PORTLAND, Ore — Oregon Gov. Kate Brown on Monday issued a new ban on residential evictions that lasts through Dec. 31, and the city of Portland adopted a similar extension on Wednesday.
The state’s previous moratorium on residential and commercial evictions ended on Sept. 30. Brown’s new executive order effectively extends Oregon’s ban on non-payment residential evictions through the end of the year.
Brown cited the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the devastation caused by historic wildfires in Oregon as reasons to continue the eviction ban.
“Housing is a critical human need, and, as we enter cold and flu season during a pandemic––and as many students learn remotely from home––it is absolutely critical that people not be turned out of their homes,” Brown said in a statement. “While my action today will address the immediate issue of preventing residential evictions through the end of the year, it is my hope that, when the Legislature next meets, they will take up the larger issues we need to address regarding housing relief.”
On Wednesday, the Portland City Council unanimously adopted its extension of residential eviction protections for renters through Jan. 8, 2021. The eviction ban also allows a six-month repayment period for rent payments missed between Oct. 1 and Jan. 8.
Rent payments missed between April and Sept. 30, under the city's previous eviction moratorium, will still need to be repaid by March 31, 2021.
“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.”