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Oregon Landlords Can Raise Rent 14.6 Percent Next Year

By
John Triplett
-
Oregon landlords can raise rent as much as 14.6 next year under the state’s new rent-control law, but landlords are unlikely to increase rents that much.

Oregon landlords can raise rent as much as 14.6 next year under the state’s new rent-control law, but landlords are unlikely to increase rents that much.

This statewide cap applies to housing that’s at least 15 years old. Newer rentals are not included.

Meanwhile, Gov. Kate Brown said in a statement it may be time to review the state’s rent-control law next year. Brown signed the rent-control bill into law in 2019, the first of its kind in the nation. It caps rent increases annually at 7 percent, plus the average consumer price index measure of inflation.

In response to the new number, Brown’s office put out a statement saying in part, “The governor is deeply concerned about the maximum rental increases that will be allowed under Oregon law in 2023, and she urges the legislature to prioritize action to mitigate future increases.

“In 2019, the Legislature established the formula for our current maximum annual rent increases through Senate Bill 608, tying allowable increases to changes in key markers of inflation. While this was the right policy move at the time, when rent increases were not a primary factor driving measures of inflation (and CPI was under 2 percent), with today’s inflation rates it makes sense to reexamine state law.

“Because the limit announced does not take effect until 2023, the governor believes the legislature can and should take this up during the 2023 session. It’s important for Oregon renters and landlords to note that the maximum allowable increase announced today does not take effect until 2023. For the remainder of the calendar year, landlords are still bound to the 2022 maximum increase amount of 9.9 percent,” the governor said in the statement.

Landlords will not be able to raise rent that much

“I’m sure it sounds like, to a lot of people, that’s a big hike,” said Christian Bryant, president of the Portland Area Rental Owners Association, to kgw.com. He also teaches people the rental business.

Bryant said he understands the concern but does not believe most landlords who could raise rent 14.6 percent next year will do so.

But he added, “The way it’s set up right now is if you’re a landlord, you’re a business. And if your costs go up, (like) at a restaurant or the Home Depot, they charge the end user more.”

The Oregon Office of Economic Analysis is responsible for calculating and publishing, by September 30 of each year, the maximum annual rent increase percentage allowed by statute.

Portland Rents Increased Again In August

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Governor Kate Brown Signs Landmark Oregon Rent Control Bill

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Do I Have To Pay For New Paint and Carpet If No Lease In Place For Long-Term Tenant?

By
Hank Rossi
-
This week a landlord asks if he should have to pay for new paint and carpet for a long-term tenant who does not have a lease

This week a landlord asks if he should have to pay for new paint and carpet for a long-term tenant who does not have a lease just because the tenant’s daughter asks, is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out his form below.

Hi Landlord Hank:

I have a tenant renting a three-bedroom apartment in a two-family home from me for the past 30 years. He has never had a lease. He lived mostly on his own. His daughter now lives with him on and off when she’s around.

She now tells me she wants me to paint the entire apartment and change all the carpet.

Is this my responsibility?

I have always paid for any repairs, plumbing, heating, electrical new refrigerator, new stove.

Am I responsible for paint and carpet? Again, no lease.

–Frank

Hi Landlord Frank,

It is your responsibility to take care of your property.

It’s great that you’ve had the same tenant for 30 years, but I don’t think it is too much for a tenant to ask for a paint job and new carpeting.

Did the daughter tell you that they are going to foot the bill and just ask for your permission to do the job or are they asking for you to pay for this?

I suggest you put your tenant on a lease so everything is spelled out.

If this were my tenant, and they had been a great tenant for many years, I would want to keep them happy.

Sincerely,

Hank Rossi

Each week I answer questions from landlords and property managers across the country in my “Dear Landlord Hank” blog in the digital magazine Rental Housing Journal.    https://rentalhousingjournal.com/asklandlordhank/

This week a landlord asks if he should have to pay for new paint and carpet for a long-term tenant who does not have a lease
Landlord Hank working on renovation in one of his rentals. Hank says, “If this were my tenant, and they had been a great tenant for many years, I would want to keep them happy.”

Ask Landlord Hank Your Question

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A Tenant Poured Grease Down Drain Who Is Responsible?

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Handling Relay Operators the Fair Housing Way

By
By The Editors
-
Did you know refusing to talk to a relay operator and provide information is discriminatory and denying access to housing because of a disability and a fair housing issue?

Did you know refusing to talk to a relay operator and provide information is discriminatory and denying access to housing because of a disability and a fair housing issue? Learn more in this article.

By The Fair Housing Institute

Although not frequent, relay calls do come into leasing offices. What are your policies and procedures when it comes to how to navigate these types of calls? Do they comply with fair housing laws? Does everyone have sufficient training to avoid a fair housing complaint?

What Are Relay Operator Calls?

