Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, I have advocated for emergency protections and relief for renters, landlords, and homeowners at the local, state, and federal levels. We must work together to prevent a tidal wave of evictions and foreclosures in the coming months; we can't do this alone. Today, City Council unanimously passed an emergency adjustment to the Mandatory Relocation Assistance Ordinance, AKA "Relo." Relo was the first piece of legislation I advanced in my first month in office. It had overwhelming support from housing advocates and community members and has proven successful in stabilizing Portland renters. Council's actions today mean that Relo—which previously only applied to rent increases of 10% or more—will apply to a rent increase of ANY amount from now through March 31st, 2021. We will revisit this issue in December to determine whether this protection needs to be extended beyond March 31st.
This is an important step toward ensuring greater housing stability during this crisis, but it is a stop-gap measure. We still need rent and mortgage forgiveness, with relief for landlords and lenders, from the federal government, to ensure that no one loses their housing or properties due to COVID. But we know that any rent increase during COVID can displace renters who are already on the brink. We also know that it is critical to public health, safety, and resiliency that Portlanders remain housed. Portland renters need to know that their City will protect them, no matter how long this emergency lasts. So this action was critical. I will continue to push for further protections and relief for renters, landlords, and homeowners.
Thank you to Mayor Wheeler for introducing this item, to Commissioner Hardesty for her support in negotiating the amendments, and all of my colleagues for supporting this item.