Housing Quality Issues, Getting Repairs Done and Weatherization

How to seek help with housing quality issues such as repairs, mold, pest infestations.

On this page

  1. Report a Housing Code Violation
  2. Getting Repairs Done
  3. Bed Bug Resources
  4. Mold
  5. Weatherization

Report a Housing Code Violation

Code violation in the City of Portland

City of Portland - Property Compliance Division, enforces City and State building codes. Inspectors will investigate potential code violations after a report is submitted.

Code violation in Washington County

Getting Repairs Done

Oregon Renter's Rights for Repairs and Safety

Visit the link above for Legal Aid's Oregon Renter's Rights website about repairs, habitability requirements, withholding rent to cover displacement costs, infestation and pests and mold issues.

General Guidance: The information below are excerpts from Legal Aid's Renter's Handbook on Repairs. Download the handbook for complete details and sample letters 

  • Your landlord is required to make necessary repairs to keep you rental housing habitable. 
  • Make all requests for repairs in writing. If urgent notify the property manager by phone or text and the make the request in writing. 
    • The letter should have your name and address, the property managers name and address, the date, state the repairs you are requesting and give the landlord a deadline to respond to the request. If the repair isn't an emergency, ten days to two weeks is a reasonable amount of time. You can mail or personally deliver the letter. Sample letters can be found at the link above. 
  • Right to Enter to Make Repairs - After making your request for repair, the landlord can enter to make the requested repairs without giving you additional notice for one week. 
  • Document Extra Expenses - Keep track of any extra money you've had to pay because of the problem. (ex. buying extra food because the fridge doesn't work, or paying for electricity or a space heater because the head doesn't work) Keep receipts or other documents to show how much you paid. 
  • Who pays for repairs? If there is damage to the rental that is caused by the renter, the renter's children, or a guest of the renter, the landlord must repair the damage, but the renter must pay for it. 
    • If you or someone in your household causes damage to the rental, you should report it to the landlord as soon as possible and explain how it happened. Expect that may be required to pay some or all of the costs of repair. If the landlord does charge for the repairs, you have a right to see all bills or receipt before paying. 
  • Alternate Housing - If your landlord is not fixing the problem and you believe that there is a serious threat to your health, safety, or property, you may need to temporarily move out of your rental. 
    • You should only do this if it is obvious what the risk is or if you have some kind of written proof that staying in your rental is dangerous to you or your family. 
    • Review the Alternate Housing section of the Renter's Handbook on Repairs for guidance on how to withhold rent to offset relocation costs and a sample letter to send the landlord.
    • DO NOT, under any circumstance, withhold rent without giving your landlord written notice first - you could lose your housing. You should also consult with an attorney prior to withholding rent. 
  • Legal Assistance - For legal assistance, you can contact the Oregon State Bar’s lawyer referral service at 800-452-7636.

Advocacy Resources

Funding Resources

  • The Portland Housing Bureau has received $2 million from HUD to assist homeowners and renters w incomes up to 80% Area Median Income to remedy housing related health and safety hazards - from installing bathroom handle bars to repairing leaky roofs or replacing damaged floors - with a focus on addressing hazards caused by radon, lead and excess moisture. For questions about eligibility and how to apply email bev.keagbine@portlandoregon.gov (updated 10/30/23)
  • The Portland Housing Bureau received funds this year to provide low-moderate income homeowners in the Interstate Corridor Urban Renewal Area with 0% interest loans for critical health and safety repairs, such as: damaged or failing roofs, floors, stairs, siding or foundations. Imminent failure of heating, electrical or plumbing. City of Portland housing code violations and other fire, heath and safety issues. The Repair Loan Program has no monthly payments, and the loan is forgiven after 15 years, if the homeowner remains in the home for that time. Learn more about eligibility and the application process at Home Repair Loan Portland.
  • Habitat for Humanity Home Repair Program
  • See sections below for more funding resources for repairs.

Water Leak Repair

If you suspect that you have a water leak and you are a City of Portland Water Bureau (PWB) customer, please contact the PWB water leak repair assistance program online or at 503.823.4527. Financial assistance for repair of leaky toilets, faucets, plumbing, and underground leaks may be available to eligible customers who own and occupy their own homes.

 

Bed Bug Resources

Mold

Healthy Homes Asthma Home Visiting Program

Asthma symptoms in children can be hard to manage, and housing conditions can often make them worse.

Healthy Homes is a free program for low-income families that can help you take control of your child’s asthma. It has significantly reduced emergency room visits and improved asthma symptoms. The program lasts for 6 months.

A nurse asthma educator and community health worker will visit you at home to provide education. They will also help you with:

  • Medication management
  • Enhancing your asthma action plan
  • Improving the health of your home
  • Additional community resources

This program serves families who:

  • Have a child under the age of 19 with asthma or restrictive airway disease
  • Live in Multnomah County
  • Meet the income requirements for the Oregon Health Plan

Sign Up: Call 503-988-7861

You can download their brochure here in English or 

Healthy Homes (531.75 KB)

in Spanish.

 

Weatherization

Multnomah County offers a weatherization program that works to make homes safer, more energy efficient and comfortable - at no cost to the homeowner. Multnomah County Weatherization Program can save homeowners money on energy bills and improve indoor air quality. Their free services are available for people with limited incomes. An auditor will conduct an energy audit of the home to determine and identify measures that can save money on energy bills. Cost-effective measures may include:

  • Ceiling, wall and floor insulation
  • Furnace inspection
  • Heating duct improvements
  • Air sealing
  • Ventilation
  • Energy education

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the program you must meet the following criteria:

  • If you live an apartment building, please have the property owner contact them
  • You must live on a limited income (which can be found on the State of Oregon website)
  • You must live in Multnomah County
  • Own or rent a single family home or mobile home (if you are a renter, landlord’s approval is required)

To apply visit the Weatherization website here and complete their online referral form.

Contact

Already a participant or have a question that isn't related to becoming a participant? Call 503.988.7423 or email weatherization.team@multco.us.

 

Return to IDD Housing Resource Guide Homepage

Last reviewed November 22, 2024

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