The numbers are staggering. Across Oregon, people are getting notices of rent increases of 20%, 30%, even 100%. And from every corner of our state we hear stories of people who have paid their rent on time, followed all the rules of their lease, and then getting kicked out through no fault of their own. It’s not fair and it’s time to do something about in.

 

Unprecedented rent increases are displacing entire communities as families struggle with the ability to keep a roof over their heads or make ends meet. Some are choosing between food, healthcare, and childcare in order to afford housing. One out of four renting Oregonians are paying more than half of their income on rent. With extremely low vacancy rates impacting communities throughout the state, families have few options for affordable rental homes.

​

This affects more than individual families. Sometimes entire buildings receive evictions without cause, ripping communities apart as property owners and managers are able to say to someone, "You have no place to live anymore. No reason." Maybe it’s because they can make more money from more affluent tenants. Maybe it’s because they became irritated when a tenant asked for repairs. Maybe it’s because they are discriminating. No matter what it is, under current Oregon law they don’t have to give a tenant a reason. We’re just out on the whim of the property manager or landlord, with no legal recourse to defend ourselves.

​

This needs to change...it's best for our state. Allow Oregon cities to consider and enact rent stabilization policies. Protect Oregon renters from no-cause evictions.

​

SB 722, under debate in the Oregon legislature this year, will bring additional protections to tenants so that rent cannot increase at buildings over 7 years old. It will also prohibit artificial intelligence and related algorithms from being used to illegally price fix rents. 

​

Make your voice heard! Learn more about SB 722  and contact your lawmaker today!

​

​