Oregon's New 2026 Squatter Removal Law: How Landlords Can Quickly Reclaim Properties Using the Updated Eviction Process

Christian Bryant
Jan 7
4 min read

Mr Portland Landlord's video summary of this article

Hey there, fellow landlords and property managers across the Portland metro and all of Oregon—happy new year! We're only a week into 2026, and already we've got something worth celebrating. If you've ever dealt with the headache of discovering someone has moved into your vacant rental without so much as a "by your leave," you know how frustrating it used to be. Months of legal wrangling, expensive ejectment lawsuits, and watching your property potentially get trashed in the meantime. Well, buckle up, because Oregon's new squatter removal law 2026 just handed us a game-changer.

Thanks to House Bill 3522, which kicked in on January 1, property owners like you and me can now use the faster Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) eviction process to boot out true squatters—often with just a 24-hour notice. Finally, a pro-landlord win in a state that's seen plenty of the opposite lately. It's like the legislature woke up and said, "Hey, property rights matter too." Don't get me wrong, I'm all for fair housing and good tenant relations, but when someone's illegally occupying your investment? Yeah, we needed this.

Oregon landlord handing eviction notice to unauthorized occupant at rental property door under new 2026 squatter removal law. — A landlord properly serving a 24-hour squatter notice—now the first step in Oregon's faster removal process.

Defining Squatters vs. Tenants: When Does the New Oregon Squatter Removal Law 2026 Apply (And When It Doesn't)?

First things first—let's make sure we're talking about actual squatters here. Under the updated ORS 90.100, a squatter is someone occupying a dwelling (or using property for dwelling purposes) without any rental agreement, permission from you or a legitimate tenant, or any legal right to be there. Think break-ins, someone changing locks on a vacant unit, or that "friend of a friend" who overstays after permission ends without ever paying rent.

This isn't for holdover tenants—those folks who had a lease that expired but stayed put. They're still covered under regular tenant laws (like 90-day no-cause for longer-term tenancies or cause-based notices). And crucially, if you've accidentally accepted rent, had an oral agreement, or done anything that might look like creating a tenancy, this fast-track probably won't apply. Mishandle that, and you could end up owing relocation fees or facing a wrongful eviction claim. Nobody wants that surprise.

Key Changes Under the Oregon Squatter Removal Law 2026: 24-Hour Notice and FED Process Explained

The big shift? Before, squatters forced us into slow ejectment actions that could drag on forever. Now, HB 3522 lets us treat them as unlawful holders by force. You serve a simple written 24-hour notice stating they're a squatter, specifying the exact vacate date and time, and making clear this creates no tenancy rights. If they don't leave? Straight to FED court—no long delays.

It's empowering, especially in winter when vacant properties in Portland or Bend sit empty and vulnerable after holiday turnovers. This law restores some balance, deterring illegal occupations before they turn your rental into a nightmare.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Safely and Legally Remove a Squatter in Oregon

Okay, let's get practical—here's how to use the Oregon squatter removal law 2026 without tripping over yourself:

Confirm it's a squatter. Document everything: photos of break-in signs, police reports if trespassing, no lease or payment records.
Serve the 24-hour written notice. Deliver it properly (personal, posted, mailed as backup). Use clear language: "You are a squatter under ORS 90.100; vacate by [date/time] or eviction will follow."
If they stay, file FED in circuit court. Attach the notice, use the updated complaint form selecting the squatter option. Hearings are quick—often 7-15 days.
Win judgment, get sheriff enforcement. Court issues restitution writ; sheriff handles removal. Then change locks and assess damage.
Document, document, document. Always—protects you if challenged.

Pro tip: Involve a landlord-tenant attorney early. Precision matters, and it's cheaper than mistakes.

Preventing Squatting in the First Place: Security Tips for Vacant Portland-Area Rentals

An ounce of prevention, right? Especially with slower winter markets leaving units empty longer.

Regular drive-bys and inspections.
Quality locks, security signs, motion lights, cameras.
Board windows if needed, but tastefully—no "fortress" vibe.
No utility transfers to unknowns.
Post "No Trespassing" signs and consider temporary alarms.

Exterior of secure Portland Oregon rental property with for rent sign, locked doors, and security features. — A well-secured vacant rental home—key to preventing squatter issues in Oregon's variable market.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid: Actions That Could Accidentally Create a Tenancy

Watch out—accepting any money, letting them stay past the notice without filing, or sloppy notice wording could turn your squatter into a protected tenant. Then you're back to longer notices and potential fees. And never, ever self-help: no lock changes or property removal without court order. That's illegal and expensive.

How This Fits with Broader 2026 Landlord-Tenant Updates

This squatter fix stands out as a bright spot amid other changes tilting toward tenants (like rent cap tweaks or relocation rules). It's a reminder to stay educated—join PAROA for updates, classes, and support.

There you have it, folks. The Oregon squatter removal law 2026 gives us real tools to protect our investments quickly and legally. Use it wisely, stay proactive, and here's to fewer headaches in 2026!

Christian Bryant

Portland Area Rental Owners Association

(www.paroa.org)

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