Oregon saw over 5K recent affordable housing eviction filings, PSU finds

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) – Even though Oregon has increased funding for housing programs, the state saw over 5,000 affordable housing eviction filings in the last few years, a new Portland State University study found.

According to the study, first reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive , Oregon has seen more than 5,400 eviction case filings for affordable housing from January 2019 to December 2023.

As Oregon grapples with the affordable housing crisis, the researchers said these “persistent” evictions are hindering the state’s efforts.

Among the study’s key findings, researchers learned that even though eviction filings were less common in affordable housing, those cases were more likely to end in a judgement of eviction.

“If low income tenant households can’t afford to live in subsidized housing, if that’s what people are being evicted for, what does ‘affordable’ even mean?,” said Jensi Albright, a senior membership coordinator with the Community Alliance of Tenants .

In 2023, the annual eviction filing rate in affordable housing was 2.5 per 100 units, compared to annual eviction filing rates in unsubsidized housing of 4.4 per 100 units.

“About 39% of eviction filings in subsidized housing ended in a judgment of eviction in 2023, compared to 32% in unsubsidized housing,” researchers said.

Additionally, for-profit companies that managed affordable housing units made up 12% of Oregon’s affordable housing stock but were responsible for 15% of the subsidized eviction cases in 2023. Meanwhile, non-profit-owned affordable housing made up 18% of Oregon’s affordable housing stock but accounted for 25% of eviction filings for subsidized housing in 2023, the study found.

According to the study, there are several reasons behind the evictions, but the leading cause was nonpayment of rent. Approximately 73% of affordable housing evictions were filed for nonpayment, compared to 86% in unsubsidized housing.

While nonpayment of rent was the leading reason behind the eviction filings, a significant share of evictions cited other reasons such as drug or alcohol violations, housekeeping issues, and threats to community safety.

Based on these findings, the researchers provided several policy recommendations. This includes affordable housing agencies requiring eviction diversion and prevention plans as prerequisites to allocate funds for projects.

Researchers also suggested that housing authorities should include tenant-centered guidelines in their contracts with third-party managers.

“It is crucial to ensure housing stability for low-income renters already residing in subsidized affordable housing. Evictions in subsidized housing point to challenges for the stability and wellbeing of low-income residents and the communities in which they reside,” the study said.

However, Albright said families continue to face difficult choices.

“If we’re told that 30% of your income going to rent is what is sustainable, people were making choices between medicine and rent, between food and rent,” Albright said. “I mean, keeping your family housed is vital.”

The Community Alliance of Tenants plans to host its first in-person membership meeting since the 2020 pandemic. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization at 10301 NE Glisan St.

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