Multnomah County rescinds eviction moratorium, defaults to state guidelines

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Multnomah County Commissioners voted Thursday morning to roll back some of the renter protections to put the county in line with the rest of the state. County leaders were split, voting 3-2 in favor.

Tenant advocates say the county's decision weakened renter protections. But the commissioners who voted for the change said it eliminates confusion between state and local rules.

PAST COVERAGE | Multnomah County extends COVID-19 eviction moratorium, state of emergency

"The state has taken action though," said Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson. "I think, for many reasons, having the consistency and certainty for people is a very important one."

In December, state lawmakers extended the ban on evictions for another six months, but now, tenants are required to submit a hardship declaration form to qualify for that ban. Multnomah County previously did not require that.

Previously, the county built in a six-month grace period for tenants to repay back rent. However, the state did not do the same.

The state also allows certain exceptions for landlords to evict a tenant, such as major renovations or demolishing the unit, or if the landlords want to move into that unit. The county did not originally allow for those same exceptions.

READ MORE | What you should know about Oregon's new eviction moratorium, effective Jan. 1

"We need the federal government, and I call on our folks representing us in Congress to put housing and housing stability at the top of their agenda," said Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury. "I know there is a lot of things they're working on right now, but the federal government has been, with the exception of this last effort, has been conspicuously silent on this very important issue."