What Qualifies as a Private Residence in Oregon?

Under Oregon law, a private residence includes:

1. Detached single-family dwelling (standalone house)
2. Multi-family unit occupied by a single family (e.g., duplex where one household rents both units)
3. Dwelling unit in a multi-family building used as a primary residence (apartment, condo, townhome where the occupant lives full-time)

This definition matters for:

• Landlord-tenant law (ORS 90)
• Property tax exemptions (homestead)
• Zoning and short-term rental regulations
• Search/seizure protections (Fourth Amendment / Article I, Section 9)
• Domestic violence protections

It excludes: vacation rentals, commercial properties, institutional housing, and non-primary residences.