HB 4120
Allows residential landlords of multifamily housing to convert premises to nonsmoking for existing tenants upon 180 days' written notice.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
94%
Oppose
6%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill allows landlords of multifamily housing in Oregon to give their existing tenants 90 days' written notice to convert a unit to a nonsmoking space. The change applies to both new and existing rental agreements. Landlords must provide a designated smoking area and offer written notice before implementing the change, with specific requirements for multifamily dwellings and development projects. This legislation also addresses occupancy guidelines for dwelling units.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of HB 4120 generally advocate for clear, reasonable policies allowing multifamily housing providers to adopt nonsmoking policies, promoting healthier communities and reducing health risks associated with secondhand smoke. They emphasize the need for predictable tools for property managers to manage their communities effectively, aligning HUD assisted housing standards, and preserving tenant protections while adopting smoke-free policies. Proponents argue that this approach balances public health concerns with landlord rights, citing real health and safety risks from secondhand smoke, including residential fires and negative impacts on residents' health. By allowing housing providers to adopt nonsmoking policies with clear notice and reasonable safeguards, supporters believe this policy will improve public health, reduce rental costs, and create a more consistent standard of protection for renters.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 4120 express concerns that the bill is duplicative and may have unintended consequences for vulnerable populations. They argue that the law's emphasis on nonsmoking policies in multi-unit dwellings could lead to eviction or displacement of seniors and individuals with disabilities who rely on smoking as a coping mechanism, particularly without adequate support or resources being provided. Additionally, opponents worry that the bill's enforcement mechanisms may exacerbate Oregon's existing housing crisis, disproportionately affecting individuals with disabilities, and fail to address the root causes of addiction to tobacco products, which could lead to increased vaping and smoking among vulnerable populations.
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