Housing

Important update

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) closed the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program (OERAP) and stopped accepting new applications on March 21, 2022.

Here’s what you need to know:

• If you’ve already completed and submitted your application, it’ll be processed as soon as possible. To find out more about a submitted application please check your status online or call 844-378-2931.

• Tenants who submitted new applications to local emergency rental assistance programs can be protected from eviction for nonpayment of rent while their application is being reviewed and processed. Tenants must show proof to their landlord that they applied for the program to receive the protections.

• To learn more about local programs visit the websites linked below to see if you qualify for city or county funds:

  • City of Portland

  • Clackamas County

  • Lane County

  • Marion County

  • Multnomah County

  • Washington County

To check the status of your application, or find out more information, visit www.OregonRentalAssistance.org.

If you missed the deadline, other rental and utility assistance programs may be available. Call 211 or visit 211info.org to find resources in your area.

All safe harbor protections expire on Sept. 30, 2022. To be protected, tenants must give proof that they applied to their landlord on or before June 30, 2022 (or on or before the date of a court appearance, whichever is sooner.) Documentation can be:

• a copy or photo of the documentation by email or text message

• email, a screenshot, or other written or electronic documentation verifying the submission of an application for emergency rental assistance

You have a right to these protections regardless of your citizenship status.

If you have received an eviction notice, talk with a lawyer as soon as you can. Free or low-cost legal services are available. If you live in Multnomah County, visit www.OregonRentersRights.org to learn more about the Multnomah County eviction moratorium.

Tenants at immediate risk of eviction should apply for rental assistance right away to access safe harbor eviction protections and contact a legal organization:

• Oregon Law Center’s Eviction Defense Project: 888-585-9638 or evictiondefense@oregonlawcenter.org

• Oregon State Bar: 503-684-3763 or legalhelp@oregonstatebar.org

• Legal Aid Services of Oregon guidance on COVID-19 emergency protections
• Community Alliance of Tenants (English & Spanish)

Renter’s Rights Hotline: 503-288-0130
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1–5 p.m.
Tuesday, Saturday: 6–8 p.m.
Email: hotline@oregoncat.org

The Oregon Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) helps homeowners who meet certain income requirements and have fallen behind on their mortgage payments and other housing costs due to the coronavirus pandemic. HAF is opening in phases and focuses on homeowners most at risk of foreclosure or displacement. OHCS is currently accepting applications from homeowners in Phases 1–3. Homeowners can review the HAF program overview and eligibility fact sheet (available in English and Spanish) to determine when they should apply.

Before requesting assistance through HAF, homeowners should contact their servicer and/or a nonprofit housing counselor about their immediate options as HAF funds are limited and intended as a last resort.

To help homeowners navigate the application process, OHCS has launched a website at oregonhomeownerassistance.org, which provides:

• an overview of the program and its benefits
• eligibility requirements and phases timeline
• application resources
• frequently asked questions
• contact information
• fraud prevention and reporting tools
• legal aid and more