Our office handles a lot of assault-related cases, both felony and misdemeanor. Here are a few answers to common assault questions:
What are the differences between the different levels of assault?
Assault crimes in Oregon are broken down into four degrees. Assault in the fourth degree, commonly known as assault 4, is the least-serious. [click to read more]
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Landlords sometimes try to kick tenants out of the homes they’re renting. That process is called “eviction.” It’s also known as F.E.D., but it’s easier to just call it eviction.
If you are a tenant (as opposed to, for example, a guest or a squatter) living somewhere with a valid rental agreement (verbal or written), a landlord cannot just break in and kick you out on his own! Doing so would be illegal – your landlord would probably get into criminal trouble, and you would likely be able to sue your landlord for a substantial amount of money. If a landlord wants you out and you won’t leave, a landlord’s only way to get you out is through the eviction process. That process usually has to start with your landlord giving you a “notice of termination.” [click to read more]
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When you start a new lease, most landlords will require you to pay a security deposit – make sure you get a receipt! Think of a security deposit like a loan you give to your landlord to ensure that you pay your rent and keep the place in good condition. If you don’t pay your rent or fees, or if you cause damage to your rental beyond normal wear-and-tear, your landlord may be able to keep some or all of your security deposit. Ordinarily, though, your landlord must return your entire security deposit after you move out.
The rules about security deposits are found in ORS 90.300. When your lease ends and you move out, your landlord has 31 days to mail to you (or hand to you) 100% of your security deposit. If your landlord wants to keep any part of your deposit (for the reasons discussed above), your landlord must give you a written accounting within that same 31 day period of time.
Landlords break the rules on security deposits all the time, and when they do, tenants may be able to sue them for twice the amount of money in dispute. For example, landlords often fail to send back deposit money within the 31-day time period. Or, landlords try to bully tenants out of their security deposit money by making up bogus damage claims.
Don’t let your landlord screw you out of your security deposit! Call Portland Defender – we can help you get your security deposit back.
(photo by TaxBrackets.org)
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If you live in the City of Portland, the city building inspector’s office can be one of your best friends when you’ve got a terrible landlord. Across the city, landlords are making tenants live in homes that are unhabitable – plumbing and electrical problems, rodents and insects, broken walls, floors and ceilings, garbage outside, excessive mold and moisture intrusion, etc.
If your landlord refuses to make reasonable repairs to your home, you should always think about contacting the city building inspector – they can be reached via phone at (503) 823-2633, or on the web.
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