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Oregon SB 1552: Proposed Notifications for Recordings Affecting Real Property Titles

Hey there, fellow Oregon landlords, property managers, and real estate investors. Christian Bryant here from the Portland Area Rental Owners Association (PAROA). As we dive into the 2026 legislative session, Senate Bill 1552 has caught my eye early on. It's one of those proposals that directly ties into protecting what we all work hard to build: ownership of our properties. Titled "Relating to the transfer of real property; declaring an emergency," this bill focuses on adding a notification step when documents impacting property titles get recorded.


Mr Portland Landlord reports this article.

As of late January 2026, SB 1552 is fresh at the Senate Desk, awaiting first reading. No committee assignment yet, no amendments, and no hearings scheduled—typical for a brand-new introduction. The full introduced text is available on the Oregon Legislative Information System (OLIS), and I'll link it below. The core provision is straightforward: it requires county clerks to notify the owner of real property whenever an instrument affecting the title to that property is presented for recordation. There are exceptions—if the document is presented by a financial institution, an insurer, an attorney, or an employee/agent of those professionals, no notification is needed.

Oregon real property title notification

This isn't reinventing the wheel; Oregon already has robust recording systems through county clerks, where deeds, mortgages, liens, and other title-affecting documents get filed to make them official. But fraud happens—think deed theft or forged transfers, where scammers file fake documents to claim ownership or encumber properties. It's rarer in Oregon than some states, but when it hits, it's devastating, often targeting vacant rentals, elderly owners, or investment properties. The bill adds a safeguard: direct notice to the recorded owner, giving you a heads-up to verify or challenge suspicious filings quickly.


Owner receiving county clerk title recording notice for Oregon property.
Getting notified: Potential protection from title fraud under Oregon real property title notification rules.

The emergency clause means, if passed, it would take effect immediately upon signature rather than the usual 91 days or January 1 timeline. That signals intent for quick protection.

Let's extrapolate what this could mean if SB 1552 becomes law in its current form—for landlords, property managers, investors, and developers across Oregon.


For landlords and property managers: Extra peace of mind against title fraud. Imagine a vacant rental you own in Salem or a multifamily in Gresham—someone forges a deed transferring it to themselves and records it. Under current rules, you might not know until taxes come due in a fraudster's name or they try to sell. With this bill, the clerk notifies you promptly (method not specified—likely mail to the tax address), letting you alert authorities, file disputes, or seek quiet title action fast. Exceptions make sense for routine legit transactions like refinances (banks) or sales (attorneys), avoiding notification overload.


Potential operational tweaks: Ensure your mailing address with the county assessor is current—notifications would likely go there. For managed properties, coordinate with owners to monitor mail. In fraud cases, quicker detection reduces losses, legal fees, and downtime.


For real estate investors: Title protection is gold, especially with portfolios of rentals or flips. Deed fraud can cloud titles, scaring off buyers or lenders. This notification could nip issues early, preserving value. In hot markets like Bend or the coast, where out-of-state owners are common, remote investors benefit most—harder for fraudsters to succeed unnoticed. Downside? Minimal—perhaps slight delays in recording if clerks add notification steps, but exceptions cover most investor transactions (mortgages, sales).


For developers: Land acquisition and project financing involve heavy title work. Fraud on raw land or partial interests could derail timelines. Notifications add a layer, potentially catching bogus liens or claims before closing. For larger projects with multiple parcels, it's a net positive for risk management.


County clerk preparing title recording notification in Oregon office setting.
New alerts proposed: How SB 1552 could add Oregon real property title notification for recordings.

Broader effects on investment property owners: Strengthens Oregon's already strong property rights framework. Title insurance exists for this reason, but prevention beats claims—insurers might even see fewer payouts, possibly stabilizing premiums. In rural areas with fewer eyes on properties, or urban vacants during renos, it's particularly useful. And let's face it: in a world where scams evolve faster than we can say "phishing email," a simple notice could save a lifetime's equity. Humorously, it's like getting a text alert for unusual credit card charges, but for your duplex instead of that late-night online shopping spree.


Common scenarios to watch:

  • Fraudster records a fake quitclaim deed on your Portland triplex while it's tenant-occupied. Clerk notifies you—you contest immediately, stopping eviction attempts or sales.

  • Legitimate refinance: Your lender (financial institution) records the new mortgage—no notice needed, smooth as usual.

  • Inheritance dispute: Family member records a questionable transfer—notice alerts the true owner to resolve legally.

  • Pitfall: Address outdated on tax rolls? Notification misses you—keep assessor info current (easy online in most counties).


Best-practice tips, bill or no bill (because fraud protection is always smart):

  • Enroll in county property watch services where available (e.g., Multnomah County's free fraud alert).

  • Update your address with the county assessor annually or after changes.

  • Use title insurance on purchases and consider owner's policies for holds.

  • Monitor tax statements and recorded documents periodically via county portals.

  • For vacant properties, drive-bys or neighbor checks—old-school but effective.

  • Educate tenants: Report suspicious activity around the property.


Related subtopics: Ties into ORS Chapter 93 (conveyances) and 205 (county clerks/recording). Oregon's eRecording speeds things up but also enables faster fraud—hence notifications. Nationally, states like Florida and California have similar alerts amid rising deed theft. It complements quiet title actions or lis pendens for disputes. Emergency clause suggests urgency, perhaps tied to recent incidents.


The bill is early-stage, so amendments could add details like notification method (email option?), timelines, or fees. Or expand exceptions.


Call to Action


SB 1552 could bolster defenses against title fraud—share your take now.





Tell them how title security affects rental ownership, investments, and housing stability. Your stories from the field matter.


Protecting titles protects us all—stay vigilant, and PAROA's got resources if fraud knocks.


Sources:

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Portland Area Rental Owners Association

12725 SW Millikan Way
Suite 300
Beaverton, OR 97005

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