New city ordinance protects renters in Portland

(FEBRUARY 28, 2020) New protections for renters in Portland begin March 1.

The new protections prohibit landlords from refusing to rent based on things such as criminal records, income, and credit scores. According to a story in Willamette Week newspaper, "The ordinance requires landlords to consider applications on a first-come, first-served basis after providing 72 hours of notice for available apartments."

Supporters of the new law say that these types of information had been used to discriminate based on race. Opponents such as landlords say the new rules are confusing and vague. They filed a lawsuit against the city last week, but a federal judge allowed the new rules to take effect.

"Everyone has known about these ordinances since June," said U.S. District Judge Michael Simon."And yet just the week before they go into effect, I get a temporary restraining order motion?"

The laws were approved by the Portland City Council in June 2019.