While technology is evolving to help people with communication disabilities, the use of relay operator calls still exists. Relay operator calls are a service that is used by hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals. It employs the use of a Communication Assistant or Relay Operator who relays the call between two parties by reading out what the hard-of-hearing or deaf individual types using a specific machine while typing back whatever the speaking individual says. While this form of communication can be helpful, it is also time-consuming, posing a problem for a very busy leasing office.

Fair Housing Relay Operator Testing

A recent testing campaign shared some pretty concerning results. Nearly half of the properties tested did not know how to correctly respond to or handle relay operator calls. Even worse were some of the comments that were recorded, such as,  “I don’t have time for this” or “I don’t know what this is about,” followed by the leasing agent hanging up the phone.

As a result of this campaign, multiple lawsuits were filed, since refusing to talk to a relay operator and provide information is discriminatory and denying access to housing because of a disability.

Proper Fair Housing Training Is a Must

The relay operator testing campaign clearly highlights the need for training. That training needs to target specific situations like this. Training should include practicing the many different situations that can arise when handling a relay operator call.

For example, how would you or your staff handle being on a relay call and having another prospect walk into the leasing office looking for information? The easy thing may seem to be to tell the relay operator that they will have to call back, but that could be perceived as discrimination, that the leasing agent would rather work with a person without disabilities. Best practices would be to quickly and respectfully tell the person that walked in that you are on a call that may take some time and that you will be with them as soon as possible.

Another pitfall that proper training can help you avoid is over-explaining or offering information without it being requested. For instance, just because you are talking to a hard-of-hearing or deaf person, you do not need to launch into describing your units that accommodate their disability. Go about your regular presentation and only offer this information if asked.

Work with your team to brainstorm other situations that might arise and work together to find fair housing-friendly solutions.

Avoid a Fair Housing Complaint By Being Compliant

Remembering to treat every person that walks in, calls, or contacts your leasing office the same way will aid greatly in maintaining compliance.

Although relay operator calls may take a considerable amount of time, and we may already be very busy, these calls need to be handled in a timely and respectful manner. Be sure to give all the same information that you would for any other call, regardless of how long that might take, so as to avoid a possible fair housing complaint.

Even though the technology is changing and relay calls may be happening less frequently, proper protocols on how to handle them still need to be part of your fair housing training program.

About the author:

In 2005, The Fair Housing Institute was founded as a company with one goal: to provide educational and entertaining fair-housing compliance training at an affordable price at the click of a button.

 

 

Spectrum 2022 Is A Wrap At The Oregon Convention Center

By
By The Editors
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Kennedy Restoration at Spectrum 2022

Nice to see our friends from Kennedy Restoration at Spectrum 2022. Spectrum wrapped up Thursday, September 15, after a good day of learning and seeing our friends. See you again next year!

Spectrum 2022 underway

Attendees are filtering in to the show.

Spectrum 2022 in Portland Apartment Advantage booth
Jennifer with Apartment Advantage on the SS Minnow of Gilligan’s Island cChatting with a potential client about staffing needs.
Bryan with Safe Sidewalks at Spectrum 2022
Bryan with Safe Sidewalks assisting with trip hazards.
GT Landscape Solutions at Spectrum 2022
Libby with GT Landscape Solutions
Ball Janik LLP
Julia Rovea talking to attendees about legal issues and needs at Ball Janik LLP
WASH laundry
Bob Frediani with Wash Laundry answering questions with a potential future client

Portland Rents Increased Again In August

By
John Triplett
-
Portland rents increased 0.4 percent over the past month, the seventh straight month the city has seen rent increases Apartment List reports

Portland rents increased 0.4 percent over the past month, the seventh straight month the city has seen rent increases, according to the September report from Apartment List.

With the latest increase, Portland rents are up 5.9 percent year-over-year.

Median rents in Portland are $1,300 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,518 for a two-bedroom.

While the city has seen steady rent increases year-over-year, Portland still lags the state average increase of 9.1 percent as well as the national average of 10.0 percent.

Beaverton Rents Show Big Jump In August

Beaverton rents have increased 1.9 percent over the past month, and have increased sharply by 17.3 percent year-over-year.

Median rents in Beaverton are $1,627 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,889 for a two-bedroom.

Portland rents increased 0.4 percent over the past month, the seventh straight month the city has seen rent increases Apartment List reports

 

Hillsboro Rents Also Increase

Hillsboro rents increased 0.4 percent in August and have increased sharply by 11.5 percent in comparison to the same time last year. Currently, median rents in Hillsboro stand at $1,857 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,054 for a two-bedroom.

Vancouver rents increase sharply over the past month

Vancouver rents have increased 1.3 percent over the past month, and are up sharply by 9.9 percent in comparison to the same time last year. Currently, median rents in Vancouver are $1,392 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,604 for a two-bedroom.

