Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Oregon

Q: Is it legal for a landlord to turn my power off and lock me out of running water in the bathroom

We have a verbal agreement that I can live here rent free until I die because I have cancer and he is denying me access to the house where I have running water and a bathroom

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: Your situation sounds quite perilous. The "verbal agreement" may well be unenforceable and subject to being rescinded or changed at his whim. If there is no rent, you may not be a tenant and he may not be a landlord. It matters because IF he IS your landlord, it is unlawful to shut off your utilities or lock you out and you may be entitled to recover monetary damages. If, however, you are simply a guest and he is not your landlord, he likely is free to shut off utilities in his house as he wishes. You, as his guest, are free to leave if you wish, but don't have any right to force or control his behavior.

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