Cecily Zamora
Oregon Senate Bill 608, which was introduced in 2019, addresses the circumstances under which landlords can issue no-cause evictions and rent control. The bill, which took effect on February 28, 2019, prohibits landlords from terminating month-to-month tenancy without cause after a tenant has occupied the property for 12 months. This bill dramatically changed the rental landscape in Oregon, impacting both landlords and tenants. While it aimed to protect tenants from arbitrary evictions, it also complicated the process for landlords to regain possession of their properties. The bill's swift passage, from introduction to law in just over a month, underscores the urgency of addressing housing issues in Oregon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of introduction | 14 January 2019 |
| Date passed | 22 March 2019 |
| Effective date | 28 February 2019 |
| Purpose | Prohibit landlords from terminating month-to-month tenancy without cause after 12 months of occupancy |
| Focus | No-cause evictions and rent control |
| No-cause eviction notice period | 90 days |
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What You'll Learn
The bill's journey through the legislature
Senate Bill 608 was introduced in the 2019 session of the Oregon Legislature. The bill prohibits landlords from terminating month-to-month tenancy without cause after 12 months of occupancy. Here is a breakdown of the bill's journey through the legislature:
January 14, 2019: The bill was introduced and had its first reading. It was then referred to the President's desk.
January 17, 2019: The bill was referred to Housing.
February 4, 2019: A public hearing and work session were scheduled and held.
February 7, 2019: The bill received a "do pass" recommendation and had its second reading.
February 12, 2019: The bill had its third reading and was carried by Fagan and Monnes Anderson. It passed.
February 13, 2019: The bill had its first reading in the House and was referred to the Speaker's desk and Human Services and Housing.
February 18, 2019: A public hearing was scheduled and held.
February 20, 2019: A possible work session was scheduled and held.
February 25, 2019: The bill received a "do pass" recommendation. A potential conflict of interest was declared by Helt.
March 22, 2019: The bill had its third reading and was carried by Meek. It passed with an effective date of February 28, 2019.
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No-cause evictions
Oregon's Senate Bill 608, which took effect on February 28, 2019, after being passed in the Oregon Legislature, significantly altered the state's housing laws. The bill primarily focused on two key aspects: no-cause evictions and rent control.
Prior to SB 608, landlords in Oregon had broader discretion to issue no-cause evictions. During the first year of tenancy, landlords could give 90 days' notice of a no-cause eviction without any specific reason. However, after the first year, certain circumstances had to be met for a no-cause eviction to be valid. These circumstances typically included the landlord's intention to use the unit for personal or family use, demolition of the unit, or significant renovations that would make the property unsafe to inhabit.
SB 608's restrictions on no-cause evictions aim to protect tenants from arbitrary displacement. While it provides stability for renters, it has also sparked concerns about interfering with property owners' rights and potentially discouraging people from becoming landlords. This bill underscores the ongoing tensions between tenant protections and landlord interests in the rental housing market.
The impact of SB 608 on no-cause evictions in Oregon highlights the complexities of housing policy. While seeking to safeguard tenants, it also underscores the need to balance the rights and interests of all stakeholders in the rental market.
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Rent control
Oregon's Senate Bill 608 (SB 608) was introduced in the 2019 session of the Oregon Legislature and took effect on February 28, 2019. The bill focuses on two main issues: no-cause evictions and rent control.
No-Cause Evictions
SB 608 affects the circumstances under which a landlord can issue a no-cause eviction. A no-cause eviction is when a landlord serves a tenant with an unprompted eviction notice. Before SB 608, landlords could issue a no-cause eviction at any time, but the bill introduced new restrictions. Now, during the first year of tenancy, landlords can give 90 days' notice of a no-cause eviction. After the first year, there are only certain circumstances in which a no-cause eviction can be served:
- The unit is being demolished.
- The landlord intends to use the unit for something other than a residence.
- The landlord is making renovations or repairs that will make the property unsafe to inhabit.
- The landlord or their family plans to move into the unit.
- Someone bought the unit and intends to move in.
The other side of SB 608's changes is rent control. Some people view rent control as an important protection against rapidly increasing rents, while others see it as a restriction on the rental market. Through work sessions and public hearings, SB 608 aimed to strike a balance between the interests of tenants and landlords. The final decision was that Portland property owners could increase rents by seven percent plus the West Coast Consumer Price Index annually.
