September 2021
The 2021 Oregon Legislative Session was full of bills that affect real estate licensees and the real estate industry. The Oregon Real Estate Agency has compiled a list of bills that are now law that you should be aware of.
With the exception of bills that amended Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 696, the Agency cannot answer questions about the new laws and how it affects licensees, their transactions, or their businesses.
Bills Amending ORS 696
Requires principal brokers, brokers, and property managers renewing or reactivating an active license on or after July 1, 2022 to complete a Law and Rule Required Course (LARRC) containing content on state and federal fair housing laws. This course will be available to licensees beginning January 1, 2022.
Directs a seller's agent to reject communication from a buyer to a seller as necessary to help the seller avoid selecting a buyer based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, or familial status in violation of the Fair Housing Act.
Other Real Estate-Related Bills
Increases limits for loans for certain business development projects made with moneys from Oregon Business Development Fund and provides annual adjustments of limits for changes in Consumer Price Index.
Establishes temporary limitation on lenders' remedies for borrowers' failures to make payments on obligations secured by mortgage trust deeds or land sale contracts for certain real property.
Requires homeowners associations and condominium associations to review governing documents and remove discriminatory langrage or certify the nonexistence of such language on or before December 31, 2022.
Prohibits establishment or enforcement of occupancy limits based on familial relationships on residential dwelling units by public bodies.
Real estate licensees renewing or reactivating a license on or after July 1, 2022, must complete an Oregon Real Estate Board-approved course (Law and Rule Required Course) that includes required topics on state and federal fair housing laws.
Relating to termination of commercial tenancies; and declaring an emergency. Extends grace period for repayment of rent for certain tenants.
Clarifies exemptions on rent increase limits for landlords renting a residential dwelling unit regulated as affordable housing by a federal, state, or local government.
Requires local governments to allow development of certain affordable housing on lands not zoned for residential uses.
Requires landlords and courts to delay termination of residential tenancies for nonpayment for 60 days if tenant provides documentation of application for rental assistance.
Extends grace period for repayment of residential rent accrued during emergency period of April 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, until February 28, 2022.
Requires landlords who require applicant screening charges to adopt certain written screening criteria made available to applicants before accepting application.
Allows land division to separate dwelling units for new middle housing allowed in cities.
Makes permanent provisions allowing notary public to perform notarial act using communication technology for remotely located individuals under certain circumstances.
Reorganizes and clarifies the process for eviction in foreclosure proceedings.