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Oregon’s COVID-19 eviction freeze ended on June 30. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has extended the federal eviction moratorium until July 31, 2021, to those who qualify. To see if this extension applies to you, you will need to complete this form, and then give it to your landlord. Please note that the foreclosure moratorium remains unchanged and in effect in Oregon until September 30, 2021.
If the CDC moratorium does not apply to you, the ending of Oregon's freeze means rent must be paid for July and going forward. If you are unable to pay, there is a program to assist with rent, the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP). The OERAP helps pay for up to 12 months back rent (utilities other than phone and renter's insurance can also be covered) and 3 months of rent going forward. This program is open to all Oregonians, regardless of citizenship status. Additionally, OERAP may be able to pay upcoming rent for homeless individuals who are starting a new rental lease. The OERAP website also has a section for landlords to understand the rules.
The Oregon legislature recently passed two bills to address the end of the eviction freeze that provide some additional support for those that cannot pay: Senate Bill (SB) 278 and Senate Bill (SB) 282. SB 278 allows for a 60-day extension on evictions for those that qualify for the OERAP. You must show proof of OERAP application to your landlord in order to qualify for the 60-day grace period. SB 282 extends the grace period to pay back rent accrued from April 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021; whether or not you qualify for the OERAP, this back rent will not need to be paid until February 28, 2022. Tenants cannot be evicted for this back pay until March 1, 2022. Landlords also cannot charge fees for back rent from this time, and your credit history cannot be affected.
These laws are in place due to COVID-19 and may change in the future. The Oregon State Bar is currently offering free consultations on the OERAP program, through their lawyer referral program, make sure to mention the program when you call. If you need further legal assistance, please refer to our A to Z Legal Aid LibGuide.
Additional Resources
- The Oregon State Bar has a video and extensive FAQ section on these new rules.
- The Rental and Housing Assistance agency has a landlord and tenant resource page on the current eviction rules and a legal resource page for housing-related issues during COVID-19.
- City of Portland landlord and tenant resource page.
- Multnomah county has expanded the extension for those within the county who apply to OERAP to a 90-day grace period. Check your county of residence to see if additional protections have been enacted. (updated 7/9)
- The Oregon courts website has eviction-related court forms for both landlord and tenant, including rights.
- 211 Info (or by calling 211) has information on several other rental assistance programs.
- Legal Aid Services of Oregon has an extensive help section on various housing topics.
