CommunityCheck here first for Renters’ Rights information and handouts.
Then call the Renters’ Rights Hotline: (503) 288-0130
Affordable Housing
Oregon Opportunity Network An association of Portland’s non-profit community development corporations.
Housing Connections. Affordable, accessible housing in the Portland metro area. They also have a great resource list including the Portland Community Land Trust and Ready to Rent classes for people with rental barriers.
National Low Income Housing Coalition. National advocates for affordable housing.
211info. 211 is a warehouse of social services information line for the Portland metro area. You can also dial 211 or 222-5555 for help locating any community service in the Portland metro area.
Tenant-Landlord law links
Oregon Law Help Questions and answers about tenant-landlord law in easy to understand language.
Oregon Statues for Tenant-Landlord Law. This is a direct link to ORS 90. Be careful when reading the statutes—they are easy to misinterpret. Call our hotline or check out our web resources for help.
Government Links
City of Portland Neighborhood Inspections Program. Call this department if your landlord is not making requested repairs and you live in Portland. You can also view the city housing code here.
Portland Maps. Research any property in Portland to find out if it has housing code violations by clicking Permits/Cases after you’ve typed in the address.
Habitability
Environmental Protection Agency. Has information on the health effects of mold.
LeadLine for Multnomah County
Legal Links
Fair Housing Council. They deal with housing discrimination.
Legal Aid for Low-Income Oregonians
Oregon State Bar. They can refer you to a Landlord/Tenant Law specialist in your area. The Modest Means program will refer low-income folks to low-cost lawyers.
Disability Rights Oregon. Help for people with legal issues related to their disability.
Organizing
The Midwest Academy. National training in community organizing.
Western States Center is building a progressive movement for justice in the west.
Other
Independent Living Resources. Support for people with disabilities in the Portland metro area.
Oregon Food Bank Advocacy and food for low-income Oregonians.
211info is a warehouse of social services information line for the Portland metro area. dial 211 or 222-5555 for help locating any community service in the Portland metro area.
Resolutions Northwest is a free service that uses trained staff and volunteers to help people on different sides of disputes sit down together and reach an agreement.
Other Tenants’ Organizations around the Country*
Tenants Union of Washington State
Coalition for Economic Survival (Los Angeles)
Tenant.net (New York) Also contains a thorough listing of tenant unions throughout the U.S.
*These are just a few. Search the internet to see if your state or city has a tenants’ union.
City Council hearing scheduled for Wednesday! Portland's City Council has scheduled a hearing on the recommendations of the Quality Rental Housing Work Group for Wednesday, November 19th at 10am in the City Council Chambers, 1221 SW 4th Ave . Come show your support for these critical improvements to ensure safe, healthy housing for renters in Portland! Do you have a story to tell about your experiences trying to get repairs made in Portland? Would you consider giving testimony about how these improvements could have helped you? or at 503.460.9702.