Rent rises can place a huge financial hardship on tenants. Fortunately, Oregon has some of the best renter protection regulations in the nation. Here’s an overview of Oregon’s rent increase legislation for 2024, as well as what you should know to preserve your rights.
Key Points for Tenants
- 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 permissible rent increase is 7% plus the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers in the West Region (CPI-W), as established by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- The 2024 Cap: As long as inflation continues above 3%, rent increases in 2024 will be limited to 10%. This cap applies to the majority of 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: Rent control rules do not apply to buildings that are less than 15 years old.
- Subsidized Housing: Some government-subsidized homes may have their own rent-increase policies.
- Others: Exemptions may also apply to less common scenarios such as landlord-occupied duplexes or certain types of auxiliary dwelling units (ADUs).
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 becomes effective.
- 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: After the first year of your tenancy, landlords are generally not allowed to evict you without a valid reason.
- Relocation Assistance: In places with relocation aid ordinances, such as Portland, landlords may be forced to reimburse tenants’ relocation fees if they are evicted without cause or face particularly substantial rent hikes.
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: Keep copies of your lease, rent increase notices, and any other communications with your landlord.
- Talk to Your Landlord: Begin by attempting to resolve the issue directly. Inform them that you believe the rent increase is illegal, and reference the applicable Oregon statutes.
- Seek Legal Help: If you are unable to address the matter with your landlord, contact a tenant advocacy organization or an attorney who specializes in landlord-tenant law. They can assist you in understanding your rights and, if required, filing a lawsuit.