FEATURED STORY: How Portland’s rental market is making a bad situation worse for domestic violence survivors.
Domestic violence survivors renting in Oregon have several protections under the law put in place to help them find and maintain housing. These laws generally protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.
Discrimination is prohibited
Landlords are prohibited from evicting, failing to renew rental agreements, increasing rent, decreasing services or refusing to enter into a rental agreement for any of the following reasons:
- You or your child has been a victim.
- A violation of the rental agreement caused by domestic violence.
- Police or criminal activity related to domestic violence.
- A negative landlord reference based on an incident related to domestic violence.
You cannot be charged for damages
As of Jan. 1, 2016, a tenant will not be responsible for any damages caused by a perpetrator’s conduct relating to domestic violence. A landlord may require verification that the tenant is a victim. This includes court documents, police reports or a statement from a victim’s advocate or health professional.
If your abuser is on the rental agreement
You can take legal action get your abuser out of your home.
- You must acquire a court order, such as a restraining order, that requires the abuser to move out.
- Your landlord cannot allow the abuser back in unless court ordered.
- The abuser’s lease is terminated once the court order is final.
Your landlord can evict your abuser
- If your abuser commits a criminal act of violence against you or your children, the landlord may terminate the abuser’s lease agreement without terminating yours.
- The landlord must give the abuser 24 hours’ notice of eviction.
- Your landlord cannot charge you any additional fees as a result.
Your landlord must change your locks
If you request (in writing is best) your locks be changed, your landlord is required by law to do so promptly. You will be responsible for the cost. You are not required to provide proof of abuse.
You are allowed to break your lease
If you have been a victim within the past 90 days, or if you have a current protection order, you can end your rental agreement early, without incurring fees for doing so, with a 14-day written notice. You will be required to produce proof of abuse.
The information above was compiled by Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Oregon Law Center. For more information about these laws, and for sample forms, visit OregonLawHelp.org.
The Portland Women’s Crisis Line provides 24-hour support and resource referral for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Call 503-235-5333 or toll free at 1-888-235-5333. In Multnomah County, survivors can call The Gateway Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at 503-988-6400 to be connected with an advocate and resources.