Relating to publicly supported housing; and prescribing an effective date.

More warning before renters lose housing protections

Beginning January 1, 2026, the law strengthens notices before covered properties end their affordable housing restrictions. The withdrawal changes apply to termination dates on or after July 1, 2028. For qualifying properties with Oregon Housing and Community Services Department contracts, owners must give notice 30 to 36 months before termination. Owners must mail it first-class to each tenant and the Department’s Director, and post it in a common area. The notice must explain the end date, protections that may let tenants stay and when those protections expire, and tenant resources. It must also give instructions in Oregon’s five most common non-English languages for finding translations on the Department’s website. If required tenant notices are missed, termination must wait until at least 30 months after all required notices are delivered. Owners must notify the Department and affected tenants of the extension. For covered participating properties, one required waiting period increases from 20 to 30 months after all required notices; later applicable deadlines still control. During the final 30 months, applicants must receive the withdrawal notice before a screening fee or rental agreement. Also beginning January 1, 2026, landlords of affordability-restricted units must provide that notice when applicable before screening fees or rental agreements. Otherwise, they must give a Department-prescribed written notice stating the earliest date the restriction could end.