FAQ Rental Housing Fee
See below for answers to some common questions about the Corvallis Rental Housing Fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rental Housing Fee?
The Rental Housing Fee was created in 1999 in response to the increasing number of rentals in Corvallis. The fee is used is to improve housing standards through education and assistance. The objectives are to: (1) Assist community members in finding the rental related resources; (2) Educate through partnerships and outreach, to increase knowledge about fair housing regulations, Landlord / Tenant law, and the Corvallis Livability; (3) Inform by collecting data to improve the City’s understanding of local rental housing trends.
Category: Rental Housing Program
What properties are required to register?
All residential rental properties are required to register. A residential rental property is considered a property with one or more dwelling units that generates rental income.
Category: Rental Housing Program
How do I register and update my rental property information with the City?
Visit www.corvallisoregon.gov/RHPupdate to register or update your rental property information or to request a Section 8 fee waiver. Please note: Failure to register a rental property can result in up to a $1000 fine per rental unit.
Category: Rental Housing Program
Is there a Rental Housing fee?
Yes. An annual fee is assessed for each rental unit based on Municipal Code Section 8.03.300.065. The fee increases by one dollar every odd year. Property owners who receive partial or full payment through a Section 8 voucher may request a fee waiver.
The fee is a flat fee charged annually and is not pro-rated. A rule of thumb for landlords is, if the landlord anticipates they will collect rent for a unit any time during the year, they are subject to the full fee.
Category: Rental Housing Program
Is the Rental Housing Program fee pro-rated?
The RHP fee is a flat fee charged annually and is not pro-rated. A rule of thumb for landlords is, if the landlord anticipates they will collect rent for a unit any time during the year, they are subject to the full RHP fee.
Category: Rental Housing Program
What rental units are subject to the RHP annual fee?
Any residential rental unit within Corvallis city limits is subject to the fee. There are two exemptions, a landlord may request a fee waiver if they accept Section 8 (staff confirms this before the fee is waived) or if the rental unit has a deed restriction that requires the unit to be rented to low income.
Category: Rental Housing Program
What is the definition of a "rental unit"?
The term “unit” is the equivalent to the number of individual leases held by a tenant or tenants. For example, if a five bedroom house is rented on a single agreement, it is one unit. If the same house is rented on 5 separate agreements, it is five units.
Category: Rental Housing Program
What is the mechanism that allows the City to charge a fee for rental properties?
The Rental Housing fee is established in Municipal Code Section 8.03.300.065. The code states the annual fee will increase by $1 every odd numbered year.
Category: Rental Housing Program
How do I appeal my RHP late penalty fee?
Residential rental properties within the City of Corvallis are assessed an annual Rental Housing fee. The fee is assessed on a per unit basis. Account balances that become 91 days old and 61 days past due are considered delinquent and are assessed a penalty fee of $100 per unit.
A property owner may appeal the penalty fee. Appeals are considered on a case-by-case basis. To appeal the penalty fee, please follow the directions below:
- If your total statement is $400 or less, contact the City Finance Department by phone (541-766-6990) or by email.
- If your total statement is $401 or more, submit your request to Housing and Neighborhood Services (HNS) Division here. A
Category: Rental Housing Program
