Community Resources

Legal Advice

ASOSU Legal Services provides legal advice and representation to Oregon State students when they have a dispute that does not pertain to the university. Supported by student fees, ASOSU Legal Services most commonly provides representation for landlord/ tenant disputes such as:

• Not coming to an agreement after speaking to the landlord
• Discrimination or harassment by the landlord
• Unauthorized entry or eviction
• Failure to return security deposit
• Housing code violations
• Lack of essential maintenance or failure to address major repairs

Corvallis Livability Code

In May of 2012, the City of Corvallis repealed CMC 9.02 Rental Housing Code and enacted the new CMC 9.02 Corvallis Livability Code to promote public health, safety, preservation of community enhancement/livability and prevention of blight. 

SafeRide

ASOSU SafeRide provides a ride home or to campus for all Oregon State students. Service is available within the Corvallis and Philomath city limits from 7 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. seven days a week except for major U.S. holidays, Oregon State holiday breaks, and campus closures. Call 541-737-5000 to request a ride or download the SafeRide OSU app from Google Play for Android or the App Store for iPhone.

Corvallis Rental Housing Program

The Rental Housing Program was initiated by the City Council in 1999 to help property owners, property managers, tenants, neighbors and other interested parties navigate rental housing in Corvallis.

Corvallis Housing and Neighborhood Services Division

It is the mission of the Housing and Neighborhood Services Division to facilitate community and neighborhood livability and to assist with the creation and maintenance of affordable, habitable housing opportunities for lower-income and/or housing disadvantaged Corvallis residents.

UHDS Second Year and Above Housing

University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) provides information that students will need to know about living on-campus after their first year. Students can also speak to UHDS support staff during regular business hours to have their questions and concerns resolved.

University Ombuds Office

The University Ombuds Office promotes a civil and inclusive campus community by providing informal, impartial, and confidential* conflict management services to all members of the university community.

​Roommate Workbook

Agreement to facilitate improved living arrangements.

​Be a Good Neighbor

Effective communication is one of the best methods to help neighbors resolve disputes. Handle problems politely. If your neighbors do something that bothers you, respectfully let them know as soon as possible. If you think your neighbors make unreasonable complaints, have a polite and respectful conversation. For issues that cannot be resolved, consider contacting your landlord or Neighbor to Neighbor program from community mediation services.

Respect thy neighbor

Corvallis is known for its friendliness and small-town warmth. Experience it for yourself and get to know your neighbors.

• Introduce yourself: a simple hello goes a long way. Introduce yourself and put a face to the name. Make a connection — maybe even a friend.
• Keep neighbors informed: contact your neighbors in advance before undertaking something that may affect them, like throwing a party or pruning a shrub. Share your contact information so there’s an easy way of communicating.
• Be aware of differences: age, faith, ethnic background, family status and other factors can drastically affect how people go about their daily lives. Be aware and respectful of differences between you and your neighbors.
• Ask how you can help: neighborly gestures like raking leaves or walking the dog for a neighbor who may need assistance contribute to a positive and welcoming environment for everybody.

Resolving neighbor conflicts

Sometimes conflicts come up between neighbors. These problems usually arise from a lack of communication. Common issues are:

• Noise and nuisance complaints — Parties, loud stereos, car doors slamming late at night, loud arguments
• Parking problems — Too many vehicles per residence, blocked driveways or sidewalks, nonworking vehicles parked in the street long term
• Over-occupancy concerns — No more than five unrelated tenants may occupy a dwelling
• Animal disturbances — Excessive barking, pet waste, abandoned pets • Lack of property maintenance — Keep the appearance of your property clean.
• Litter — Cigarette butts and other trash left on the sidewalk or street, garbage bins left at the curb after pick-up
• Eyesores — Couches and other indoor furniture used in front yards and left on porches

Communicating with landlords

The landlord-tenant relationship can be tricky, but open communication and total transparency are the best ways to handle a touchy situation like leaving before the lease term is up. Your landlord is a business person, but they’re a human being too.

