House Bill 2967 (HB 2967) is a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at prohibiting residential landlords in Oregon from charging applicant screening fees. This bill addresses a significant barrier in the rental process, promoting equitable access to housing for all Oregonians.

The Issue with Applicant Screening Fees

Currently, many landlords impose fees ranging from $20 to $75 to cover the costs of processing rental applications. These fees are intended to offset expenses related to credit checks, background checks, and administrative tasks associated with vetting potential tenants. However, in competitive rental markets, these charges can escalate, placing a substantial financial burden on prospective tenants, especially those applying to multiple properties.

Impact on Renters

For low-income individuals and families, the cumulative cost of these fees can be prohibitive, effectively limiting their housing options. This financial strain exacerbates housing insecurity and disproportionately affects marginalized communities, hindering their ability to secure stable housing.

Benefits of HB 2967

By eliminating applicant screening fees, HB 2967 seeks to:

• Enhance Housing Accessibility: Removing these fees lowers the financial barriers to applying for rental properties, allowing a broader spectrum of applicants to compete fairly for housing.

• Promote Fair Housing Practices: The bill fosters a more equitable rental market by ensuring that all applicants, regardless of economic status, have an equal opportunity to secure housing.

• Simplify the Application Process: Without the need to collect and process fees, landlords can streamline their administrative procedures, potentially leading to a more efficient tenant selection process.

Call to Action

Supporting HB 2967 is a step toward creating a fairer and more inclusive housing market in Oregon. By advocating for this bill, you contribute to the effort to remove unnecessary financial obstacles that prevent many from accessing adequate housing.

Join us in urging Oregon legislators to pass HB 2967 and make equitable housing a reality for all.