Impact
The bill has been criticised by some, who argue that it interferes with property owners' rights to control their property and negotiate contracts with tenants. There are concerns that this could discourage people from becoming landlords, which could exacerbate Oregon's existing housing shortage. However, supporters of the bill see it as a necessary protection for tenants, ensuring stability and predictability in rental prices and tenancies.
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Property owners' rights
Senate Bill 608, introduced in the 2019 session of the Oregon Legislature, is a measure that prohibits landlords from terminating month-to-month tenancy without cause after 12 months of occupancy. This bill fundamentally alters the landlord-tenant relationship for residential properties in Oregon.
Senate Bill 608 has been criticised by the Oregon Property Owners Association for interfering with landlords' rights to control their properties. Specifically, the bill limits landlords' ability to evict tenants or terminate leases without cause after a year of occupancy. This restriction is seen as a violation of property owners' fundamental rights.
The bill outlines specific circumstances under which a landlord may terminate a tenancy, such as the intention to occupy the unit, make significant repairs, or sell the property. However, doing so requires providing a lengthy notice period and paying the tenant an amount equal to one month's rent as compensation. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the landlord being liable for damages and additional financial penalties.
Critics argue that Senate Bill 608 discourages property ownership and interferes with the ability of landlords and tenants to negotiate contracts freely. This legislation, they argue, reduces the incentive for individuals to become landlords, which could exacerbate the state's housing shortage.
Supporters of the bill, on the other hand, may argue that it provides stability and protection for tenants, preventing arbitrary evictions and promoting longer-term housing security. Balancing the rights and interests of property owners and tenants is a complex issue, and Senate Bill 608 aims to address this by establishing clearer guidelines for tenancy terminations.
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Timeline of the bill becoming law
Senate Bill 608 was introduced during the 2019 session of the Oregon Legislature. Here is a timeline of the bill's progression through the legislative process:
On January 14, 2019, the bill was introduced and had its first reading in the Senate. It was then referred to the President's desk.
Referral to Committees:
On January 17, 2019, the bill was referred to the Housing committee in the Senate.
Public Hearing and Work Session:
On February 4, 2019, a public hearing and work session were held by the Senate Housing Committee.
Second Reading and Recommendation:
On February 7, 2019, the bill had its second reading in the Senate. The committee recommended that the bill "do pass."
Third Reading and Passage in the Senate:
On February 12, 2019, the bill had its third reading and was carried by Fagan and Monnes Anderson. It passed the Senate.
First Reading in the House:
On February 13, 2019, the bill had its first reading in the House and was referred to the Speaker's desk.
Referral to House Committees:
On the same day, February 13, 2019, the bill was referred to the Human Services and Housing committees in the House.
Public Hearing in the House:
A public hearing was held by the House committees on February 18, 2019.
Work Session in the House:
On February 20, 2019, a work session was held by the House committees, and they recommended that the bill "do pass."
Passage in the House and Effective Date:
The bill continued through the legislative process, and on March 22, 2019, it was carried by Fagan, Monnes Anderson, and Meek. It received its effective date as February 28, 2019, indicating that it became law on that date.
Please note that this timeline may not include all the minor details and procedural steps involved in the bill's progression. The legislative process can be complex, and bills may undergo amendments, revisions, and additional readings before final passage.
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Frequently asked questions
Oregon Senate Bill 608 (SB 608) is a measure that prohibits landlords from issuing a no-cause eviction to tenants who have occupied a property for more than 12 months.
Oregon Senate Bill 608 was introduced in January 2019 and became law on February 28, 2019.
The bill makes it unlawful for landlords to terminate a month-to-month tenancy without cause after 12 months of occupancy. It also introduces rent control, allowing Portland property owners to increase rents by seven percent plus the West Coast Consumer Price Index annually.
Oregon Senate Bill 608 limits the circumstances under which landlords can serve a no-cause eviction. Landlords can still issue a no-cause eviction during the first year of tenancy with 90 days' notice. After the first year, a no-cause eviction can only be served under specific circumstances, such as demolishing the unit or using it for a different purpose.
Oregon Senate Bill 608 provides tenants with greater protection from evictions. After lawfully occupying a property for more than 12 months, tenants can only be evicted for just causes, such as failure to pay rent or violating the lease terms.
