Statewide Eviction Moratorium

UPDATES ADDED 1/7/21--Statewide moratorium on evictions extended to June 30, 2021

The Oregon Legislature recently passed an extension to Governor Kate Brown’s statewide eviction moratorium issued earlier in 2020. The new law, House Bill 4401, requires landlords to inform tenants of their right to submit a declaration of financial hardship and prohibits eviction of these tenants for nonpayment of rent until June 30, 2021. Tenants who provide declarations of hardship must pay past due rent by July 1, 2021.

The new law does not apply to the termination of residential rental agreements for causes other than nonpayment, including major repair or demolition work to be done on the property, landlords choosing to move themselves or family members into the residence, substantial damage caused by the tenant and others.

Landlords may be eligible for grants under the new law through Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS). The grants would cover 80% of rent from financially distressed tenants that went unpaid between April 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021. OHCS is in the process of developing the materials for the program as it gets ready to launch the Landlord Compensation Fund in late January. Right now, landlords can sign up for the ‘Landlord Compensation Fund Updates’ email list to get the latest information on this program.

Resources for tenants with questions about their situation include:

• Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) – Provides assistance with landlord/tenant issues. CAT has put together an explanation of House Bill 4401 and the steps renters need to take here . Additionally, you can contact the Renters’ Rights Hotline at 503-288-0130.
• Oregon Law Center – Provides legal assistance with a variety of issues including housing and has an explanation of House Bill 4401 and the steps renters need to take here.Contact the Hillsboro office at 503-640-4115 or 1-877-296-4076.
• 2-1-1 Info – Rent assistance may be available by visiting www.211info.org or by calling 2-1-1.

Public health officials remind the community to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by:

• Washing hands often with warm running water and soap for 20-seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand wash product.
• Covering coughs and sneezes using your sleeve or a tissue, not your bare hands.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Staying home and away from the rest of your household if you are feeling sick. Additional home guidance is here.
• Wearing a face covering when around people outside of your household.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• Cleaning and disinfecting objects and surfaces that are frequently touched at home and at work, including your mobile devices.

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.

Media Contact:

Philip Bransford, Communications Officer
503-846-8685
[email protected]