Rental Housing

Tenant complaints, inspections, housing code.

colorful apartment building

All residential rental properties must meet health and safety standards. If you feel there's a public health concern or housing violation at the property you live at, you may file a complaint with your local housing inspector.

If you live in unincorporated Multnomah County, you may contact us to file a complaint.

Complaints can also be received from:

  • A social service agency
  • Police officer
  • Fire inspector
  • Through the building department for non-permitted work
  • Observance of a significant housing issue by an the inspector
  • Non-payment of taxes

Make a Complaint

Step 1: Find the city you live in

  • Use Portland Maps to search for your address»
  • From the list of properties, click on your address.
  • Look at the jurisdiction line for the city you live in. If there is no city, you live in unincorporated Multnomah County.

Step 2: Contact the housing inspector

Landlords

If there's a complaint about your property, you will receive a copy of the complaint inspection report with results of the inspection and expectations for remediation.

  • A housing inspector will arrange a property inspection with the tenant.
  • The inspection will be conducted using the internal and external checklist mentioned above. Housing violations will be noted.
  • The renter and landlord will receive a copy of the inspection report.
  • The landlord will be asked to correct violations within 30 days.

Requirements

Multnomah County Residential Rental Property Code: 

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Last reviewed December 22, 2025