National Multifamily Rent Growth Hits A Wall In August

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Ask The Attorney: Handling a Notice of Deficient Conditions In Utah

By
By The Editors
-

Jeremy Shorts, Esq.
Utah Eviction Law

Question:

I just received a notice of deficient conditions from my resident, what do I do now?

Answer:

Begin by reviewing the notice of deficient conditions carefully.

It should state a few critical pieces of information, including a description of the problem and the deadline to work on correcting the problem. You need to decide whether to:

  1. Fix the problem or
  2. Terminate the lease If you decide to terminate the lease, you must:
  3. Give them a written notice prior to the corrective period deadline, and
  4. Refund pro-rated rent and the deposit.

The tenant then has to leave after 10 days. If you decide to correct the problem, you have to take substantial action toward correcting the problem within the corrective time period listed in the notice. This does not mean that you have to correct the problem by the deadline, but you must take substantial action toward correcting the problem by the deadline.

As with most problems, communication is key. We recommend that you report to the resident at the end of the corrective period, in writing, that outlines:

  1. What you have accomplished within the corrective period
  2. What still needs to be done, and
  3. The plan to continue to work on what needs to be done.
Handling a Notice of Deficient Conditions In Utah
Jeremy Shorts

About the author:
Jeremy Shorts is a licensed Utah attorney. Mr. Shorts has always enjoyed representing and assisting landlords. These services provide clients/landlords with peace of mind and additional legal protections. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us to schedule a landlord consultation to discuss your case. Utah Eviction Law Phone: 801-610-9879 Fax: 801-494-2058 Email: [email protected]

Utah Apartment Association Officially Becomes Rental Housing Association of Utah

Salt Lake City Rents Increase Sharply Over The Past Month

Renters Are Stressed Trying to Find A Place To Live

By
John Triplett
-
Renters are stressed and a new survey says 40 percent of renters report losing sleep while trying to find a new apartment or home to rent

Renters are stressed and a new survey says 40 percent of renters report losing sleep while trying to find a new apartment or home to rent with many fretting about cost, communication and competition, according to a Zillow survey.

Another 77 percent of recent renters made compromises to afford their home amid record-high rents. The most common was settling for a place that didn’t have all of the features they wanted (i.e., new appliances, AC, balcony).

“Rising rents are only adding to the pressure renters feel during what is already an emotional and challenging process,” said Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton in a release.

“Renters are often staring down a deadline to leave their current rental, and with competition so intense, they need to make decisions quickly. This survey shows even if renters are making compromises to land an apartment, many are still suffering emotional and physical strain.”

Not being able to find an affordable rental is the most common stressor, with 38 percent of renters noting it as one of the most stressful parts of their search, which coincides with rents jumping 24 percent in just the past two years. According to census data, the typical renter household brings in $3,800 each month, meaning they’d have to spend more than half (53 percent) of their income to rent the typical apartment or house.

Landlord communication an issue

In addition to stress caused by runaway prices, 26 percent of renters said keeping track of emails or messages from landlords they contacted was a concern.

And 22 percent reported the same of having to compete against other renters. Recent renters, about 30 percent, said they ended up renting a smaller home than they had planned.

Zillow’s survey found 76 percent of renters said they would have done at least one thing differently in their most recent rental search. The rental market is expensive and competitive, so renters need to take steps to relieve stress.

About the survey:

This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Zillow from August 9-11, 2022 among 2,064 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, among whom 406 have moved into a rental unit in the past 2 years.

Using A Code Word Helps You Get the Right Tenant

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How to Navigate Your Career Path in the Multifamily Housing Industry

By
By The Editors
-

A career in the multifamily housing industry can be very rewarding so here are 5 ways to manage your career path as your advance in the industry.

By Kaycee Kisling

The multifamily housing industry is a community of constant growth – creating new opportunities for inspired career-seekers every day.

As demand for multifamily communities remains high, the influx of individuals to manage those communities is inevitable. People will always need a place to live – allowing a career path with great opportunities for education, growth, and financial security for those with a growth-focused mindset.

It is an exciting industry to build a career but how do you navigate it for long-term success?

Here are some effective ways to confidently navigate your career path in the multifamily housing industry

