HB 3042 Requires a Two-year Notice of Affordable Housing Rent Increases

Apartment buildings must notify tenants two years before any planned rent increases under House Bill 3042. It shockedΒ much living in affordable housing complexes when, in 2022, rent safeguards ended. Salem legislators are now considering a measure to ensure the safety of such renters.

The Senate is debating House Bill 3042, which would force apartment complexes to notify tenants two years before any planned rent increases. The state is inΒ scarcity, proponents of this law argue, and every unit must be safeguarded.

Critics argue that the bill’s safeguards would discourage builders from constructing affordable homes in the future. In Tigard, this issue recently cameΒ to a head when it became clear that the rent for the 172 inexpensive senior apartments atΒ Woodsprings Apartments would have to be raised to market levels. Residents saidΒ the rent increaseΒ would have forced them to leave the area.

HB 3042 Requires a Two-year Notice of Affordable Housing Rent Increases

Proponents argue that renters should be given the same two-year notice as governments before any rent rises. The legislation would also extend the affordable rate for three years after the safeguards expire.

The bill’s backers argue that this period is sufficient to assist individuals in moving up the lengthy waiting list for affordable housing, where they may be stalled for years. Seven thousand affordable flats will lose their subsidy status in the coming decade. Critics argue that the promised completion dates were already included in the construction cost.

Rob Prasch, executive director of the Network for Oregon Affordable Housing, said, “One of the most important things that lawmakers are empowered to do is pass legislation that protects the public welfare, andΒ that’s all we’re asking for here.”

Molly McGrew, testifying on behalf of Multifamily NW, argued that β€œBuilding and maintaining housing units costs the same amount whether those units are affordable or not, but for those who provide affordable housing, they rely on subsidies to make those units more accessible and should not be penalized for doing so while they have the means to.”

The freshest information on events at Oregon State is as follows:

The Washington County commissioners‘ decision to purchase the Woodspring Apartments ensured the continued occupancy of those buildings. However, they made it plain that if and when they did, it would be an isolated incidentΒ since the county lacked the funds to make a second purchase.

In the next decade, protections for 163 buildings will lapse. If you’d like to share your thoughts on House Bill 3042,Β submitΒ a form on the Oregon State Legislature’s website.

Jessa
Jessa Martin

Jessa Martin is an accomplished news writer with a passion for keeping the community informed about the latest events and happenings in Hillsboro and the surrounding areas. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, Jessa has become a go-to source for breaking news and in-depth reporting.As a news writer for Focushillsboro.com, Jessa covers a wide range of topics, from local politics and government to community events and human interest stories. Their writing is always informative, insightful, and engaging, offering readers a deeper understanding of the issues that matter most to the people of Hillsboro.

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