Eviction Moratorium Expanded

Statewide moratorium on evictions extended to non-residential properties

Governor Kate Brown issued an additional executive order on April 1st further extending her original 90-day moratorium on evictions for nonpayment for residential properties to include non-residential properties as well. This expanded pool of properties affected by the eviction moratorium specifically forbids landlords of both residential and non-residential properties in Oregon from terminating any tenant’s rental agreement or taking any action, judicial or otherwise, related to residential evictions.

The new executive order does not apply to the termination of residential rental agreements for causes other than nonpayment.

Non-residential tenants must provide their landlord with documentation that the non-payment is because of the COVID 19 pandemic. The documentation must be provided within 30 days of the rent due date. During this moratorium, any residential or non-residential tenant who is or will be unable to pay the full rent when due under a rental agreement or lease, must notify the landlord as soon as reasonably possible and make partial payments as able.

For both residential and non-residential properties, the new 90-day moratorium on evictions for nonpayment would last until July 7.

Governor Brown’s original executive order was put into effect at the request of several local and state officials, including the chairs of the elected boards of Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.

“In taking proactive steps to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, state and local governments need to be mindful of the economic impact these measures have on people throughout our economy,” said Washington County Board Chair Kathryn Harrington. “We are grateful to Governor Brown for issuing this order on behalf of many in our state who would otherwise face possible houselessness just as we need all Oregonians to Stay Home and Save Lives.”

Resources for tenants with questions about their situation include:

• Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) – Provides assistance with landlord/tenant issues. Contact the Renters’ Rights Hotline at 503-288-0130.
• Oregon Law Center – Provides legal assistance with a variety of issues including housing. Contact the Hillsboro office at 503-640-4115 or 1-877-296-4076.

The public is reminded to follow Governor Kate Brown’s statewide “Stay Home, Save Lives” order and take simple steps everyone can take to slow the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands well and often;
• Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue;
• Stay home unless traveling to get food, medicine or other necessary items, or if your job is considered critical and must be done in-person;
• Cancel any gatherings, conferences or non-essential meetings;
• Avoiding social and other gatherings; and
• Increase the physical space between each other in workplaces and other settings as appropriate.

Health officials also ask that the public stay informed and educated through trustworthy sources of information, such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oregon Health Authority and Washington County Public Health Division.

General questions about COVID-19 can be answered by calling 2-1-1. Questions about your specific medical needs should be directed to your health care provider.

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