The rule in Oregon
Oregon sets no statutory cap on the size of a residential security deposit: the source checked (Oregon State Legislature, ORS chapter 90) states no maximum, so the amount is whatever the lease says.
The return deadline is 31 days, counted after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered. The text reads: “not later than 31 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession to the landlord.”
Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 35 give landlords less time and 8 give more; the median is 30 days.
Without a cap there is no dollar ceiling to compute. For comparison, 27 of the 44 verified jurisdictions do cap deposits, from one month's rent in states such as Alabama up to three months' rent in Nevada.
Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on December 31, 2026.
In neighbouring states with verified rules: California allows 21 days and caps deposits at one month's rent, Idaho allows 21 days and sets no cap, Nevada allows 30 days and caps deposits at three months' rent and Washington allows 30 days and sets no cap.
If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in Oregon is $10,000 (small claims rules).
Source: Oregon State Legislature, ORS chapter 90 · last checked October 20, 2026.
If the deposit does not come back
The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.
Questions
How much can a landlord charge as a security deposit in Oregon?
Oregon law sets no maximum in the source checked (ORS 90.300(12), (13)); the lease sets the amount.
How long does a landlord in Oregon have to return a deposit?
31 days: “not later than 31 days after the tenancy terminates and the tenant delivers possession to the landlord” (ORS 90.300(12), (13)).
When does the Oregon deadline start?
The clock runs after the tenancy ends and possession is delivered.