06/02/2025
Oregon REALTORS has released another Call For Action for House Bill 3974.
What is HB 3974? - HB 3974 would limit tenant screening fees to $20, even though the average cost to complete a tenant screening is about $50. If HB 3974 passes, landlords will be unable to offset their costs when obtaining a screening report. One way or another, everything has a cost, and HB 3974 will not change the basic economics of operating a business. If this bill passes, the cost recovery mechanism will simply be shifted, such as through increased rents. This will make both landlords and tenants worse off than they are under the status quo.
Oregon law already limits tenant screening fees to the landlord’s average actual cost of screening applicants, requires landlords to return the fees to prospective tenants if the screening is never completed, and prohibits a landlord from charging a prospective tenant more than one applicant screening charge within any 60-day period, regardless of the number of rental units owned (ORS 90.295).
When – The House Committee on Rules will be holding a hearing on HB 3974 today, Monday, June 2, 2025.
How you can help – We need your advocacy to prevent the bill from advancing. Oregon can’t solve its housing affordability issues by making it more expensive for housing providers to operate. Please take action now by contacting your legislators and expressing your opposition to HB 3974. Your voice matters and can make a difference!!
Click here: https://nar-or.action.aristotle.com/.