Statewide Rent Control Moving Through the Oregon Legislature

"The Oregon Senate voted 17-11 Tuesday to make Oregon the first state in the nation to adopt statewide rent control and make it harder for landlords to evict tenants without a reason," reports Lauren Dake.

"Under Senate Bill 608, landlords across the state could raise rent no more than 7 percent per year, plus the annual change in the consumer price index. The bill carves out an exemption for rental properties that are less than 15 years old. The measure would also prevent a landlord’s ability to evict tenants without a reason after they have lived in the building for a year."

Dake details the political debate surrounding the bill. State legislators are quoted discussing housing supply, the state's urban growth boundaries, and minimum wage relative to this unprecedented measure.

The bill still requires approval from the Oregon House of Representatives.