Communication is one of the best methods to help resolve disputes with neighbors, roommates, landlords, friends or anyone for that matter. Communicate concerns directly to your landlord. Respond to communication from landlords in a timely manner. If the response does not address your concerns, you may seek additional support and resources. 

​Party Smart

While in college, you may have the experience of attending or hosting a party. If you do find yourself attending or hosting a party, you should be aware of the laws that may impact you. The following section highlights laws that you should know and provides you with tips for hosting a safe party.

Laws You Should Know

Special Response Notice (SRN)

An SRN is a written notice issued by the Corvallis Police Department for violations like littering, noise or indecent exposure. You will not be charged for the first SRN. However, if you receive a second SRN within 30 days, you’ll be billed for what it cost the city to respond to both incidents. And that could be hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Minor in Possession (MIP)

It’s against the law to consume alcohol or marijuana if you’re under 21. An MIP comes with a $250 fine and suspension of your driver’s license for up to a year. You cannot be arrested for an MIP, but you can be arrested for lying about your name and date of birth or running from the police.

Furnishing to Minors

If underage people are caught drinking in your residence you may be charged with a misdemeanor. Furnishing alcohol or marijuana to minors is taken seriously in Corvallis. If someone under 21 is caught drinking or consuming marijuana in your residence, your penalties are:

• First conviction: $500
• Second conviction: $1000
• Third conviction: $1,500 and at least 30 days in jail

Medical Amnesty Law

This law protects those under 21 from getting an MIP when calling 911 for someone they think has alcohol poisoning. The person making the call and the person in need of medical attention are both protected under this law. If you see someone who needs medical attention, call 911. After you call, stay with the person until help arrives.

Unlawful amplified sound

This Class A violation is applied when a person is playing a sound device (such as a stereo, TV, or radio) which is audible for more than 50 feet from the source of the sound. Applicable 24 hours a day. This violation comes with a hefty fine of $306. If you’re hosting a party, consider applying for a sound permit through the City of Corvallis. It only costs $5!

Party Smart

If you decide to host a party or just have a few friends over, be safe and respectful of your neighbors.

• Control who you let in. Have a guest list, and politely refuse anyone you don’t know. Avoid public invitations on social media. As a host, you’re responsible for your guests and their behavior — and that can have significant financial and legal implications.
• Call for help if needed. If your party gets out of control, call the police for help. If it’s an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, call the Corvallis Police Department’s nonemergency line — 541-766- 6911.
• Be respectful. If the police arrive, don’t turn off the lights and pretend you’re not at home. If you refuse to open the door and cooperate, the police may request a search warrant, the cost of which will likely be passed on to you.
• Have sober monitors. Sober monitors can look out for anyone getting intoxicated and speak to the police or neighbors if they stop by.
• Don’t allow open sources of alcohol or premixed and sweetened drinks such as jungle juice. Its alcohol content may vary and can be masked with high levels of sugar.
• Provide food, water, and other nonalcoholic beverages. Plus, a great party is a party with food.
• Don’t let your guests drink and drive. Even riding a bicycle when impaired is considered a DUII. As the host, you may also be liable if someone at your party receives a DUII. Call a taxi or use ASOSU SafeRide to get your guests home safely.
• Be a good neighbor. Notify your neighbors and give them a phone number to call if the noise becomes excessive. Keep in mind, neighbors have no obligation to call you before they call the police.

Check out this checklist if you are hosting an event for more information.    

Off-Campus Accountability

To maintain safe, equitable and successful learning environments in the varied and far-reaching places that OSU students gain, contribute and apply knowledge, the Code of Student Conduct calls for accountability where ever you are.

The Code applies to behaviors that take place on University property or in online, extended or distance learning environments, including in social media, applications, or other electronic communications; at University-associated events; and off campus when the Director of Student Community Standards or designee determines that the off-campus conduct affects a substantial University interest. A substantial interest could include but is not limited to harm or threats of harm to health or safety, behavior that causes significant community disruption, or behavior that is detrimental to the educational mission or interests of the institution. Oregon State University does not regularly search for this information but may take action if and when such information is brought to the attention of the University.

Did You Know?

