What's Next Now With Lowering The Rent Cap

Today Senate Bill 611 (the rent cap bill), passed out of the Oregon Senate Committee on Housing with a 3-2 vote. This bill was significantly amended before passing, changing what the bill will do for Tenants. 

These new amendments mean:

  • Annual rent increases limited to 5% + inflation with a maximum cap of 10%

  • No additional relocation assistance 

  • Retains the exemptions for buildings 15 years or younger to enact unregulated rent hikes

CAT recognizes these amendments come as a blow for tenants fighting for the strongest protections. We also have to recognize that even with these changes, SB 611 will still make difference for tenants across the state. 

So, what now? Next, the bill will go to the Senate floor where it will need to pass with a majority vote. Then, it will be heard in committee on the House side and need to pass in the House as well before Governor Kotek will need to sign it into law. CAT will continue to support this bill as it makes this journey through the legislature, and we will keep you updated on its progress to let you know how to take action to support it if you want!

We want to thank the HUNDREDS of Tenants across the state who have showed up to support this bill so far with phone calls to Salem, written and verbal testimony, spreading the word about this legislation and so much more. Standing up to the powerful corporate landlord lobby is never an easy task, but Tenants continue to show up and demand to be heard. 

When we first passed rent stabilization in 2019, Oregon was celebrated for its leadership in protecting people who rent their homes. It wasn’t without a fight. Standing up to the corporate interests never is. But we continue to show up. And we won’t stop until every Oregonian has a safe and affordable place to call home!

- Team CAT

Donovan Scribes