Residential Landlord and Tenant
Landlord to maintain premises in habitable condition
- agreement with tenant to maintain premises
(formerly 91.770)
Notes of Decisions
Damages for emotional distress are not available for landlord's nonculpable or negligent failure to maintain premises in habitable condition under this section. Brewer v. Erwin, 287 Or 435, 600 P2d 398 (1979)
The application of this section does not result in an unconstitutional taking of property. Marquam Investment Corp. v. Beers, 47 Or App 711, 615 P2d 1064 (1980), Sup Ct review denied
The distinction drawn in this section between landlords and tenants by granting certain rights to tenants and placing certain responsibilities on landlords does not violate equal protection. Marquam Investment Corp. v. Beers, 47 Or App 711, 615 P2d 1064 (1980), Sup Ct review denied
This section does not unconstitutionally impair the ability to contract. Marquam Investment Corp. v. Beers, 47 Or App 711, 615 P2d 1064 (1980), Sup Ct review denied
Where no evidence to show by what amount conditions claimed to render house uninhabitable diminished its rental value, trial court properly dismissed action for diminished value under this section. Lane v. Kelley, 57 Or App 197, 643 P2d 1397 (1982), Sup Ct review denied
Plaintiffs, who had requested jury instruction that included statement that dwelling unit be considered uninhabitable if lacking adequate heating facilities maintained in good order, were entitled to have their theory of case presented to jury. Paprock v. Defenbaugh, 71 Or App 624, 693 P2d 654 (1984), Sup Ct review denied
Patio deck within residential tenant's exclusive control was "floor" within meaning of this section and landlord was required to maintain floor in good repair. Humbert v. Sellars, 300 Or 113, 708 P2d 344 (1985)
Oregon courts have not recognized implied warranty of habitability. Bellikka v. Green, 306 Or 630, 762 P2d 997 (1988)
Covering over swimming pool skimmer in tenant's backyard constituted "floor" under this section and landlords were thus required to maintain covering in "good repair." Appleberry v. Berry, 98 Or App 398, 779 P2d 205 (1989), Sup Ct review denied
Unhabitable condition causing statutory violation does not depend on landlord knowledge of condition. Davis v. Campbell, 327 Or 584, 965 P2d 1017 (1998)
Law Review Citations
16 WLR 854 (1980)
Notes of Decisions
The prevailing party in an action brought under this Act is entitled to attorney fees. Executive Management v. Juckett, 274 Or 515, 547 P2d 603 (1976)
Damages for mental distress are not recoverable under this Act. Ficker v. Diefenbach, 34 Or App 241, 578 P2d 467 (1978), as modified by 35 Or App 829, 578 P2d 467 (1978)
Where tenant terminates residential tenancy but then holds over wrongfully, landlord need not give any notice to tenant as prerequisite to maintaining action for possession. Skourtes v. Schaer, 36 Or App 659, 585 P2d 703 (1978), Sup Ct review denied
Landlord may waive statutory right to 30 days' written notice from tenant. Skourtes v. Schaer, 36 Or App 659, 585 P2d 703 (1978), Sup Ct review denied
This act does not provide for recovery of punitive damages. Brewer v. Erwin, 287 Or 435, 600 P2d 398 (1979)
As this act is not penal, it is not subject to attack for vagueness. Marquam Investment Corp. v. Beers, 47 Or App 711, 615 P2d 1064 (1980), Sup Ct review denied
Distinction in this act between residential and nonresidential tenancies is not irrational, arbitrary or unreasonable under United States or Oregon Constitution. Marquam Investment Corp. v. Beers, 47 Or App 711, 615 P2d 1064 (1980), Sup Ct review denied
Residential Landlord and Tenant Act does not supersede common law in all aspects of personal injury liability. Bellikka v. Green, 306 Or 630, 762 P2d 997 (1988)
Where jury returned general verdict for defendant and court refused to award defendant attorney fees, defendant has right, absent "unusual circumstances," to receive attorney fees for damages for prevailing on personal injury claim. Steininger v. Tosch, 96 Or App 493, 773 P2d 15 (1989), Sup Ct review denied
Where tenants counterclaim for injunctive relief and damages after landlord sent 30-day, no-cause eviction notice, before awarding attorney fees, district court must determine whether landlord or tenants have right to possession of house and whether tenants' right to assert counterclaim is provided by statute. Edwards v. Fenn, 308 Or 129, 775 P2d 1375 (1989)
Atty. Gen. Opinions
Private process server in a forcible entry and detainer action, (1975) Vol 37, p 869; applicability to university housing and properties, (1976) Vol 37, p 1297
Law Review Citations
56 OLR 655 (1977); 16 WLR 275 (1979); 16 WLR 835 (1980)