  • Understand the “why.” Understanding the “why” behind best practices and processes simply means knowing the purpose of what you are doing before doing it. When you take the time to learn reasoning – not only will you remember how something is done, but your advanced understanding will empower you to be a leader to others.
  • How should you seek out the “why?” Be observant and ask purposeful questions. Surround yourself with mentors whose work you want to emulate. And as a simple, yet universally important tip, take notes and keep organized records. These tactics will enable you to be independent and take extreme ownership.
  • Be intentional with your learning. Multifamily housing is an ever-changing industry – you will always be learning. Be intentional about how you learn, you can always be better than yesterday. Take traditional and personal education into your own hands. Do not wait for learning opportunities to arise, go and seek them out yourself.
  • Raise your hand to take on challenges. Be the one to raise your hand when opportunities arise – whether it be assisting with complex communities such as renovations or lease-ups, helping with new projects, or even offering to cover shifts at other communities. When you are willing to leave your comfort zone and take on a new challenge, that is when professional growth happens, and bigger opportunities present themselves. Raising your hand is a great networking opportunity and offers the chance to meet and learn from others within your company. networking is critical in every role and position – taking advantage of challenges and raising your hand is one of the best ways to increase your visibility among company leadership.
  • Be resilient and self-aware. The truth is, no one likes to be told no. Be willing to be self-reflective and lean into why you did not get the job or promotion. If you do not get an opportunity that you feel you are ready for, see what skills you can develop for your next role. Take the time to recognize your achievements and evaluate areas where there is opportunity for future growth. Learning how to self-reflect exemplifies professional maturity, resilience and loyalty.

Navigating your career path in multifamily housing is not always smooth – but it is one that comes with great reward.

Whether you are on the community management or service side of the multifamily housing industry, you are having a direct impact on people’s lives. Creating an inviting home-like communities would not be possible without all team members in multifamily housing willing to grow professionally and personally.

About the Author:

The multifamily housing industry is a community of constant growth - creating new opportunities for inspired career-seekers every day.
Kaycee Kisling

Kaycee Kisling is a Managing Director of Multifamily Investments at Mark-Taylor. A company leader for 17 years, Kisling was promoted from onsite operations to manage her extensive Class A portfolio. A mentor at Mark-Taylor and within the industry, Kisling shares successful strategies around human capital, management and community operations. A licensed real estate agent and CPM, Kisling graduated from ASU, and is a member of the AMA and the Institute of Real Estate Management.

5 Keys To Attracting and Retaining Qualified Team Members

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3 Best Practices for Communicating with Residents

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Should We Have a Copy Of Tenant’s Renters’ Insurance?

By
Hank Rossi
-
Should a landlord get a copy of the tenant's renters' insurance is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. 

Should a landlord get a copy of the tenant’s renters’ insurance is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out his form below.

Dear Landlord Hank:

We require tenants renters’ insurance at our rental property.

In the past we have not asked for a copy of this. Do you think it is wise to attain a copy for our records to prove the tenant followed through on this? After researching online, it seems like a mixed bag of answers for or against. Thank you! – Megan

HI, Landlady Megan,

If you require renters’ insurance at your property, I would definitely put in your lease that this is required to be purchased at the tenant’s expense and required to be kept in force for the duration of the lease.

Then I would get a copy for yourself along with contact info for the agency selling the policy so you could contact them to make sure the policy is in place.

Sincerely,

Hank Rossi
Each week I answer questions from landlords and property managers across the country in my “Dear Landlord Hank” blog in the digital magazine Rental Housing Journal.    https://rentalhousingjournal.com/asklandlordhank/

 

Should a landlord get a copy of the tenant's renters' insurance is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank.
Landlord Hank working on renovation in one of his rentals. Hank says get a copy of the tenants renters insurance.

Ask Landlord Hank Your Question

Ask veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi your questions from tenant screening to leases to pets and more! He provides answers each week to landlords.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Do I Have to Paint and Replace Flooring for a Long-Term Tenant?

A Tenant Poured Grease Down Drain Who Is Responsible?

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Salt Lake City Rents Increase Sharply Over The Past Month

By
John Triplett
-
Salt Lake City rents have increased 0.7 percent over the past month, and have increased sharply by 12.4 percent in comparison to the same time last year

Salt Lake City rents have increased 0.7 percent over the past month, and have increased sharply by 12.4 percent in comparison to the same time last year, Apartment List says in their August report.

Currently, median rents in Salt Lake City are $1,165 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,502 for a two-bedroom.

The city’s rents have been increasing for 22 straight months – the last time rents declined was in October 2020.

Salt Lake City’s year-over-year rent growth leads the state average of 12.1 percent, as well as the national average of 10.0 percent.

West Valley City rents increase sharply over the past month

West Valley City rents have increased 1.4 percent over the past month, and are up sharply by 18.1 percent in comparison to the same time last year.

Median rents in West Valley City are $1,277 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,480 for a two-bedroom. The city’s rents have been increasing for 23 straight months – the last time rents declined was in September 2020.

West Valley City rents along with salt lake city rents increased

West Jordan rents increase sharply over the past month

West Jordan rents have increased 1.2 percent over the past month, and are up sharply by 7.3 percent  in comparison to the same time last year. Currently, median rents in West Jordan stand at $1,475 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,740 for a two-bedroom.

This is the second straight month that the city has seen rent increases after a decline in June.

West Jordan rents were up along with salt lake city rents in August
Multifamily Rent Growth Hits A Wall In August

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