Will The Eviction Moratorium Be Extended For Oregon Renters?
As we approach the end of the year, most states are all faced with the same issue of the eviction moratorium expiring by January 1st, 2021.
There’s no denying that when the eviction moratorium expires it’s going to lead to an eviction cliff the likes of which has never been seen in this country.
The big question is should the eviction moratorium be extended in Oregon? This would buy landlords and tenants more time to ‘kick the eviction can’ down the road for a few more months but it would continue to adversely effect landlords statewide.
Lawmakers Meet To Discuss Extending Eviction Moratorium
Through Dec. 31, Oregon landlords can’t evict people who are unable to pay rent. But they can evict them come the new year, unless state lawmakers extend the eviction moratorium.
Several jurisdictions have their own eviction moratoriums as well, creating a somewhat confusing patchwork. Renters everywhere, except in Multnomah County and the City of Hillsboro, are required to pay four months’ back rent by the first of the year as well.
The House Interim Committee on Housing heard a proposal Monday to extend that moratorium. Renters impacted financially by the pandemic couldn’t get evicted for not paying rent until June 30, if they meet one of the proposal’s qualifications.
However, they would have to pay missed rent the following day on July 1.
“That six-month time frame from when we would pass it in December to the end of June would not only stabilize tenants through the school year, so students can stay housed, but also give the state enough time to make sure the money is out door and back rent is paid off,” House Committee on Housing Chair Rep. Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) told KGW.
The proposal requires tenants fill out a sworn declaration saying they’re dealing with financial hardship tied to the pandemic, making it harder for tenants to receive protections.
“There’s a lot of landlords who don’t have our financial resources that are really struggling right now, and it’s tough,” said Anchor NW Property Group Director of Sales Jim Rostel. “The discussion from our leadership needs to be: How do we help those folks maintain? It’s more than just mortgages, it’s more than just taxes.”
At least $100 million from the state’s general fund would go toward helping both renters and landlords, with most of that money allocated to a new Landlord Compensation Fund. However, a number of lawmakers and tenant and landlord advocates argued that wasn’t enough.
Our team at Rent Portland Homes – Professionals will continue following this story to bring you updates on the Oregon eviction moratorium.
As we get closer to December 31st, it’s likely that we’re going to see lawmakers make progress with extending the eviction moratorium since nobody wants to see mass evictions statewide this winter.
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