Renters & Landlords | COVID-19

 

 

Landlord-Based Rent Assistance 

Landlord-based rent assistance are programs that landlords can apply for.

  • Landlord Guarantee Program. The Landlord Guarantee Program (LGP) reimburses landlords for eligible non-payment costs incurred during the “safe harbor” period required by Senate Bill 278 and SB891. 
  • Rent Guarantee Program. The Rent Guarantee Program (RGP) provides incentives and financial assistance to landlords that rent or lease to low-income households that complete tenant readiness education by guaranteeing payments to landlords for unpaid rent and for eviction and property damage costs. 

Additional Landlord Resources

  • Eviction Forms, Notices, and General Resources - The Oregon Judicial Branch has centralized forms and instructions for landlords considering eviction.  Visit their site.
  • Education Opportunities for Landlords - Both the  Oregon Rental Housing Association  and the MultiFamily NW are offering education opportunities to help landlords stay informed and in compliance with the new and evolving laws affecting the eviction moratorium and the grace period for nonpayment balances. Linn-Benton Rental Housing Association is a local office of the ORHA that is also a resource.
  • Oregon-Specific Forms for Rental Property Managers and Owners – Rental property managers and owners are urged to use professional, Oregon-specific forms. Both the Oregon Rental Housing Association and the MultiFamily NW are offering modified forms to address the moratorium. Accurate forms ensures compliance with the law and a clear understanding between the landlord and tenant as non-payment challenges are navigated. 
  • Mediation Service is Available – Mediation is a voluntary and confidential process where people with disputes come together, sit down with one or two mediators, and talk about ways to resolve their dispute. This is a formal meeting with ground-rules and a commitment by parties to share relevant information, listen to all points of view, and to be willing to explore creative solutions as a resolution to the issues. Mediators are neutral third-parties and do not give advice or make suggestions. Contact Neighbor 2 Neighbor for mediation assistance.

Additional Tenant Resources

  • Eviction Defense Project - If a tenant receives a court summons for eviction, the Eviction Defense Project may be able to assist.  
  • Oregon State Bar Association - The Oregon State Bar has several programs that can assist with housing issues. Tenants can call 503-684-3763 or email for more information.
  • Computer & WIFI Access – Rent assistance applications generally require a computer and access to internet. The Corvallis Public Library will begin offering computer lab hours beginning June 21. The lab hours are first-come, first-served for up to 1 hour.  Printing and scanning is also available. The library also has a limited number of Chromebooks that can be checked out. If you have a computer, but do not have internet, you may check out a hot spot. Individuals can call 541-766-6702 or email askalibrarian@corvallisoregon.gov if they have questions about lab hours or to reserve a Chromebook and hot spot.  In addition, other community agencies including the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center and Vina Moses have limited availability for clients to use computers to complete applications – please call ahead.
    • Flyer with Library computer lab hour information.
  • Tenant Support with Applications – CSC has contracted with the following local nonprofit agencies to assist tenants that need help with their OERAP or CSC applications.  Please contact the agency directly to schedule.
  • Unemployment Benefits, Oregon Health Plan, and Other Assistance Program Questions - Those having trouble navigating public benefits/unemployment may contact the Oregon Law Center/Legal Aid's Public Benefits Hotline.  Legal Aid programs throughout Oregon help low income people with Safety Net benefits, such as the Oregon Health Plan, Coordinated Care health benefits, Unemployment Insurance, TANF, SNAP, Social Security, and many more.  They also answer questions about how immigration status affects eligibility for public benefits. The Oregon Public Benefits hotline is open Monday through Thursday every week.
    • Hotline: 800-520-5292
  • COVID-19 Help Center - If you or someone you know is struggling to put food on the table, pay rent or help care for others, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is here to help. While most ODHS offices have remained open throughout the pandemic, you can find out if you are eligible for assistance online or over the phone before making a visit to a local office.The ODHS COVID-19 Help Center is a one-stop-web-shop with information linking you to assistance programs, COVID vaccines and much more.

Housing Discrimination and...

  • COVID-19 – The National Fair Housing Alliance has issued detailed guidance regarding COVID-19 and housing discrimination.  The guidance addresses COVID-19-positive individuals, those who care for them, and those who are supporting individuals with disabilities. Both landlords and tenants should be informed of the guidance.  Read more here. 
  • Access to Rent Assistance – Source of Income is a protected class in Oregon. Landlords who do not complete rent assistance paperwork that allows a tenant to access funds to pay rent for their unit should be advised this may constitute a fair housing violation. Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) offers landlords and tenants assistance in navigating these issues Contact FHCO through this form on their website or by sending an e-mail. Tenants who experience this violation are encouraged to seek legal assistance. Local Tenant Resources.
  • Reasonable Accommodations for Occupancy – Tenants that have a guest staying with them for an extended period of time to assist with a tenant’s disability may qualify for a reasonable accommodation. Tenants can submit a reasonable accommodation form to the property manager if this is the case.
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