Oregon COVID-19 Eviction Protections: What Renters Need to Know

If you're a renter in Oregon, you may be wondering what COVID-19 eviction protections are still in effect and how they impact you. While many pandemic-related rules have changed, some important safeguards remain to protect renters against eviction for unpaid rent accrued during specific periods. Here's what you need to know to protect your housing rights in Oregon in 2024.

Which COVID-19 Era Protections Still Apply to Oregon Renters?

While many temporary protections have expired, Oregon law still shields some renters from eviction for nonpayment that occurred between April 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021, provided certain steps were taken. Current protections and timelines depend on when the rent debt was incurred and whether you submitted proper documentation.

Past-Due Rent from Pandemic Periods

If you missed rent during the emergency period (April 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021), your landlord cannot evict you for those unpaid amounts. Landlords are also prohibited from charging late fees or penalties for this time. However, you are still responsible for repaying any unpaid rent from this period.

• Rent debt from after June 30, 2021 is generally subject to standard eviction laws.
• Landlords may take civil action to collect COVID-era rent debt but cannot evict solely for that debt.

Proof of Financial Hardship: The Required Declaration

Renters who lost income due to COVID-19 could submit a signed hardship declaration to their landlord. This is known as the "Tenant's Declaration of Financial Hardship for Eviction Protection." Official guidance and a sample declaration are provided by Oregon Judicial Department.

• Form Name: Tenant's Declaration of Financial Hardship for Eviction Protection
• When to use: If your household faced loss of income due to COVID-19 during the protected period and you are facing eviction for nonpayment from that time.
• How to use: Complete the form and deliver it to your landlord as soon as you get an eviction notice related to nonpayment during the protected period.
• Download the Hardship Declaration Form (PDF)

This declaration prevents eviction for qualifying past-due rent during the relevant period.

How Does the Eviction Process Work Now in Oregon?

Most standard eviction rules have resumed for any rent debt after June 30, 2021, except for exceptions related to COVID-era back rent. In Oregon, eviction notices must follow strict requirements, and renters have rights to receive notice and respond.

• Landlords seeking to collect COVID-era rent debt must do so through the civil court process, not eviction.
• Any eviction notice you receive now must specify the rent owed and the time frame it relates to.

Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act

All Oregon rental rights are protected under the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.¹ This law governs eviction timelines, notice requirements, and tenant protections—including rules both during and after the COVID-19 emergency periods.

Key Form: Summons and Complaint (FED - Forcible Entry and Detainer)

• Form Name: Summons (Eviction / FED filing) (Form 1204)
• When used: If a landlord files an eviction lawsuit, the tenant receives these official court forms. Tenants should respond promptly.
• Download the Official Summons (FED) (PDF)

To respond to an eviction filing, attend your first court hearing or contact the court listed. For more, see the Oregon Judicial Department eviction process page.

Where Are Evictions Decided?

Eviction cases in Oregon are handled by the Oregon Circuit Courts.

What to Do If You Receive an Eviction Notice

If you're served with an eviction notice for past-due rent:

• Check which months are listed as unpaid rent.
• If any rent is from April 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, submit the "Tenant's Declaration of Financial Hardship" to your landlord immediately.
• Attend any court date listed on the summons promptly.
• Contact a legal aid or the court's help desk for assistance.

Act quickly—deadlines are short, but protections can still apply.

FAQ: COVID-19 Eviction Protections in Oregon

1. Are any eviction protections for COVID-19 still active in Oregon? Yes, eviction for rent unpaid between April 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 is still not allowed if you submit the proper hardship declaration. Other pandemic-specific protections have expired.
2. What should I do if my landlord tries to evict me for rent from 2020 or early 2021? Complete and deliver the Tenant's Declaration of Financial Hardship to your landlord and bring it to any court appearance. This should stop eviction for that debt.
3. Can my landlord ask for unpaid pandemic rent in other ways? Your landlord may seek to collect COVID-era rent debt in civil court, but eviction is not allowed for this debt alone.
4. Where can I find official eviction forms for Oregon? Download eviction-related forms and instructions from the Oregon Judicial Department's eviction resources page.
5. Who do I contact for help with eviction in Oregon? Reach out to Oregon Law Center, Legal Aid Services of Oregon, or your local Circuit Court for free information and assistance.

Conclusion: What Oregon Renters Should Remember

• Eviction is not allowed in Oregon for unpaid rent from April 2020–June 2021 if you use the hardship declaration form.
• Standard eviction rules apply for newer rent debt.
• Always respond quickly to any eviction paperwork and reach out for official help.

Staying informed about your rights and acting quickly is important. Oregon renters still have protections for pandemic-era rent debt, but deadlines and documentation are key.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Oregon Judicial Department – Eviction Process and Forms: Layout of eviction timelines and official forms.
• Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Full details on tenant rights and eviction law.
• Oregon Law Center & Legal Aid Services of Oregon: Free legal help for tenants facing eviction.

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1. Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, ORS Chapter 90
2. Oregon Judicial Department – Evictions Resource
3. Tenant's Declaration of Financial Hardship for Eviction Protection (OJD form)

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