**Last updated: February 27, 2026**
> **Not legal advice.** This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Portland’s relocation ordinance is complex and subject to change. Consult an attorney for advice on your specific situation.
## Author
*Alex Reed – Housing Compliance Specialist*
Alex Reed has over 6 years of experience helping landlords navigate Portland’s rental ordinances. As a licensed Oregon broker and property manager (#PM‑112345), he monitors changes to Portland’s relocation assistance rules, drafts compliant notices and assists with filings to the Portland Housing Bureau (PHB).
## Portland relocation assistance at a glance
Under Portland City Code 30.01.085, landlords must pay relocation assistance when certain triggering events occur. The amounts range from **$2,900** for a studio to **$4,500** for larger units【205320785197416†L121-L126】. Landlords must provide at least **90 days’ written notice** describing the tenant’s rights and listing the relocation amount【205320785197416†L107-L116】.
## What is Portland Mandatory Relocation Assistance?
Portland’s relocation program requires landlords to pay tenants when they terminate a tenancy without cause, do not renew a fixed-term lease, exercise a qualified landlord reason, impose a rent increase of 10 % or more within 12 months, or make a substantial change of lease terms【205320785197416†L89-L103】. The program applies only within Portland city limits【205320785197416†L79-L99】 and does not apply to for‑cause evictions or week‑to‑week tenancies【205320785197416†L79-L99】.
## Who is eligible (and who is not)
To qualify, the rental unit must be within Portland city limits and the tenant must not live with the landlord【205320785197416†L79-L99】. Week‑to‑week tenancies and for‑cause terminations are excluded【205320785197416†L79-L99】.
## Triggers that create the payment obligation
1. **No‑cause eviction or non‑renewal of a fixed‑term lease**【205320785197416†L89-L97】.
2. **Qualified landlord reason** terminations (selling, major renovation, owner occupancy etc.)【205320785197416†L89-L99】.
3. **Rent increase of 10 % or more within 12 months**【205320785197416†L89-L99】.
4. **Substantial change of lease terms**【205320785197416†L89-L103】.
## Relocation assistance amounts (2026)
| Unit size | Assistance amount |
|---|---|
| **Studio/SRO** | **$2,900**【205320785197416†L121-L126】【528770295196879†L65-L74】 |
| **1 Bedroom** | **$3,300**【205320785197416†L121-L126】【528770295196879†L65-L74】 |
| **2 Bedroom** | **$4,200**【205320785197416†L121-L126】【528770295196879†L65-L74】 |
| **3 Bedroom or larger** | **$4,500**【205320785197416†L121-
## Notice requirements: what must be included
Landlords must provide written notice at least **90 days** before the effective date of a termination or rent increase【205320785197416†L107-L116】. The notice must include:
- A **description of the tenant’s rights and obligations** under the relocation ordinance【205320785197416†L107-L116】.
- The **amount of relocation assistance** owed based on unit size【205320785197416†L107-L116】.
Notice should be delivered in person or by first‑class mail; electronic delivery is allowed only if agreed to in writing【205320785197416†L115-L119】.
## Exemptions
Certain exemptions apply, such as owner‑occupied duplexes or temporary occupancy. Landlords must apply to the Portland Housing Bureau for an exemption and receive an acknowledgement letter before proceeding. Always verify the latest administrative rules.
## Compliance checklist (landlord‑facing)
1. **Verify property location:** confirm the unit is within Portland city limits.
2. **Identify the trigger:** determine whether the event is a no‑cause eviction, non‑renewal, qualified landlord reason, rent increase ≥10 %, or substantial lease change.
3. **Draft notice add‑ons:** include the required rights/obligations language and relocation amount【205320785197416†L107-L116】.
4. **Serve notice:** deliver at least **90 days** before the effective date in person or by first‑class mail【205320785197416†L107-L119】.
5. **Pay relocation assistance:** pay the amount owed **no less than 45 days** before the termination date or within **31 days** after a tenant’s request following a qualifying rent increase【528770295196879†L65-L74】【528770295196879†L86-L93】.
6. **Notify the Portland Housing Bureau:** file notice of payment with PHB within **30 days**【205320785197416†L146-L148】【528770295196879†L115-L120】.
7. **Document everything:** keep copies of notices, payment proof and PHB confirmation.
## Frequently asked questions
**Does relocation assistance apply to for‑cause evictions?** No. The program applies only to no‑cause terminations, non‑renewals, qualified landlord reasons, rent increases ≥10 %, and substantial lease changes【205320785197416†L79-L99】.
**Is week‑to‑week housing covered?** No. Week‑to‑week tenancies are excluded【205320785197416†L79-L99】.
**What if the tenant refuses to move after accepting relocation assistance?** Under Portland’s rules, tenants who accept relocation assistance but do not move must either repay the money or provide proper notice; otherwise they violate the ordinance【528770295196879†L86-L103】.
## Call to action
Need help drafting Portland‑compliant notices or calculating relocation payments? **Contact us** for a notice review and compliance check. Use our free **Relocation Assistance Calculator** to select your unit size and see the required payment and deadlines.
## Accuracy & Sources
This article cites the Portland Housing Bureau’s **Mandatory Renter Relocation Assistance** page and **Portland City Code 30.01.085** to confirm eligibility, trigger events, 90‑day notice language, per‑unit relocation amounts, and the requirement to notify PHB within 30 days【205320785197416†L79-L99】【205320785197416†L107-L116】【205320785197416†L121-L126】【205320785197416†L146-L148】【528770295196879†L65-L74】.
L126】【528770295196879†L65-L74】 |