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Portland renters tell council of habitability, rising rents and call for a renters' bill of rights

Homelessness and Housing Committee (City of Portland) · November 19, 2025
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Summary

Six renters and advocates told the committee about habitability problems, rising rents, corporate landlord practices and enforcement gaps; speakers urged tenant protections, a renters' bill of rights, and policies to expand supply and verify exemptions claimed by owners.

The committee heard extended public testimony from renters and advocates who described a mix of habitability problems, steep rent burdens and calls for stronger tenant protections.

Natalie Seals (District 4) said Portland’s renters deserve the same attention as homeowners and accused corporate owners of opaque pricing practices and sudden billing changes, naming one large owner as an example of practices that make stable renting impossible. She said many renters cannot or do not want to become homeowners and asked policymakers to prioritize…

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