Are you struggling to pay your rent in Portland? There's still help available.

Here's how to take advantage of pandemic rent assistance programs before you become homeless.

Image by lannyboy89 from Pixabay

Eviction court filings are increasing dramatically in Multnomah County. Fed-up landlords are taking advantage of the end of eviction moratoriums to send a clear message to their tenants: pay up your back rent or get out.

Portland-area landlords, many of whom are so-called "mom and pop" landlords who own five or fewer properties, have been sounding the alarm for over a year. While tenants had protection from paying rent during the height of the pandemic, landlords didn't have protection from loss of income. With the moratorium ending and the non-payment evictions resuming, most landlords will now need to act to resuscitate their livelihoods.

As earlier reported, a survey by Surgo Ventures showed that as of July, just under 18,000 renters in Multnomah County -- or 11.9% of all renters -- were behind on their rent payments. That number has likely gotten worse.

The Oregon Law Center reported that there were 169 eviction filings in Multnomah County in August, and another 153 in September. But the Oregon Law Center told the Willamette Week that those numbers are deceiving. Most tenants will move out when an eviction notice is served, and the case doesn't go to court.

Numerous outlets have reported that the state and local jurisdictions have been struggling to get rent assistance into the hands of landlords. Many people are unaware that rent assistance funding is available, causing Multnomah County to take the unprecedented step of using the region's emergency text system to share the news with landlords and tenants that money is available to help.

Multnomah County also created a special eviction prevention and rent assistance webpage to help residents find information and resources.

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

Oregon Housing and Community Services, the state's housing agency, reported that $70 million has been distributed to landlords across the State to pay back rent on behalf of tenants. Close to 11,000 tenants received help by the end of September, with another 7,000 in process.

Despite outreach efforts, some tenants and landlords either are unaware that help is available or incorrectly believe that funding is all gone. State and local officials are working furiously to forestall as many evictions as possible to avoid worsening the Portland area's already overwhelming homelessness crisis.

Multnomah County CourthousePhoto courtesy of Multnomah County

Rent assistance still is available to qualified tenants, but they need to start the application process quickly, and before their case ends up in court.

Renters may be eligible for assistance if they meet the following criteria:

1. They are a renter in the State of Oregon
2. They are behind on their rental payments
3. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their ability to pay their rent (such as job loss, reduction in hours, loss of benefits, etc.)
4. Their income is at or below 80% of the area median income according to this chart.

To apply for assistance call 211ino at 2-1-1 or visit the online rent assistance portal at https://www.multco.us/rentrelief/apply.

If you need legal assistance, contact the Oregon Law Center, Community Alliance of Tenants, or Legal Aid Services of Oregon.

#portland #multnomah #oregon #rentassistance #tenant #pandemic

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