What is the time frame of when a landlord has to fix appliances?

In Oregon, landlords must make repairs to appliances that are part of the rental unit within a reasonable timeframe after being notified by the tenant. While there is no specific law stating an exact number of days, the general expectation is that essential repairs should be done promptly to keep the unit safe and habitable.

When this may be allowed

• Landlords are required to fix appliances they provide as part of the rental (e.g., stove, refrigerator, dishwasher).
• Repairs should be completed quickly once the landlord knows about the issue.
• What counts as “reasonable” depends on the seriousness of the problem (e.g., a broken stove affecting cooking needs is urgent).

What the landlord can do

• Respond promptly to repair requests.
• Schedule and complete repairs using a licensed professional if needed.
• Communicate with the tenant about repair timing.

What the landlord cannot do

• Ignore or delay repairs for an unreasonable amount of time.
• Fail to maintain essential appliances making the property unsafe or unlivable.
• Charge the tenant for repairs unless the tenant caused the damage.

What the tenant should do

• Notify the landlord or property manager in writing as soon as the appliance breaks.
• Keep records of communication and repair requests.
• Allow reasonable access for repair workers.
• Follow up if repairs take too long.

Important

Local city rules or lease agreements might specify repair timelines. If the landlord delays excessively, tenants can contact local housing authorities for assistance or learn about their rights under Oregon’s landlord-tenant laws.