The state is reminding Oregonians this week that they cannot be evicted because of nonpayment of rent until at least Oct. 1. Due to the continuing economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the legislature and Gov. Kate Brown extended the statewide eviction ban through Oct. 1 — and another 90-day extension is possible.
Tenants cannot be evicted for not paying rent, fees or utilities that are due between April 1 and Sept. 30, but the rent does not go away. Renters will still be required to pay past-due funds by March 31, 2021. Not paying what you can could cause more issues in the future.
Renters are also expected to communicate with their landlord that they will pay the full amount due by the end of the six-month grace period, and may — but are not required to — develop a payment plan that both parties agree to.
Under the new law, landlords may provide tenants a notice of how much they owe. They also may start eviction proceedings after Oct. 1 (assuming the moratorium is not extended), but only for rent that was due in October or later.
More information, and a sample letter for renters, is available here.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than a quarter of Americans were unable to pay their rent or mortgage obligations in June, or were concerned about paying on time the next month.
Last month, a property owner in Jacksonville, Ore., tried to evict a family that she claimed had failed to pay rent that was due even before the pandemic — but the proceedings were stayed by the statewide moratorium.
To see if you qualify for rent and utility assistance, call 211 or go to 211info.org.
