HB 3974
Limits the applicant screening charge a residential landlord may collect to $20.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
56%
Oppose
44%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill limits the amount a residential landlord can charge for an applicant screening fee to $20. It also requires landlords to provide applicants with a receipt for any screening fees paid and allows them to accept third-party screening reports. Furthermore, the bill extends screening requirements to landlords who don't charge screening fees and establishes a process for refunds if a landlord fails to comply with the new regulations.
Key provisions
- Limits applicant screening charges to a maximum of $20.
- Requires landlords to provide applicants with receipts for screening fees.
- Allows landlords to accept third-party screening reports.
- Extends screening requirements to landlords who don't charge screening fees.
- Establishes a refund process for applicants if a landlord fails to comply with the law.
- Prohibits landlords from requiring payment of an applicant screening charge unless they provide specific notice to the applicant.
- Specifies the information landlords must provide to applicants regarding screening criteria and rights.
- Addresses situations where a landlord knows no units are available.
Who is affected
- Residential Landlords
- Rental Applicants
- Tenant Screening Companies
- Consumer Credit Reporting Agencies
- Landlords Managing Multiple Units
Notable changes
- Caps the maximum applicant screening charge at $20.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3974 believe that capping rental application screening fees at $20 will alleviate financial burdens on low-income renters, particularly those from marginalized communities. They argue that excessive fees create a cycle of cost burden for tenants and limit access to affordable housing options. Many testifiers share personal experiences with the frustration and financial strain caused by high application fees, highlighting the need for policy changes to ensure fairness and dignity for vulnerable populations in Oregon's tight housing market. By capping fees at $20, proponents aim to increase transparency, accountability, and accessibility in the rental application process, ultimately making housing more affordable and secure for low-income individuals and families.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of the bill express concerns that capping tenant screening fees at $20 would increase financial strain on housing providers, compromise the quality of screenings, and potentially affect the safety and stability of rental properties. They argue that this cap would force landlords to absorb increased costs out of pocket or cut corners on screening quality, which could lead to reduced services and higher rents. Additionally, smaller landlords may struggle to absorb these increased costs, exacerbating existing inequities in the rental market. Opponents also contend that the bill's provision for online appointments may lead to a decline in face-to-face interactions between constituents and lawmakers, and that the committee's decision-making process is not transparent enough, leading to concerns about accountability. Furthermore, some that capping screening fees would increase operational costs for housing providers, forcing them to choose between substandard screenings, absorbing the actual cost, or passing it on to other tenants through increased rents.