Hello Friends, 

I am reaching out to you about a BAD BILL regarding Rent Control that will be on the House Floor Tomorrow!  

HB 2004 (Click Here) would, "Prohibits landlord from terminating month-to-month tenancy without cause after first six months of occupancy except under certain circumstances with 90 days' written notice and payment of amount equal to one month's periodic rent. Prohibits landlord from terminating month-to-month tenancy without cause after first six months of occupancy except under certain circumstances with 90 days' written notice and payment of relocation expenses] amount equal to one month's periodic rent. Makes violation defense against action for possession by landlord. Requires fixed term tenancy to become month-to-month tenancy upon reaching specific ending date, unless tenant elects to renew or terminate tenancy. Requires landlord to make tenant offer to renew fixed term tenancy. Repeals statewide prohibition on city and county ordinances controlling rents.] Permits city or county to implement rent stabilization program for rental of dwelling units. Declares emergency, effective on passage.

Some recent articles...

Rent Control Is Bad For Both Landlords And Tenants

Who Does Rent Control Help? (Click Here)

"So if rent control hurts tenants and landlords, who does it help? Unfortunately, rent control is a political tool more than anything else. At face value, it sounds like it would help the poor, but often helps the middle and upper classes."

The Economist explains

Do rent controls work? (Click Here)

"But economists, on both the left and the right, tend to disagree. As Paul Krugman wrote in the New York Times in 2000, rent control is “among the best-understood issues in all of economics, and—among economists, anyway—one of the least controversial”. Economists reckon a restrictive price ceiling reduces the supply of property to the market."

How Ironic: America's Rent-Controlled Cities Are Its Least Affordable (Click Here)

"Bad ideas die hard, and rent control is no exception. For several decades, there has been near-consensus among economists that laws which cap or regulate rents are counterproductive, and most cities have ended them."

We do however have some good legislation on this issue. I have drafted and have been working a bipartisan effort on a bill that would help increase construction and supply of Affordable Workforce Housing for all Oregonians, rural and urban. 

HB 2377 (Click Here) would: "Authorizes city or county to adopt ordinance or resolution granting exemption for newly rehabilitated or constructed multi unit rental housing. Provides that exemption may be granted for term of up to 10 years depending on number of units rented at or below maximum monthly rent related to average annual median household income in county. Provides that ordinance or resolution granting exemption may not take effect unless rates of taxation of taxing districts whose governing bodies agree to grant exemption equal 51 percent or more of total combined rate of taxation on qualified property. Requires exemption to be granted to all eligible rental property on same terms in effect on date application is submitted.  Allows city or county to amend exemption, subject to approval process of taxing districts, or terminate exemption, but provides that qualified property granted exemption continues to receive exemption under same terms in effect at time exemption was first granted. Allows credit against net income taxes for portion of eligible costs of newly  single-family dwellings that sell for price related to average annual median household income in county. Sunsets on January 2, 2027. 

There are ways we can work together and find solutions to the housing crisis in Oregon, and I look forward to working with you and my colleagues in the Capital on solutions. I've said that, "the housing crisis will need many facets of solutions. Like a Cheesecake, HB 2377 (my Affordable Workforce Housing Bill) is only one of sixteen slices of a solution." Fortunately, the majority of economists agree that increasing supply is the best way to deal with housing issues. They also agree that rent control is a bad idea. 

Please contact the Legislators and let them know your thoughts about HB 2004 - Rent Control, and how it could negatively effect your family.  You can find the Legislators here. (Click Here)

Also, let them know about my bipartisan bill, HB 2377 - Affordable Workforce Housing, that would increase supply, create jobs and make homes affordable for our working families. 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter and I appreciate your involvement in this process. It is an honor and privilege to work for you in Salem. Be safe and God Bless.

Yours truly,

Representative David Brock Smith

House District 1
Curry, Coos, Douglas & Josephine Counties

Capitol Phone: 503-986-1401
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-379, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.DavidBrockSmith@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/smithd