The Governor’s office sent out an urgent message to Oregon renters in the rears due to the pandemic: If you need rental assistance—apply for it now.
Calling housing “a basic human right,” Governor Kate Brown said the thousands who have lost jobs and fallen behind on their rent during the pandemic should apply immediately for help or be at risk of eviction.
Even though Oregon’s residential eviction moratorium has expired, qualified residents can apply through the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Programto help pay current and future rent. Brown announced historic amounts of funding is available.
In May, Brown signed a bill that gives renters until the end of February, 2022 to repay all rent accrued between April 2020 and June 30, 2021. The governor also approved a 60-day “safe harbor period from eviction” for nonpayment of rent to tenants who prove they have already applied for rental assistance. In Multnomah County, the safe harbor period is 90-days.
Anyone who has begun an application should submit it right away. Assistance is open to all eligible renters, regardless of immigration status. Applications can be found at OregonRentalAssistance.org.