The Code applies to students living on and off-campus, so be responsible wherever you live.

Student Accountability Process

Accountability means helping you be the best neighbor and member of the OSU community. As an OSU Beaver, you are expected to uphold OSU’s core values of social responsibility, respect, and integrity. It is important to keep in mind that any violations of the Code will be referred to the Office of Student Community Standards.

Live Responsibly

With increased independence comes increased responsibility. As a tenant and community member of Corvallis, there are ways that you can live responsibly to prevent yourself from getting into difficult situations. The follow section provides you with important information to keep yourself safe and remain an upstanding member of the Corvallis community.

Tenant responsibilities

• Use the property only as a home.
• Pay your rent on time.
• Behave in a manner that will not disturb your neighbors.
• Use the rooms, appliances, plumbing fixtures and facilities in a reasonable manner.
• Keep the rental clean, sanitary and free of trash.
• Not remove batteries from — or tamper with — a smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector.
• Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage or remove any part of the rental property.
• Be responsible for the actions of anyone who is on the premises with your permission.
• Return the property to your landlord in the same condition in which you received it, except for reasonable wear and tear.

Code of Student Conduct

Oregon State University’s Code of Student Conduct applies to all students whether living on or off campus. Students are expected to be upstanding members of the Corvallis and university communities. Breaking the law or violating a city ordinance is also a violation of the Student Conduct Code. Sanctions may include alcohol and drug education, community service and reflection papers. For more serious violations, a student may be suspended or expelled from the university. Look at it this way — as an Oregon State student, you represent the university — whether you’re socializing on campus, eating at a restaurant in Corvallis or visiting friends in Portland. Represent us well.

Theft prevention

Corvallis is a safe place to live, and the crime rate is relatively low. Break-ins and bike thefts are the most common, so learn how to keep your home, car and belongings safe: 

• Keep all doors and windows locked, including garage doors. A surprising majority of burglaries are reported as unforced entry.
• Prevent window shopping. Close curtains or blinds.
• Don’t leave valuables in your car.
• Be bright. Connect an automatic timer plug to an interior lamp and turn on your porch light to deter burglars.
• Burglars often target homes when they see mail piling up on the doorstep. Use the free hold mail service if you’re going to be away.
• Don’t trust the garden gnome. Burglars know all the hiding spots for house keys.
• Getting to know your neighbors can greatly reduce the chances of a break-in.
• Use a U-lock or other sturdy lock to secure your bike. Don’t leave it parked in a public place overnight. when riding at night.

Fire safety

• Cooking accidents are the leading cause of home fires and injuries.
  • Do not leave cooking food unattended or stack anything on a stovetop. If your cooking catches fire, slide a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover, because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool. Never throw water on a grease fire. Use baking soda instead.
  • Other fire hazards:
    • Candles — Never leave a candle unattended.
    • Overloaded electrical circuits — Don’t plug too many things into the same outlet.
    • Open coil heaters — Keep away from curtains and clothing.
  • Smoke alarms are required outside of every sleeping area and on every level of the residence. Do not tamper with smoke alarms. Test smoke alarms monthly and change the batteries as needed.

Bike safety

OSU is one of the top ten most bike friendly campuses in the nation, according to Best Colleges Online. To help keep it that way, follow these and other bike safety tips:

• Be bright, be seen. According to Oregon law, bicyclists must have a rear reflector and a front headlight that is visible from 500 feet away when riding at night. It is also smart to use reflectors on other parts of your bike as well. The brighter you are, the safer you are.
• Bicyclists in Oregon must follow all vehicle laws. This includes stopping at stop signs and using turn signals with your hands. Yes, you can receive a ticket if you don’t.
• Wear a helmet.
• Don’t drink and ride. You can receive a DUII for riding a bicycle while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Lock your bike using a U-lock or other sturdy lock. Bike theft is common in Corvallis, and thieves often look for the most expensive bikes to steal.
• Know your bike’s serial number and register your bike with the Department of Public Safety in Cascade Hall. Registering your bike may increase the likelihood that it’s retrieved and returned to you if it’s stolen.