COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium: 5-Step Tenant Protections
Information current as of August 19, 2020
STEP 1: Know Your Rights
The Oregon Legislature passed a law so landlords in Oregon can’t do the following until October 1:
1. Give a notice of termination for nonpayment of rent or fees due between April 1 and September 30;
2. Give a notice of termination without cause;
3. Report unpaid rent or fees to credit agencies; or
4. Charge fees for late rent
After the eviction moratorium ends on October 1, renters have until March 31, 2021 to catch up on any rent
payments they missed between April and October 2020. But landlords can give notices of termination or file
evictions for other reasons, both during and after the moratorium. Get more information at
OregonLawHelp.org.
STEP 2: Write to Your Landlord
If you think you might struggle to pay rent, tell your landlord in writing and save a copy. Many programs
assist renters prior to falling behind or help renters get caught up on rent. Ask for help right away.
STEP 3: Seek help
As soon as you know you need help with rent, ask for it. You may qualify for help with rent, energy, and
more. Due to the large number of requests, there may be a waiting period to qualify for and/or get
assistance.
STEP 4: Contact one of these agencies:
• ACCESS: 541-414-0308; [email protected]
• Family Nurturing Center: 541-779-5242; familynurturingcenter.org
• Options for Helping Residents of Ashland (OHRA): 541-631-1135; helpingashland.org
• St. Vincent de Paul: 541-772-3828; stvincentdepaulmedford.info
• Unete: 541-245-1625; [email protected]
• United Way: 541-773-5339; unitedwayofjacksoncounty.org
STEP 5: Get Ready
If you don’t pay October’s rent, your landlord can give you a notice of termination for nonpayment of
October’s rent, and then file for eviction if you don’t pay your rent. You may also get a notice from your
landlord requiring you to tell them within 14 days if you plan to use the six-month grace period to pay back
any outstanding rent. You must respond and tell your landlord if you plan to use the grace period. (It’s
best to respond in writing, and to keep a copy.) The Oregon Law Center and the Community Alliance of
Tenants have sample letters you can use to let your landlord know that you plan to use the grace period. If
you don’t tell your landlord, they can charge a penalty of half of one month’s rent, after March 31, 2020.
However, you will still be able to use the 6-month repayment period for past rent.
Remember, you have to catch up on any rent you didn’t pay between April and October 2020 by March 31,
2021. This information can be complex. Please visit The Oregon Law Center and the Community Alliance of
Tenants websites for more in-depth information.
Take Care of Yourself. These are difficult times and continued stress can affect sleep, mental health and relationships. 211 provides resources and NAMI Oregon has a free mental health hotline for support.
