Lawmakers examine impacts of rent control, just cause eviction
SALEM — As the Legislature considers passing rent control and restrictions on no-cause evictions this year, lawmakers are trying to sift through how the differing policies are working.
"Oregon is facing a housing crisis, and the Speaker is hopeful that the Legislature will pass meaningful solutions this session," said Lindsey O'Brien, a spokeswoman for House Speaker Tina Kotek, whose constituents have experienced mass evictions in North Portland.
The bill dominating discussion, and which will receive a public hearing Thursday, March 2, would outlaw no-cause evictions and lift the statewide preemption on rent control in local jurisdictions. The legislation is more stringent than an ordinance passed last month in Portland and is missing exemptions such as those in San Francisco that are meant to prevent discouragement of new construction of residential buildings.
Legislators are deliberating these measures under increasing political pressure from tenants who have experienced skyrocketing rents. Meanwhile, landlords are pushing back on the proposed legislation, arguing it is overbearing, will have unforeseen consequences and will fail to solve the state's affordable housing shortage.
Read more: http://portlandtribune.com/pt/9-news/347630-227387-lawmakers-examine-impacts-of-rent-control-just-cause-eviction