Arguments Regarding Portland Relocation Ordinance Presented to Multnomah County Judge

Attorney John DiLorenzo argued on Thursday that Portland’s new tenant protection rule is illegal under Oregon’s ban on rent control, and that the rule violates a statute in Oregon’s Constitution that prohibits passing laws that change existing contracts. Judge Henry Breithaupt questioned whether the relocation fee constituted a form of rent control, asking if landlords truly cannot raise rents. DiLorenzo has stated that he will not withdraw his suit if the rent control ban is overturned by the Oregon Legislature. Similarly, Judge Breithaupt does not plan to dismiss the case if Oregon’s housing rules change. City Commissioner Chloe Eudaly spent Thursday lobbying lawmakers in Salem to repeal the rent control ban. Her office has stated that if the ban gets repealed, she will begin working to create a rent stabilization policy in Portland. Read more.