Oregon ESA Laws: What Tenants Need to Know in 2026

In May 2026, HUD narrowed its enforcement approach to ESA housing complaints. The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) continues to enforce housing protections independently.

This guide to Oregon ESA laws was prepared by the RealESALetter.com editorial team, which tracks ESA law changes across all 51 states.

What the Fair Housing Act Requires of Oregon Landlords

Oregon landlords must accept a valid ESA letter, even in a no-pet building, and cannot charge pet deposits, pet rent, or apply breed restrictions.

• Must accommodate valid ESA letters in no-pet buildings
• Cannot charge pet deposits or pet rent for an ESA
• Cannot apply breed, size, or weight restrictions
• Must respond to accommodation requests in writing
• Can only deny if the animal poses a direct, documented safety threat or causes substantial property damage, which is a high legal bar
• Cannot request medical records, a specific diagnosis, or require training

Oregon-Specific ESA Laws

Oregon protects emotional support animal owners through ORS 659A.145, the state statute prohibiting disability discrimination in real property transactions. The statute makes it unlawful for a housing provider to refuse reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when needed to give a person with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

Oregon does not add documentation standards or a minimum provider relationship period for ESA letters. There is no Oregon equivalent of California's 30 day requirement.

Oregon's Broad Disability Standard

ORS 659A.139 directs that Oregon's disability protections be construed in favor of broad coverage, to the maximum extent the statutes permit. This standard gives Oregon tenants a wider path to protection than federal law alone.

ORS 659A.145 applies alongside the federal Fair Housing Act, and Oregon tenants can rely on both.

RealESALetter.com letters are prepared by state-licensed Oregon therapists in compliance with ORS 659A.145 and the federal Fair Housing Act.

What HUD's May 2026 Enforcement Change Means for Oregon Tenants

On May 22, 2026, HUD announced it will no longer pursue ESA housing complaints where the animal is not individually trained to perform disability-related tasks.

The Fair Housing Act statute has not changed. Congress did not act, so this is an enforcement posture change, not a law change.

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) continues to enforce Oregon and federal housing protections independently of HUD. State enforcement is fully active and is now the primary path for Oregon tenants.

Private litigation is still available, and tenants can sue in federal or state court within two years of a discriminatory act. A genuine clinical evaluation from a state-licensed therapist is now more important than ever as the foundation of a valid accommodation request.

How to File an ESA Housing Complaint in Oregon

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) is the primary enforcement body for ESA housing complaints in Oregon.

1. Visit Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) and open the complaint form
2. Submit your complaint online, by mail, or in person, no attorney required
3. Include details of the discrimination, your valid ESA letter, and how your landlord refused or disputed the accommodation

As a secondary option, federal complaints can be filed with HUD at 1-800-669-9777, though as of May 2026, BOLI is the stronger enforcement path. If agency processes do not resolve the matter, tenants may sue in federal or state court under the Fair Housing Act.

Oregon Penalties for ESA Misrepresentation

Oregon does not have a specific ESA misrepresentation statute. Fraudulent ESA documentation may be prosecuted under general state fraud statutes.

A genuine clinical evaluation from a licensed professional is what gives an accommodation request its legal footing. Documentation that does not reflect a real evaluation offers no reliable protection. When you secure a legitimate ESA letter, ensure it's based on an actual clinical evaluation by a state-licensed therapist. 

What Oregon Landlords Can and Cannot Do

What Makes an ESA Letter Valid in Oregon?

A valid ESA letter in Oregon must come from a licensed mental health professional with an active Oregon license.

• Written by a licensed mental health professional with an active Oregon license
• States the tenant has a qualifying mental health condition
• States the animal is necessary to alleviate symptoms of that condition
• Printed on official letterhead with license number, date, and signature
• Does not need to disclose the specific diagnosis

ESA registrations, certificates, and badges sold online have no legal standing in Oregon or under federal law. The only document that provides housing protection is an Oregon ESA letter from a licensed Oregon mental health professional.

ESA Public Access Rights in Oregon

ESA letters cover housing only. Oregon ESAs do NOT have public access rights under the ADA. Airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs in the cabin following the 2021 DOT rule change.

If you need public access rights and DOT-compliant air travel, a PSD letter covers both with a task-trained dog.

ESA Workplace Rights in Oregon

Oregon law does not allow emotional support animals (ESAs) in the workplace. Because an ESA is not a service animal under the ADA, employees do not have an automatic right to bring one to work.

Employees may request an accommodation under the Oregon Disability Discrimination Law and the ADA. Employers must consider the request through the interactive process and determine whether allowing the animal is a reasonable accommodation or whether another effective accommodation should be provided. Approval is decided on a case by case basis and is not guaranteed.