Portland Renter Relocation Assistance
Cash from your landlord if you're forced out
What it pays or provides
If a triggering event applies to you, your landlord has to pay you cash based on the size of your home: $2,900 for a studio or single room occupancy unit, $3,300 for a one-bedroom, $4,200 for a two-bedroom, or $4,500 for a three-bedroom or larger. By law, this money has to reach you no later than 45 days before your move-out date.
Who qualifies
You qualify if you rent within Portland city limits, don't live with your landlord, and don't have a week-to-week tenancy. On top of that, one of these has to be happening to you: a no-cause eviction, your landlord declining to renew a fixed-term lease, a landlord-initiated termination for a qualifying reason, a rent increase of 10% or more within 12 months, or a big change to your lease terms. This doesn't apply if you're being evicted for cause (like not paying rent or violating your lease). Some landlords are exempt under specific, limited circumstances in Portland City Code, such as week-to-week tenancies, owner-occupied units, or regulated affordable housing.
How to apply
You don't file an application -- your landlord is required to notify you in writing at least 90 days before your move-out date and pay you directly. Your landlord also has to file a Notice of Relocation Payment with the Portland Housing Bureau within 30 days of paying you. If your landlord doesn't pay you what you're owed, contact the Rental Services Helpdesk at 503-823-1303 (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.) or RentalServices@portlandoregon.gov to report it.
Go to the official page →or call 503-823-1303
If you’re denied
Landlords who don't pay what's owed become liable for up to 3 times the monthly rent, plus your actual damages, the relocation assistance itself, and attorney fees.
Sources
- Notify of a relocation payment (Portland Housing Bureau)
- Rental Services Helpdesk
- Official rule text “Studio or Single Room Occupancy (SRO) $2,900 1-Bedroom $3,300 2-Bedroom $4,200 3-Bedroom or larger $4,500” (checked July 5, 2026)
- Official rule text “No-cause eviction Notice of non-renewal of a fixed term lease (not becoming month-to-month) Qualified landlord reason for termination Rent increase of 10% or more over a 12-month period Substantial change of lease terms” (checked July 5, 2026)