Commissioners used the HREC roundtable Dec. 18 to raise urgent concerns about rental habitability, retaliation and limited resources for tenants in Bend.

Commissioner Ruth Vernadico described a specific building with nonworking radiators, missing grounding in electrical outlets and alleged retaliation against tenants who requested heat, saying some residents had been threatened with eviction when raising safety concerns.

Ian, the city attorney, explained that the Oregon Residential Landlord‑Tenant Act largely governs habitability and preempts local regulation, but said local governments can still consider discretionary supports and enforcement options. He encouraged commissioners to request presentations on resources and potential local remedies.

Mario Anguiano of the Fair Housing Council of Oregon told the commission that available supports are limited: fair housing laws and discrimination‑focused services are available, and organizations such as Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASSO) and tenant associations provide help but have narrow eligibility or limited capacity.

Commissioners discussed possible city actions, including grants to nonprofits that provide intake and investigation services, improved code‑enforcement prioritization and development of a local tenant resource page. Mario suggested the city consider contracting or grant support for nonprofits that investigate housing complaints.

Separately, Chair Agatha Ventura read a prepared statement describing concerns about a city internal investigation into former employee Andres Portela’s account of negative experiences. Several commissioners asked to see the report; Ian said the report is a public record and staff would work with Kathy to expedite access at no cost.