code Ordinance. The changes are based on recommendations from the Housing Policy Board. The adopted ordinance adds language to the Rental Housing code to address carbon monoxide alarms, electrical systems, appliances, and rats. The approved ordinance also removed the sunset clause and added language requiring the City Manager review the Rental Housing Code program and report to City Council every three years.


The full text of the new Rental Housing Code Ordinance can be found here. 


Rental Housing Program Updates 

Fiscal Year 2020 Update

Fiscal Year 2019 Update

Fiscal Year 2018 Update

Fiscal Year 2017 Update


Program Goal

The goal of the program is to help renters and owners communicate with each other so they can resolve their issues without further city involvement or legal action. The program is complaint driven and requires written communication from the renter to the owner/manager at least 10 days before a complaint will be accepted by the City.


Costs for the program are paid by a $10 annual unit fee. The property owner or owner’s agent is responsible for paying the fee.

Property owners and owners’ agents can use this calculator to find out if they live within the distance required to be a local contact: 

If you have any questions or if you would like to be added to our “interested parties” email distribution list please contact staff at 541-682-8282 or via email.