LOC News
Evictions Persist
The LOC has heard reports of landlords giving eviction notices to tenants for non-payment of rent despite Governor Brown’s Executive Order 20-11, which is a Class C misdemeanor. While it’s unclear at this time how frequently this is occurring, charging criminally for this conduct presents sufficient challenges to impair the efficacy of the order. Criminal prosecutions have a higher burden of proof and procedures that can make prosecution costly and protracted. Multnomah County has developed a local ordinance to protect tenants from eviction during the current crisis by utilizing civil penalties thus making enforcement more efficient. Cities wishing to explore this option should consult their city attorney.
Contact: Scott Winkels, Lobbyist - swinkels@orcities.org; Ariel Nelson, Lobbyist - anelson@orcities.org
Last Updated 5/1/20