Rule 18.030.Form of Complaint
Current through August 1, 2026 · Last verified September 12, 2026
Full Text of Rule 18.030
Plain-English Summary
Two requirements sit in this short rule. The first is informational: the plaintiff must indicate in the complaint whether the case is subject to ORS chapter 90. That is separate from the caption marking required by UTCR 18.020, and satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
The second is formal. A complaint in an eviction action that is subject to ORS chapter 90 must be in substantially the form provided at the state courts forms page named in the rule. The form requirement is narrower than the disclosure requirement, since it attaches only to cases under ORS chapter 90.
Substantially the form leaves room for the particulars of a case but not for a redesign. Use the published form, fill it out completely, and add what the case needs rather than rebuilding the document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the state eviction complaint form in Oregon?
For an eviction action subject to ORS chapter 90, yes. The complaint must be in substantially the form provided on the state courts forms page that the rule names. For an action outside ORS chapter 90, the rule imposes no form, though the plaintiff must still indicate in the complaint whether the case is subject to that chapter.
Where do I find the form?
On the Oregon courts forms page identified in the rule. The rule points to the website rather than reproducing the form, so the version posted there is the current one to use.
What does substantially the form mean?
The content and structure have to match; the pixels do not. Adding case specific detail is expected. Dropping items the form calls for, or restructuring it so the required information no longer appears where a reader expects it, is not.
What if my case is not under ORS chapter 90?
The form requirement in this rule does not reach it. The disclosure does, because the plaintiff must indicate in the complaint whether the case is subject to ORS chapter 90, which means answering the question either way.
Is marking the caption enough, or does the body have to say it too?
Both. UTCR 18.020 governs the caption and UTCR 18.030 governs the complaint. They are separate requirements, and the published form is written so that a properly completed complaint satisfies both.