Housing Legal Resources

Housing Legal Resources

On this page

  1. ARE YOU BEING EVICTED?
  2. No Cause Evictions
  3. What's New? Recent changes in housing law.
  4. Rent Increases
  5. Mandatory Tenant Relocation Assistance
  6. Reasonable Accommodation
  7. Landlord Tenant Law
  8. Legal Advocacy Organizations
  9. Other Low Cost Legal Representation
  10. Negative Legal History Services
  11. Fair Housing of Oregon
  12. Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

ARE YOU BEING EVICTED?

Visit Oregon Law Center Eviction Defense Project and submit a referral through their website or call 888-585-9638 or email the Project (evictiondefense@oregonlawcenter.org) to seek legal help. Tenants should leave a message on the intake line or by emailing with their name, date of birth, and eviction case number.

Information about available resources for tenants facing eviction

Free Legal Help For Oregon Renters

Information regarding three legal advocacy organizations providing support to tenants in Mult. County facing eviction.

Free Legal Help for Oregon Renters

 

No Cause Evictions

Under SB 608, no-cause evictions (aka “no-fault evictions”) are prohibited unless:

  • Termination is in the first year of tenancy;
    • Note: Beginning on July 1, 2021, landlords can use 30-day no-cause notices to evict people within their first year of occupancy. Additionally, from July 1, 2021, to August 31, 2021, landlords may issue 30- day no-cause notices to any tenants who moved in on or after April 1, 2019. This extra time is given to landlords whose first years of occupancy expired during previous moratoria. Renters in the City of Portland must get 90 days’ notice of a no-cause termination and landlords must pay relocation assistance.
  • The basis is one of 4 permitted “landlord-based” reasons; or
    • Note: Landlord-based reasons are 1) demolition or change of use, 2) repairs or renovation, 3) landlord or family-member move-in, or 4) new buyer move-in.
  • The landlord lives on the same property as the tenant and there are 2 or fewer units

If you've received a No Cause eviction in Portland, OR, you may be entitled to a relocation assistance payment from your property manager. See information below regarding Mandatory Relocation Assistance.

 

What's New? Recent changes in housing law.

2025 Oregon State Legislature Changes to Landlord-Tenant Laws

The Oregon State Legislature has recently passed changes to Oregon Statute governing landlord-tenant laws, which may affect Portland landlords and tenants. This notice is meant to inform Portland tenants and landlords of these changes at the State level.

HB3251 has modified ORS 90.300: Effective 01/01/2026, if a tenant does not make necessary steps to enter into a rental agreement, due to habitability defects under ORS 90.320, the landlord must return the security deposit.

HB2134 has modified ORS. 90.427: Effective 01/01/2026, if a tenant issues a 30-day notice to vacate after their landlord has made an action under ORS 90.427 (typically a "no-cause" lease termination requiring a 90-day notice to vacate), the landlord may not collect a termination fee (commonly referred to as a "lease break fee") or collect rent after the tenant's termination date.

 

The following changes do not apply within Portland City limits, as Portland City Code 30.01.085 and 30.01.086 already apply:

SB586 has modified ORS 90.427: Effective 09/26/2025, a landlord may give a 60-day notice, instead of a 90-day notice, upon sale of a residential rental dwelling unit as long as the tenant is provided an amount equal to one month's periodic rent.

SB599 has modified ORS 90.303: Effective 06/06/2025, a landlord may not inquire, reject (provided the applicant can give other means to verify their identity), or discriminate against an applicant or member of the applicant's household on the basis of actual or perceived immigration or citizenship status.

Senate Bill 690 - Delays Evictions for OHP HRSN Assisted Families with Infants

This Act delays evictions for babies' families who get help with rent through OHP. Requires courts to delay residential eviction trials for nonpayment until at least 90 days following [approval of] defendants' motion and declaration regarding their health-related social needs housing supports. Protections became effective 9/1/25 and will end on 9/28/27. 

Key Points:

  • Delays eviction trials for nonpayment of rent up to 90 days if a qualified tenant files a motion related to “health-related social needs housing support”

  • Updates the required termination notice that landlords must provide before ending tenancy for nonpayment 

  • Section 2 of the bill has information regarding how tenants can ask the court to reschedule (delay) an eviction trial if they meet specific health-related and family criteria.
  • Forms to file the motion to delay a trial if you have a child under 12 months (attached as well)

Qualifications:

  1. Have a baby under 12 months old living with them in the home
  2. Receive medical assistance through OHP
  3. Have been approved by the OHA or their CCO to receive Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) housing supports
  4. Provide documentation of that approval to the landlord (the plaintiff)

 

Oregon Senate Bill 599 - Expanded protections for immigrant residents (2025)

Under SB 599 (enacted 2025), a landlord may not inquire about, or disclose with intent to harm, a tenant or applicant’s immigration or citizenship status. 

