Rent increases can be a significant financial burden for tenants. Fortunately, Oregon has some of the strongest renter protection laws in the country. Here’s a breakdown of Oregon’s rent increase laws for 2024 and what you need to know to protect your rights.
Key Points for Tenants
This Article Includes
- Rent Increase Cap: Landlords cannot increase rent by more than 10% in a 12-month period.
- First-Year Protection: Landlords cannot raise your rent during the first year of your tenancy.
- 90-Day Notice: Your landlord must give you at least 90 days’ written notice before any rent increase.
- Annual Limit: Landlords generally can only raise your rent once in any 12-month period.
Understanding Oregon’s Rent Control Law
Oregon’s landmark 2019 rent control law (SB 608) placed restrictions on how much and how often landlords can increase rent statewide. Here’s how it works:
- The Formula: The maximum allowable rent increase is 7% plus the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers for the West Region (CPI-W), as determined by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The 2024 Cap: As inflation remains above 3%, the cap for rent increases in 2024 is 10%. This cap applies to most rental units.
Exemptions to the Rent Increase Cap
The rent control law does not apply to all rental units in Oregon. Here are the key exemptions:
- New Construction: Buildings less than 15 years old are exempt from rent control restrictions.
- Subsidized Housing: Some government-subsidized properties may have their own rent increase rules.
- Others: Less common situations like landlord-occupied duplexes or certain types of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) might be exempt as well.
Notice Requirements for Rent Increases
Even when landlords increase the rent within the allowed limits, they must adhere to strict notice requirements:
- 90-Days Minimum: Landlords must provide written notice of a rent increase at least 90 days before it takes effect.
- Contents of the Notice: The notice must clearly state the following:
- The current rent amount
- The new rent amount
- The effective date of the increase
- A statement of your rights under Oregon law
Additional Protections for Tenants
Beyond rent increase limits, Oregon law provides tenants with other important protections:
- No-Cause Eviction Ban: Landlords generally cannot evict you without a valid reason after the first year of your tenancy.
- Relocation Assistance: In cities like Portland that have relocation assistance ordinances, landlords may be required to pay relocation costs to tenants if they are evicted for no-cause or if they face exceptionally large rent increases.
What to Do if Your Landlord Raises the Rent Illegally
If you believe your landlord has violated Oregon’s rent increase laws, here’s what you should do:
- Document Everything: Save copies of your lease, rent increase notices, and any other communication with your landlord.
- Talk to Your Landlord: Start by attempting to resolve the situation directly. Inform them that you believe the rent increase is illegal and cite the relevant Oregon laws.
- Seek Legal Help: If you cannot resolve the issue with your landlord, reach out to a tenant advocacy organization or an attorney specializing in landlord-tenant law. They can help you understand your rights and pursue legal action if necessary.
Where to Find Help
- Oregon State Bar: (https://www.osbar.org/public/legalinfo/1250_rentincreases.htm) Provides information on tenant rights and resources.
- Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT): (https://www.oregoncat.org/) A statewide resource that offers tenant education and support.
- Local Legal Aid Organizations: Find low-cost or free legal representation for tenants in your area.
Remember, knowledge of the law will empower you to protect your rights as a tenant in Oregon. Be vigilant and informed, and don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.
