Housing: a Luxury or a Right?
Tensions rise between landlords and renters in Oregon in the midst of a housing crisis. With over 13 thousand homeless people residing in Oregon, according to 2017 statistics, and cost of living steadily increasing, the Oregon senate is pushing to pass Senate Bill 608, a bill that would protect renters from no cause evictions and put a limit on rent increases. If this bill passes, it would make Oregon the first state with state-wide rent control. A similar bill was shut down in state congress in 2004; despite this, endorsers of this bill are confident it will pass. Many renters are overjoyed with this new piece of legislature, but it is leaving landlords less than happy.
The new bill would eliminate no cause evictions, with the exception of landlords who own less than 4 units and landlords who live on site. In the case of an eviction, the landlord would be required to give a 90 day notice and to pay a relocation fee equal to 1 months’ rent. It would also make it illegal to raise rent more than 7% within a 12 month period and require a minimum 30 day notice.
Many landlords are claiming that this new development in renters rights is infringing upon their rights as landlords; some claiming that these new rules and regulations are making it too difficult for newer landlords to make a profit, while others worry about what would happen if mortgage prices and property taxes increase. Although, it seems the majority issue with this new bill is seeded within an overall disapproval of government getting involved with small businesses. There is a small group that questions whether or not the bill would actually help the housing crisis, or if it would make it worse, though those claims seem to be unfounded.
Governor Kate Brown has endorsed this bill, stating “We… need to help Oregonians who have homes but are struggling with the high cost of rent”. While Governor Brown has been popular in the north, she has also been quite controversial in more rural areas of Oregon due to her liberal leaning beliefs and bisexuality. Many people seem to oppose any bill she proposes out of spite or general dislike of her as a person and politician. Democrats in Oregon have a lot ahead of them this term, and it seems this housing bill is just the tip of the iceberg. Though I doubt any of the upcoming legislature will have issues passing in congress, selling the ideas to the public might come to be a herculean feat.
That Justice Blogger 