Additionally, a landlord must accept any of the following, or a combination thereof, to verify the name, date of birth, and physical appearance of the Applicant:

  1. Evidence of Social Security Number (SSN Card);
  2. Valid Permanent Resident Alien Registration Receipt Card;
  3. Immigrant Visa;
  4. Individual Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN);
  5. Non-immigrant visa;
  6. Any government-issued identification regardless of expiration date; or
  7. Any non-governmental identification or combination of identifications that would permit a reasonable verification of identity.

The Fair Housing Council of Oregon provides a list of other alternative documents an applicant can use to establish their identity.

Click here to download a copy of Senate Bill 599

 

2023 - IMPORTANT NEW PROTECTIONS FOR RENTERS (as of 3/28/23)

The Oregon Legislature has passed protections for renters in HB 2001 (2023). Under the new laws, renters have important rights that can help protect from eviction because of nonpayment of rent, fees, or other money owed to a landlord. These new rights include:

  • 10 Day Notice for Late Rent - Termination notices for nonpayment of rent must give at least 10 days for renters to pay the late rent and stay in their homes.
  • Stop Eviction if Rent Paid: If renters are able to pay their overdue rent after a court case has started, but before the trial, the eviction must be dismissed. Renters' Rights to Redemption (Late Payment) Info Sheet
  • Landlords Required to Accept Rent Assistance - If landlords prevent renters from paying their rent in any way, including by refusing to work with a rent assistance provider, renters have a defense to evictions for nonpayment.
  • Oregon Law Center - YouTube Video providing an overview of recent housing law changes recorded 4/5/23

 

Rent Increases

State of Oregon - Rent Increase Updates for 2025

The State of Oregon has published an updated limit on rent increases of 9.5% for most rental units in the State, effective in 2026, in accordance with Oregon Senate Bill 611. Additionally, The lower maximum rental increase established by HB3054 (6%) is only applicable to manufactured home parks and floating home marinas containing more than 30 spaces.

City of Portland - Rent Increase Law

For tenants of rental units within City of Portland limits, any rent increase of 10% or more triggers Mandatory Rental Relocation Assistance. Landlords must provide a written notice for any rent increase that triggers Mandatory Relocation Assistance at least 90 days before the effective notice, and must include the amount of Relocation Assistance tenants are eligible to receive.

This mandatory payment is owed by the landlord to the tenant to assist with moving costs. To qualify, tenants must provide landlords with written notice that they are requesting Relocation Assistance within 45 days of receiving the notice of rent increase. More information about Mandatory Rental Relocation Assistance can be found here on our website. Rental Services Office Staff can help with technical questions about these changes. Contact our Helpdesk via phone or email for assistance.

See Relocation Assistance information below.

Mandatory Tenant Relocation Assistance

Renters in Portland who are served a no-cause eviction or encounter any of the triggering events may have the right to be paid relocation assistance from their landlord. Landlords must notify Portland Housing Bureau's Rental Services Office of the payment. For eligible exemptions, see the Administrative Rules.

Events that trigger Relocation Assistance:

Triggering events are, specifically, any of the following:

  • No-cause eviction
  • Notice of non-renewal of a fixed term lease (not becoming month-to-month)
  • Qualified landlord reason for termination
  • Rent increase of 10% or more over a 12-month period
  • Substantial change of lease terms

Portland Housing Bureau – Rental Services Office

The Portland Housing Bureau’s Rental Services Office has a helpline and on-site staff to provide technical assistance and information specific to mandatory renter relocation assistance. You can reach them at 503-823-1303 or rentalservices@portlandoregon.gov; 421 SW 6th Ave.,#500, Portland, OR 97204. Office hours: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays 9-11am and 1-4pm.

Reasonable Accommodation

Safe, stable housing is something that we all need to thrive. But people with disabilities often face barriers in accessing housing. One tool that people with disabilities use for lifting these barriers is requesting a reasonable accommodation. Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation from your property manager can allow for changes in rules, policies, practices, or services to ensure that people with disabilities have the same opportunity to use the dwelling as a person without disabilities. See handbooks and guides below for details:

 

Landlord Tenant Law

Oregon State Bar Landlord Tenant Law 

  • Landlord Tenant Law Information - provides a general overview of the law.

Click here to find the Oregon Landlord Tenant Law handbook. Available as a pdf download and available in Spanish. 

