Tenant Resources

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The links, documents, and resources on this page are intended to help tenants understand the federal, state, and local laws that define responsibilities for tenants and landlords, offer resources to resolve issues with their landlord or other tenants, and provide documents to help tenants navigate the rental housing process. Ask a rental housing question here.

 

***For warmer months, please review the Tenants and Landlord Rights about Installing Portable Cooling Devices.***

Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump Program: Owners and Tenants - The state Department of Energy recently launched the Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump program. It provides rebates to landlords installing energy efficient heat pumps and electrical upgrades from approved contractors to rental properties. Tenants living in rented rooms, houses, apartment buildings, manufactured homes and recreational vehicles qualify.

*** UPDATE to Maximum Rent Increase Allowed 2024***

  • The allowable rent increase in 2024 is 10.0%. Only one rent increase may be issued in any 12-month period.
  • The allowable annual rent increase for the previous year, 2023, was 14.6% if the increase was issued before July 6th.
  • Notices issued on or after July 6th is 10.0%.

Note: The maximum rent increase limit does not apply if: (a) The first certificate of occupancy for the dwelling unit was issued less than 15 years from the date of the notice of the rent increase; or (b) The dwelling unit is regulated or certified as affordable housing by a federal, state or local government and the change in rent: (A) Does not increase the tenant’s portion of the rent; (B) Is required by program eligibility requirements or by a change in the tenant’s income.

Tenant-Based Rent Assistance

Tenant-based rent assistance are programs that tenants can apply for. The resources below largely depend on access to a computer and internet. If you do not have these resources, see Additional Tenant Resources below.

To find free legal assistance for low-income Oregonians, go to Oregon Law Help.

Linn-Benton Housing Authority - The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a HUD funded program that allows the Housing Authority to directly subsidize the monthly rent payments for very low income families. In this Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program, eligible families find their own rental units in the existing housing market. Families pay a portion of the rent and utilities, generally equal to 40% of their adjusted monthly income. The Housing Authority pays the landlord the balance of the rents on behalf of the families.

Community Services Consortium (CSC) – CSC offers assistance for those who have fallen behind on their rent because of an emergency or loss of income; however funds are limited at this time. Those who have received past assistance, but continue to have a loss of income or work or an increase of medical bills or care responsibilities, will be considered for additional relief. 

Casa Latinos Unidos offers support for our local Spanish-speaking community members seeking financial assistance.  In addition to helping with the OERAP application process, they also have emergency assistance programs to help the community for those that are not eligible to apply for OERAP or other programs. Casa Latinos Unidos can also address questions regarding OERAP income verification requirements. 

HB 2001 Leyes Nuevas de Desalojo en Espanol

OHDC – The Oregon Human Development Council (OHDC) is a nonprofit human service organization that offers farmworkers and disadvantaged individuals throughout Oregon support, referral, advocacy, resources, assistance and education. OHDC can assist Spanish-speaking tenants and advocates working through the OERAP application or the Workers Relief Fund navigation process and may be able to assist in identifying additional resources. 

Oregon Worker Relief Fund –The Oregon Worker Relief Fund  is for people who: (1) Are either undocumented (2) Are 18+ (3) Lost wages, hours, or jobs due to COVID-19 (4) Were a worker in Oregon before January 8, 2021. To apply, you must call 1 (888) 274-7292, Monday – Friday between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A call center agent will place you on a waiting list and you will be called by a navigation agent to answer some questions shortly after. 

  • Videos: English & Spanish

Utility Assistance 

Community Services Consortium (CSC) – CSC also offers financial assistance to income-qualified individuals and families to assist with utility payments. If utility bills are affecting a tenant’s ability to pay rent, CSC encourages applications now – federal and state assistance funds are available. 

Utility Providers Are Making Exceptions – Please contact your provider directly for the most current information.

Pacific Power: Pacific Power is offering options and special funding resources available for a limited time to help get your account back on track. You can easily set up a payment plan and extend your due date online or call 1-888-221-7070.

NW Natural Gas: NW Natural Gas customers who are behind in their payments can request a temporary payment plan and consideration for the Oregon Arrearage Management Plan that offers grants to resolve outstanding balances.  Call Customer Service at 800-422-4012 for qualifications and to enroll in customer payment plans.

City Water Services: The City of Corvallis will work with customers to develop time payment agreements to bring or keep an account current. Those currently enrolled in one of the following programs may also qualify for the Low Income Assistance Program: (1) SNAP, (2) Oregon Health Plan, or (3) free/reduced lunch program through the Corvallis School District.

Eviction Assistance

Eviction Defense Project - If a tenant receives a court summons for eviction, the Eviction Defense Project may be able to assist.  

Legal Aid Services of Oregon - Albany Regional Office - The Albany office offers full legal representation and brief advice for the following legal areas: Family, Government Benefits, Housing, Seniors, and Civil Matters. 

  • Phone: 541-926-8678

Community Services Consortium - "Do you have an eviction notice or are being kicked out of your housing situation? We have programs that can help with back rent or security deposits for a new rental unit. Eligibility criteria apply."

  • Phone: 541-928-6335

Additional Tenant Resources

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.

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.

Casa Latinos Unidos – services available in Spanish

CHANCE

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.

Supporting Documents

Rent Well Tenant Education Program
Welcome to Corvallis - Things to Know

Web Links

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