Independent Living in Oregon

Oregon is located on the West Coast in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. Oregon is nicknamed the “Beaver State,” due to the large number of the animals that called the state home when the fur traders and pioneers first arrived. Oregon is a pacific playground with over 360 miles of beaches and more than 30 million acres of forest. Its larger cities like Portland and the college town of Eugene are vibrant and eclectic places with plenty of activity. Oregon’s majestic natural beauty combined with its relatively mild temperatures make the state a great place to call home and a wonderful location to retire.

Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 100 retirement communities in Oregon that offer independent living. The median monthly cost of independent living in Oregon is about $2,400.

Independent living facilities in Oregon are not regulated by a state agency, but they must abide by local rental regulations. However, if an independent living facility shares a campus with an assisted living facility, then the assisted living unit must follow Oregon assisted living requirements.

Independent living landlord and tenant regulations in Oregon

Stand-alone independent living communities are treated the same as any ordinary apartment complex in Oregon. Therefore, independent living landlords must adhere to the state’s residential landlord and tenant regulations and provide the following to residents:^[01]

• Waterproof and weatherproof units
• Sanitary, pest-free grounds and units
• Adequate utilities, including proper heating, and cooling in at least one room
• Appliances in good working order
• Hot and cold water that’s safe to drink
• Properly installed electrical equipment
• Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Independent living residents must also adhere to their tenant duties, which include maintaining a clean, sanitary environment, using appliances in a reasonable manner, and following any requirements in their lease.^[01]

Disability rights for Oregon independent living residents

Oregon independent living communities must also comply with the federal Fair Housing Act and American with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means landlords cannot discriminate due to a resident’s disability and they must provide reasonable accommodations and modifications to allow them the same rights as each resident.

A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules, policies, practices, or procedures to allow a resident with a disability an equal opportunity to use and enjoy their unit. Examples of reasonable accommodations include:^[02]

• Allowing a service animal despite of a no pets policy
• Changing the rent due date to reflect disability payment dates
• Enabling equal access to community amenities and activities

A reasonable modification is a structural change to a resident’s unit or shared spaces in the community. It can offer residents with disabilities easier access. Examples of reasonable modifications include:^[02]

• Installing a wheelchair ramp
• Implementing visual doorbells for a deaf resident
• Widening doorways for wheelchair access

Oregon Department of Health contact information

Oregon Public Health Division
800 NE Oregon Street
Portland, OR 97232

Phone: 971-673-1222

Email: DirectorsOffice@odhsoha.oregon.gov

How to find Oregon independent living facility inspection reports

The state of Oregon doesn’t make independent living rental inspection reports available online. However, the general public can submit a public record request and ask for an inspection report of a specific independent living community. Do note that you’ll have to pay a request fee.

If the Oregon Public Records Request Team doesn’t have the inspection report you seek, you can contact your city’s or county’s local housing authority for more information.