 

Tenant Landlord laws specific to Portland, Oregon residents:

Applications & Screening

Security Deposits

 

Legal Advocacy Organizations

Oregon Renter's Rights Resources

Oregon Renter's Rights Resource website offers guides, handbooks, legal resources regarding housing law in Oregon.

Oregon Legal Aid

Legal Information Library (Oregon Legal Aid)

Oregon Law Center

  • Oregon Law Center (OLC) provides free legal help to people struggling to make ends meet on matters related to their homes, livelihoods, medical care and physical safety against domestic violence.
  • Find legal aid centers around the state.

The Commons Law

  • Get Affordable Legal Help for Your Family Law or Estate Planning Issue and FREE Legal Help for Tenant Eviction Defense.

Disability Rights Oregon

  • Disability Rights Oregon helps people with disabilities with their disability-related legal issues in Oregon.

Mediation Services - Resolutions Northwest

Other Low Cost Legal Representation

Negative Legal History Services

Metropolitan Public Defender - Community Law Program

  • Community Law - focuses on barrier reduction work for people involved in, or at risk of involvement in, the criminal justice system. We help undo the damage done by an imbalanced criminal justice system by reducing social stigma, increasing economic and housing opportunities, and stabilizing families. Our model is to partner with government agencies and community based organizations to work together to help participants navigate the legal system and remove barriers.
  • Depending on the Partnership, our Legal Services may include:
    • Barrier Reduction: Expunging Criminal Records, Reducing Felonies to Misdemeanors, Navigating Current Court Requirements, Converting Fines and Fees, Sex Offender Registration Relief, Appealing Designations and Exclusions, Outstanding Warrant and Fines, and more.
    • Civil Legal Services: Public Benefit issues, Family Law, Estate Planning, Landlord Tenant Advocacy, Restraining Order and Stalking Order Advocacy, and more.
    • Immigration: Removal Defense, Adjustment of Status, work authorization, and more.

  • Who we Serve: We serve Oregonians, regardless of immigration status, who are high risk for involvement or have been involved in the criminal justice system. We also partner with SSVF to provide services to Veterans.

    If we can help you, call us at: 503-225-9100, toll free at 888-MPDLAW0 (toll free 888-673-5290).

  • Warrant Hotline - for concerns about an active warrant in Multnomah County: 

Portland Community College - Clear Clinic

  • The CLEAR Clinic is a free legal clinic at PCC Cascade in North Portland, providing the following free legal services to Oregonians:
    • criminal record expungement
    • eviction expungement
    • eviction legal defense
    • DACA renewals
    • immigration screenings
    • limited scope deportation defense
    • legal name & gender-marker changes

  • Description of Services Slides 

  • Walk-In Expungement Clinic Flyer - walk in clinic every Friday 12-4:00 at PCC Cascade, Terrell Hall (5624 N. Borthwick) Room 203.

Union Gospel Mission Free Legal Services

Some crimes can be removed or sealed from a person’s criminal record. This process is called an expungement. For this clinic, after receiving your application submission, an experienced attorney will review your record, and then call you to discuss your options. They will help you decide if you have past crimes which are eligible for expungement. Even if you do not yet qualify for expungement, the attorney will talk to you about when you will be eligible, and discuss possible other legal services like:

  • Eviction expungement
  • Reducing felonies to misdemeanors
  • Waiving fines and fees
  • Driver's license reinstatement
  • Warrant lifts

Fair Housing of Oregon

The Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) is a nonprofit civil rights organization driven to eliminate illegal housing discrimination through enforcement and education across Oregon. We promote equal access to housing by providing education, outreach, technical assistance, and enforcement opportunities specifically related to federal, state, and local fair housing laws. These laws protect against illegal housing discrimination based on “protected class status” in any housing transaction and, in fact, any housing situation. Click here to access a broad rage of resource documents made available by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon. 

Fair Housing Updates training session from 12/6/25 recording links:

Keep up to date on events at the Fair Housing Council by going to www.fhco.org 

Resources for tenants with disabilities and those receiving rent assistance:

 

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

The Fair Housing Act requires reasonable modifications to policy so that disabled people can use and enjoy their housing. It is common to modify a no-pet policy to allow service and emotional support animals.

City of Portland's Service Animals website has information on the following:

  • Difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
  • Americans with Disabilities Act Protections for Service Animals
  • Who can ask for documentation of animals status

Service and Assistance Animals in Oregon (Disability Rights Oregon)

Service Animals: Frequently Asked Questions (Northwest ADA Center)

Return to IDD Housing Resource Guide Homepage

Last reviewed November 26, 2024

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