Oregon · OR

Demand letters in Oregon.

In Oregon, landlords must return a deposit within 31 days, and the Small Claims Department (Circuit Court) hears claims up to $10,000. Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.

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By The Demand Letter Kit Team Sourced from official statutesUpdated June 1, 2026

Oregon demand letter facts at a glance

Deposit return deadline

31 days

Small claims limit

$10,000

Filing fee

About $50–$120

Written-contract SOL

6 years

Personal-injury SOL

2 years

Legal/judgment interest

9% per year (post-judgment) where no contract rate applies.

Security deposit demand letters in Oregon

If your former landlord is holding your deposit, Oregon law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 31 days, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Wrongful withholding can expose the landlord to twice the amount wrongfully withheld.

Governing statute: Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300 · read it

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Statutes of limitation in Oregon

A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:

Written contracts 6 years
Oral contracts 6 years
Personal injury 2 years
Property damage 6 years

Small claims court in Oregon

If your demand letter is ignored, Oregon's Small Claims Department (Circuit Court) is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $10,000, with filing fees around About $50–$120. You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.

Oregon courts self-help

Good to know in Oregon

Oregon uses a 31-day deposit deadline and requires a written accounting of any deductions; wrongful withholding exposes the landlord to double damages. Small claims in the Circuit Court’s Small Claims Department covers up to $10,000, and many claims must first attempt resolution before a hearing — a credible demand letter aligns well with that expectation. Oregon’s six-year contract and property-damage limitations periods are relatively generous; personal injury is shorter at two years.

Common demand letters in Oregon

Each generator automatically applies Oregon law where it matters.

Security Deposit Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding the return of your security deposit, citing your move-out date and your state’s legal deadline.

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Unpaid Invoice Demand Letter

A firm final notice that tells a non-paying client exactly what they owe, by when, and what happens if they ignore it.

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Contractor Dispute Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding a contractor finish the work, fix defective work, or refund your money under your agreement.

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Debt Collection Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding repayment of money you are owed on a personal loan, IOU, or other unpaid debt.

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Property Damage Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding payment from whoever damaged your property, backed by repair estimates and photos.

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Unpaid Wages Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding an employer pay wages, overtime, or a final paycheck you earned and are owed.

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Oregon demand letter FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Oregon?
In Oregon, a landlord generally must return your security deposit within 31 days. Wrongful withholding can expose the landlord to twice the amount wrongfully withheld. The governing statute is Or. Rev. Stat. § 90.300.
What is the small claims court limit in Oregon?
Oregon's Small Claims Department (Circuit Court) hears claims up to $10,000, with filing fees of roughly About $50–$120. Most demand-letter disputes fall within this limit, which is what makes a demand letter such effective leverage.
How long do I have to sue in Oregon?
Oregon's statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts, 6 years for oral contracts, 2 years for personal injury, and 6 years for property damage. Sending a demand letter does not pause these deadlines, so don't wait too long.
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in Oregon?
Oregon does not always require a demand letter before suing, but sending one is strongly recommended: many courts expect it, it can resolve the dispute without filing, and it documents that you tried to settle in good faith — which helps your case if you do end up in Small Claims Department (Circuit Court).

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