Further restrictions on those willing to rent to others might not be the most sensible solution, but the City of Portland is doing just that.

City Council Wednesday voted to extend eviction protections for Portland renters through January 8. The temporary moratorium prevents residential evictions for non-payment of rent and other no-cause evictions. The moratorium also allows a six-month repayment period for rent payments missed between October 1 and January 8.

“In the midst of a pandemic and a national economic crisis, with so many Portlanders struggling to stay afloat, no one should fear being put out of their home,” said Mayor Wheeler. “This moratorium will keep people safely in their homes and protect public health while we work to help Portlanders get the assistance and support they need to make up for missed rent,” he said.

“I am grateful that we are taking action to provide renters peace of mind as this crisis continues,” said City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly. “That being said, the County’s extension came mere days before the state moratorium was set to expire—we cannot keep cutting it so close to the wire when renters’ housing stability is at stake. I will continue to work closely with my colleagues and advocate for more timely action before this moratorium expires in January, including a further extension of the emergency adjustment to the Mandatory Relocation Assistance Ordinance.”

Last month, Mayor Wheeler announced his intention to take executive action to extend the expiring State moratorium on residential evictions. While the State moratorium was extended, it does not include the repayment grace period the City’s action establishes. The City of Portland’s action is aligned with the extension passed by the Multnomah County Board of Commissioner. It provides Portland renters an additional eight days beyond the extension issued by Governor Brown on Tuesday.

“In Portland, renters and essential workers are disproportionately those who are Black, indigenous, and people of color. Mass evictions in this moment would hurt already vulnerable households the most and set them back the longest. I’m proud local and state leaders are extending this critical lifeline for renters,” Wheeler said.

The six-month repayment period only applies to unpaid rent between October 1 and January 8. Rent payments missed between April and September 30, under the previous moratorium, will still need to be repaid by March 31, 2021.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2020-10-04 19:44:32

Last Update: 2020-10-04 19:55:54