Rental Housing Program

Program overview

• Certified inspectors conduct random, mandatory inspections as well as complaint-based inspections of residential rental properties in Gresham.
• Inspections ensure rental properties meet minimum standards of fire, health and life safety - not cosmetic issues.
• The program provides regular education for residents and landlords on codes, standards, and maintenance.
• The program provides the highest possible protection for those who report violations.

• It has garnered national and local interest as a model program, including 2024 League of Oregon Cities Award for Excellence.

How the program helps the community

• About 45% of Gresham’s community members are renters, so the Rental Housing Program supports nearly half of the City's residents.
• The program promotes collaboration and partnerships between the City of Gresham, landlords, and tenants, as well as other stakeholders including property owners, managers, residents, and community partners/non-profits.
• Inspections assist both owners and tenants by resolving maintenance issues that may not have been properly communicated or addressed. In 2022 and 2023, more than 1 of every 3 of mandatory cases resulted in the identification and resolution of a fire, health, or life safety code.
• The program reinforces proper documentation and response time for addressing property complaints. 
• Owners can request inspections for a unit before the tenant moves in, providing confirmation that the property meets the City code requirements.
• The Housing Resource Coordinator can help tenants who are struggling with rent or other needs – directly referring them to rent assistance and other housing-related resources to overcome barriers and maintain their leases.

Contact

Contact us at 503-618-2248 or RentalInspection@GreshamOregon.gov.

Rental housing licenses

A rental housing license is required to maintain or operate a residential rental property in Gresham. A license is required for all residential rental properties, rented, leased, or let, in exchange for monetary or other compensation, regardless of whether anyone is currently residing in each unit. Properties include rental homes, duplexes, mobile homes, apartments, condominiums or rooms in a lodging house. 

The rental license fee is charged in lieu of the annual business license fee.

The Rental Housing Program uses the license information to conduct random, mandatory inspections as well as complaint-based inspections of residential rental properties.

Apply for a license 

• Online application
• PDF application

Fees

Council Resolution No. 3600 was passed on March 19, 2024, approving a 3-year phased increase.

• This resolution allows the program to keep pace with increased operations costs.
• The fee structure is tiered with the tiers based on the number of units within a property.
• The rental license rate increase began July 1, 2024. 

See the master fee schedule for more information.

**After the 3-year phased increase, all rental licenses will be subject to a 5% increase per year, beginning July 2027 and lasting through June 2029.

Fees are based on the total number of rental units within a property. 

Contact

Contact Business Licensing at 503-618-2370 or BusinessLicense@GreshamOregon.gov.

Register a complaint

The City will inspect rentals based on complaints related to safety violations (not cosmetic issues).

How to file a complaint.

Understand the mandatory inspection notification process timeline.

Rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords

• Rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords
• Derechos y responsabilidades de inquilinos y propietarios
• Права и обязанности арендаторов и арендодателей