Portland's Mandatory Renter Relocation Assistance ordinance is one of the most impactful rental regulations in the Pacific Northwest. Under specific circumstances, landlords who issue no-cause evictions, choose not to renew a fixed-term lease, or raise rent beyond a specific threshold are legally required to pay their tenants a mandatory relocation fee ranging from $2,900 to $4,500+ per unit.
Mandatory Relocation Payment Schedule
Studio / 1-Bedroom: $2,900
2-Bedroom: $3,300
3-Bedroom: $4,200
4-Bedroom or Larger: $4,500
Triggering Events
Relocation assistance payouts are triggered when a landlord inside Portland city limits issues a no-cause lease termination notice, declines to renew a fixed-term lease on substantially similar terms, or serves a rent increase notice of 10% or more within a rolling 12-month period, causing the tenant to issue a notice to vacate within 45 days.
Common Exemptions for Small Property Owners
While the regulation applies broadly, single-family and small-portfolio owners may qualify for specific exemptions, provided they file the correct paperwork with the Portland Housing Bureau before issuing a notice: relocating primary residence, the duplex/ADU exemption, and the small landlord exemption for owners of only one rental unit within Portland city limits.
How PMNW Group Protects You: We structure leases strategically, manage lease renewals well ahead of expiration windows, and monitor rent adjustment percentages to ensure you never accidentally trigger a mandatory relocation payout.