Oregon enacts eviction reforms to protect tenants from housing loss

The Senate Committee on Housing and Development convened on February 3, 2025, to discuss significant reforms in the eviction process in Oregon, highlighting recent legislative changes aimed at protecting tenants and preventing homelessness.

The meeting focused on the eviction process, which begins with a written notice from a landlord to a tenant regarding a breach of the rental agreement. If the issue is not resolved, the landlord may initiate court proceedings, potentially leading to eviction. The committee emphasized the importance of understanding the eviction process, as an eviction judgment can create barriers for tenants seeking new housing.

Key reforms were introduced through House Bill 2001, which took effect in March 2023. This legislation extended the notice period for non-payment terminations from 72 hours to 10 days, allowing tenants more time to seek assistance and make payments. Additionally, the bill mandated that eviction notices include information on available assistance resources in multiple languages, enhancing accessibility for diverse tenant populations.

Another critical change under House Bill 2001 is the requirement that if tenants pay the owed rent before a judgment is made, the case will be dismissed. This provision aims to ensure that landlords receive payment while also preventing unnecessary evictions. The bill also introduced procedural reforms to prevent default judgments against tenants unless all legal requirements are met.

The committee noted that the Oregon Judicial Department has begun automating the expungement of qualifying eviction judgments, which can help tenants move forward without the stigma of past evictions affecting their housing applications. Evictions older than five years and those where tenants prevailed in court are eligible for expungement.

The meeting concluded with a discussion of the alarming eviction statistics, with 27,290 court eviction cases filed in 2024, representing a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels. The committee underscored the urgency of these reforms and the need for continued investment in rent assistance and prevention funding to support both tenants and landlords.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges in Oregon's housing landscape and the state's commitment to reforming eviction processes to better protect vulnerable households.