Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Oregon

Uninhabitable Housing

I rented a room online (I know, I know). The pictures were of a room in a house. I arrived and it was a completely different space which was a convereted garage. The space was not well converted; rats, holes in the ceiling, no heat, no smoke alarm. I tried to get my money back, no luck. I called the city they said its not zones residential was to be used for storage space only and had already moved people out for the space being uninhabitable.

I moved. Obviously. I am making payments on the new place. My landlord wont give me anything. No deposiot back, no nothing. He says I am lucky he let me break lease even though he was knowingly renting me an illegal place.

I was just wondering what I should legally be getting back. Is it just the deposit, or should I be asking back any rent? I paid 1 and a half months rent to hold a room that apparently didn't exist because I got a garrage and I said I would not break lease and stay if I could have that room. Plus one month while I lived there.

Any advice would be appreciated, I have never had a problem like this before!!


Asked on 9/12/08, 1:04 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Susan Burns Law Office of Susan Ford Burns

Re: Uninhabitable Housing

Oregon has laws that prevent landlords from renting property they know is illegal/uninhabitable. You are entitled to a return of your deposit and rent, and might be entitled to some additional damages as well.

You should consult an attorney experienced in representing tenants for further assistance. The Oregon Residential Landlord Tenant Act provides for the recovery of your attorney fees in an action against the landlord.

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Answered on 9/12/08, 1:12 pm


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