Hey All, a quick update for landlords (hate that term) and renters in the City of Portland. City Council just passed a temporary amendment to the "renters' relocation assistance policy".
Previously, if a landlord increased rent (given 90 days notice) by 10% or more, and if the tenant said they couldn't afford that increase, the landlord would pay the tenant relocation assistance in relation to the number of bedrooms in the rental unit. In general, these fees were between $2900 and $4500.
As of yesterday, and until March 31, 2021, these same relocation fees will apply to any rent increase, no matter how small. If you are a landlord, and have already given your tenants notice of a rent increase, you may rescind that notice (in writing) to avoid being subject to the fees.
There is also currently a statewide moratorium on evictions for unpaid, or partially paid rent. Tenants have six months, from the expiration of the moratorium to pay any owed rent. The moratorium is set to expire on September 30th, giving tenants until March 31 to pay any owed back rent. While there is not a moratorium on evictions for other violations of the lease/rental agreement, eviction courts have been understandably reluctant to evict during the pandemic.
City data shows Portland has approximately 264,000 households, with 47% of those being renters. 43% of white household rent, and 74% of Black households rent. Health issues and financial hardship from COVID have disproportionately affected Black households. This move by the City Council was meant, in part, to lessen the impact of COVID on the city's Black community.
No comments:
Post a Comment