Residential Eviction Moratorium Update

NOTE: On May 19, Governor Brown signed SB 282 into law.

As the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out continues and summer approaches, there is optimism that life may slowly be returning to normal—or at least a new type of normal. However, residential tenants who have been unable to pay rent throughout last year's global pandemic are facing serious concerns regarding how to pay overdue rent. This is a scary prospect for individuals struggling to make ends meet and there is a sizable population of Oregonians behind on their rent payments. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, almost 17% of Oregon renters surveyed in early March were not caught up on rent payments.

In response to this concerning statistic, in December 2020 the Oregon Legislature passed HB 4401, extending a pre-existing moratorium on residential evictions for nonpayment of rent from December 31, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The bill also created a landlord compensation fund making grants available for up to 80% of