Commercial business owners in Oregon may now join residents in resting easy from the fears of eviction related to economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Governor Kate Brown on Wednesday issued a 90-day moratorium on commercial evictions for nonpayment, in light of the impacts on business owners caused by the COVID-19 crisis.
The order also strengthens the governor’s previous ban on residential evictions, and prohibits landlords from charging tenants late fees for nonpayment of rent during the moratorium.
“During this unprecedented public health crisis, too many Oregonians have found themselves with no way to pay the monthly rent for their homes and businesses,” Governor Brown said. “These are difficult times. This order will help Oregon small businesses stay in their locations without the threat of eviction.”
Recognizing that landlords face their own costs if tenants are not able to pay rent, the governor said she and her Coronavirus Economic Advisory Council are engaging lenders to “find potential solutions” that might be available to property owners.
Oregon Housing and Community Services and the Department of Consumer and Business Services are also pursuing relief options at the direction of the governor.
Clackamas County commissioners last month voted unanimously to enact their own, countywide moratorium on both residential and commercial evictions.
“This is a tough time,” said Clackamas County Chair Jim Bernard. “Businesses are being challenged, and renters are being challenged because they can’t go to work. We ask that business owners and property owners not evict people.”
