Oregon set to be first to legally restrict soaring rents

SALEM, Ore. — Faced with a housing shortage and skyrocketing rents, Oregon is poised to become the first state to impose mandatory rent controls, with a measure establishing tenant protections moving through the Legislature.

Many residents have testified in favor of the legislation, describing anxiety and hardship as they face higher rents. Some rents have gone up by almost 100 percent — forcing people to move, stay with friends or even live in their vehicles.

The Oregon housing shortage is getting worse because of a big influx of people moving to the state — lured by its job opportunities and its forests, mountains, coastline and relaxed lifestyle. Many move from California, where the cost of living is often higher.

Cities across the West Coast are struggling with soaring housing prices and a growing homelessness problem. The small southern Oregon city of Medford recently authorized churches to offer car camping for the homeless on their parking lots.

A legislative House committee on Wednesday backed the measure, sending it to the full chamber for a vote as soon as next week. The state Senate passed it last week.

Gov. Kate Brown told reporters she expected the full House to approve the measure.

“I look forward to signing the bill,” said Brown, a Democrat.