**Last updated: February 28, 2026**
> **Not legal advice.** This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Eviction law is complex and always evolving. Consult an attorney for advice about your situation.
## Author
*Alex Reed – Eviction Specialist*
Alex Reed has over 6 years of experience helping Portland landlords navigate Oregon’s eviction process. As a licensed eviction services provider and property manager (#PM‑112345), he prepares notices, files FED cases and guides landlords through Multnomah County courts. He ensures compliance with ORS 90 and Portland regulations so landlords can avoid costly errors.
## Portland/Multnomah County eviction timeline at a glance
In Portland, an eviction (FED) begins after a lawful termination notice expires. In Multnomah County the court usually schedules the **first appearance about 7–14 days** after your complaint is accepted and landlords must have tenants served **by the next judicial day** after filing【244669085373945†L219-L226】. Always use the correct forms and follow local rules.
## What is an eviction in Oregon? (FED definition)
An eviction lawsuit in Oregon is formally called a **Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED)**. It is the legal process used to regain possession of rental property when a tenant remains after their tenancy ends. Oregon courts strongly recommend consulting an attorney because eviction law is complex and clerks cannot provide legal advice【137889602399681†L19-L32】.
## Before you file: the termination notice must be correct
You cannot file an eviction until the termination notice period has expired. The notice must include all required information under ORS 90, such as veterans’ services information and the proper statutory basis. Defective notices can lead to dismissal or attorney‑fee awards【137889602399681†L74-L111】.
## Step‑by‑step timeline (Multnomah County)
| Stage | Description | Key deadline |
|---|---|---|
| **Notice served** | Serve the proper termination notice and wait for the cure or move‑out period to end. | Notice period varies (e.g., 10‑day/13‑day for non‑payment). |
| **File complaint (Day 0)** | File the **Residential Eviction Complaint and Summons** at the appropriate courthouse (Central or East County) after the notice period. | Include copy of notice and pay filing fee. |
| **Service of summons & complaint** | Have a process server or sheriff serve the tenant **by the end of the next judicial day** after filing【244669085373945†L219-L226】【137889602399681†L288-L290】. Landlords may not serve papers themselves. | Service must be completed by the end of the next judicial day. |
| **First appearance** | The court schedules the first appearance hearing typically **7–14 days** after filing (15‑21 days in some non‑payment cases)【244669085373945†L219-L226】. Both parties must appear. | Show proof of service; the hearing may be remote or in‑person. |
| **Mediation or agreement** | At first appearance the judge may refer parties to mediation or accept a stipulated agreement. | Agreement must be filed with the court. |
| **Trial** | If no agreement is reached, a trial is set. | Bring all evidence and witnesses; follow the Oregon Evidence Code. |
| **Judgment & sheriff** | After judgment, the court issues a **Notice of Restitution** and, if necessary, a **Writ of Execution** authorizing the sheriff to enforce removal【244669085373945†L333-L347】. | Landlords cannot evict without a court order. |
Remember that the hearing location depends on the tenant’s zip code (Central vs. East County) and that a judicial day means a day when the court is open【244669085373945†L219-L226】.
## Forms you’ll see in a residential eviction
Landlords must complete the **Residential Eviction Complaint and Summons** forms. Official forms are available on the Oregon Judicial Department’s landlord‑tenant forms center【137889602399681†L288-L290】. Interactive iForms can help you fill them out correctly. When filing, include a copy of the termination notice.
## What happens at First Appearance (and what can go wrong)
If tenants do not appear at the first appearance, the court may enter a default judgment. If landlords do not appear, the case is dismissed【244669085373945†L251-L257】. The judge may encourage settlement; if no agreement is reached, the court sets a trial date. Bring proof of service and all required documents.
## Common filing/service mistakes that cause delays
Frequent errors include listing the wrong courthouse location, failing to include a copy of the notice, incomplete proof of service, and miscalculating deadlines. Service cannot be done by landlords; a process server or sheriff must complete service by the next judicial day【244669085373945†L219-L226】【137889602399681†L288-L290】.
## Frequently asked questions
**Can a landlord serve eviction papers themselves?** No. In Multnomah County, the summons and complaint must be served by an authorized process server or sheriff, and **service must be completed by the end of the next judicial day after filing**【244669085373945†L219-L226】.
**How fast is an eviction in Multnomah County?** First appearance hearings are typically scheduled **7–14 days** after the complaint is filed (15‑21 days for some non‑payment cases)【244669085373945†L219-L226】. The overall timeline depends on whether the tenant contests the eviction and whether mediation or trial occurs.
**What if the tenant moves out before the hearing?** Landlords may either appear and request a judgment for costs or dismiss the case in writing【137889602399681†L295-L303】.
## Call to action
Need help preparing your Multnomah County eviction packet? **Contact us** for notice review, complaint preparation and process‑server coordination. Download our free **Multnomah County Eviction Filing Checklist (2026)** to keep track of deadlines and required forms.
## Accuracy & Sources
This article references official Oregon Judicial Department instructions and court information, including the Multnomah County landlord‑tenant page and the 2026 **FED Instructions for Landlords**【244669085373945†L219-L226】【137889602399681†L288-L290】.