SB 1523
Defines "tenant portal" for the purposes of residential tenancies.
Jurisdiction
Oregon
Session
2026 Regular Session
At the request of
(at the request of Senate Interim Committee on Housing and Development)
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
71%
Oppose
29%
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill clarifies the definition of a "tenant portal" within Oregon residential tenancies. It requires landlords using tenant portals to provide alternative application methods upon request and prohibits requiring tenants to use the portal as the only way to verify identification, sign agreements, or submit documents. Landlords must also offer alternative access to common areas. The bill also allows landlords to charge fees for credit card payments made through the portal.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Senate Interim Committee on Housing and Development
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of Senate Bill 1523 emphasize the need to bridge the digital divide in housing, ensuring that individuals with limited access to technology can meet their fundamental needs. They argue that digital-only platforms create barriers for vulnerable populations, including seniors and low-income households, who may struggle with online navigation, payment portals, or basic digital literacy skills. The bill aims to provide non-digital alternative options for rent payments, housing applications, and access to facilities, promoting equal access and preserving traditional methods of relations between tenants and landlords. By codifying requirements for flexibility in payment methods and access options, supporters believe the legislation prioritizes people over money, ensuring that housing stability is not compromised by technological barriers.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of SB 1523 express concerns that the legislation would increase regulatory burdens on landlords, leading to higher costs and reduced availability of affordable housing options. They argue that limiting standard electronic application tools would increase complexity, workload, and costs for landlords and managers, ultimately reducing access to affordable housing. Additionally, critics believe that the bill's provisions would divert resources away from property maintenance and resident services, contributing to higher housing costs and reduced availability. Furthermore, opponents worry that the legislation would stifle innovation in the housing market by limiting the ability of landlords to experiment with new business models and rent structures, ultimately leading to a decrease in the quality of rental properties and a shortage of available rental units, particularly in areas with high demand and limited supply.
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