HB 3522
Allows an owner or landlord to evict a squatter.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
86%
Oppose
14%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows a property owner or landlord to evict someone who is occupying a property without authorization, referred to as a ‘squatter.’ The process involves providing the squatter with a 24-hour written notice to vacate, specifying the date and reason for the eviction. This legislation aims to clarify the legal framework for addressing unauthorized occupancy of residential properties.
Key provisions
- Allows owners and landlords to evict squatters after providing 24 hours’ written notice.
- The notice must state the reason for the eviction (squatting status) and the required date for vacating the premises.
- The notice does not create a tenancy or occupancy right for the squatter.
- The bill amends existing ORS sections related to unlawful holding of property and eviction procedures.
- It clarifies the definition of ‘squatter’ within the context of the law.
- It updates ORS 105.115 to include squatting as a cause of unlawful holding.
- It amends ORS 105.126 to provide a specific form for eviction complaints involving squatters.
- It references ORS 90.100 for the definition of a squatter.
Who is affected
- Property Owners
- Landlords
- Squatters
- Legal Professionals (attorneys)
- Oregon Residents
Notable changes
- Creates a specific legal pathway for evicting squatters.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB3522 advocate for the passage of the bill to protect property rights and deter squatting, citing concerns about financial loss, property damage, safety risks, and liability associated with squatters on rental properties. Many the need for clear legal pathways to remove squatters from private and rental housing, arguing that current laws do not provide sufficient protection for property owners. The bill aims to restore confidence in Oregon's rental housing system by reinforcing property rights and allowing property owners to use standard eviction processes against squatters. By providing a more efficient and effective way to handle squatter cases, proponents believe the measure will help regain control of cities and states, promote individual property rights, and safeguard the well-being of vulnerable populations such as senior citizens and military personnel.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
The opposition to the proposed legislation expresses concerns that it will exacerbate issues with affordable housing and gentrification. that the bill fails to adequately address the problem of squatters, allowing them to occupy properties without consequence, and that current eviction laws are unfair to landlords who pay taxes on their properties. Specifically, they contend that existing laws take too long to regain possession and do not provide sufficient compensation for damages or property destruction. Furthermore, that the bill's lack of effective penalties for squatters will continue to burden individual landowners with significant financial and operational burdens, ultimately leading to a decrease in rental construction in Portland.