FAQs

Questions About Evictions in Oregon

• Can a landlord and a tenant work out a payment plan to cover back rent?

  Yes, a tenant and their landlord can negotiate a plan but a tenant is not required to enter into any kind of payment plan. A tenant is only required to tell the landlord that they plan on paying back rent during the six-month grace period, and to pay back all of the rent that’s owed on or before March 31, 2021.

• Can a landlord give me a notice of termination for cause, or file for eviction based on a notice for cause?

   Yes. The new law only covers evictions for nonpayment of rent or no cause terminations. A landlord is still allowed to give a tenant a notice based on a violation of the rental agreement.

• How can the Linn County Eviction Prevention Clinic help me?

  The Linn County Eviction Prevention Clinic WILL NOT provide utility or rental financial assistance for tenants, but can provide them with referrals to other organizations that may assist low-income renters struggling to pay rent or facing eviction due to discrimination or some other factor. The clinic is designed to serve as a referral service for tenants facing eviction and to assist them with locating and completing applications for rental/utility assistance (OERAP) or other public assistance programs.

• Is a landlord allowed to give a tenant a notice saying that the tenant owes rent?

  Yes. However, the landlord is not allowed to say that he or she intends to evict for nonpayment of the rent that’s owed until after December 31, 2020.

• What can I do if the landlord violates the new law?

  You can notify the landlord in writing that you think they are violating the law. You may also contact Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) or the Oregon State Bar Referral Service for assistance.

• What is House Bill 44401?

  House Bill 4401 extends prohibitions of terminations without cause, and the emergency period and repayment date for nonpayment by tenants declaring financial hardships until June 30, 2021. You can reference House Bill 4401 here.

• What is Senate Bill 282?

  Senate Bill 282 protects renters from the credit damages resulting from not making their rental payments during the Pandemic. This means that tenants who struggled during COVID-19 won’t be penalized for what happened to them during the difficult times of the Pandemic era. See Senate Bill 282 for additional information.

• What is the Oregon Rental Eviction Assistance Program?

  The Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) helps renters get the support they need to avoid utility shutoff or eviction. The program is administered by the Oregon Housing Community Services (OHCS) and its subgrantees. To find out if you’re eligible, please visit https://oerap.oregon.gov/orera/. (Note: The OERAP is now closed to new applicants).

• Where can I find more information for low-income tenants?

   OregonLawHelp.org provides information for tenants including Oregon renter’s rights and protections during COVID-19.

• Can I be evicted if I don’t pay my rent?

  To be covered by the eviction moratorium, you must provide a written declaration form that you meet the CDC requirements to your landlord. Be sure to retain a copy of your signed declaration and evidence that you provided it to your landlord. For additional information, contact the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at (800) 569-4287 or go to https://www.hudexchange.info/pro- grams/housing-counseling/rental-eviction/ to get contact information for a local housing counselor.