Rent Stabilization in Forest Grove, Oregon

Last updated: January 2026

Oregon's statewide rent stabilization law (SB 608) protects tenants in Forest Grove with rent increase caps and eviction protections.

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1. Overview of Rent Stabilization in Forest Grove

In the Portland metropolitan region, Forest Grove residents benefit from Oregon's statewide rent stabilization and just cause eviction protections.

Oregon's Statewide Rent Stabilization Law (SB 608), effective since February 2019, provides:

• Rent increase caps – Annual increases limited to 7% + CPI (max 10%)
• Just cause eviction protections – Landlords must have valid reasons to evict tenants after 12 months
• Relocation assistance – Required for certain no-fault evictions

This article provides an overview of how Oregon's rent stabilization law applies in Forest Grove. It is not legal advice. For specific questions, consult with a qualified attorney or tenant counseling organization.

2. Who Is Covered in Forest Grove?

SB 608 coverage in Forest Grove extends to most residential rental properties, including apartments, single-family homes, condos, and townhouses. Properties built before 2011 are generally covered, and tenants who have lived in their unit for 12 months or more receive full protection.

• Property age – Properties built more than 15 years ago are covered (built before approximately 2011 in 2026)
• Property type – Apartments, duplexes, single-family homes, condos, and townhouses used as rentals
• Tenancy duration – Rent caps apply after 12 months of tenancy

Key Exemptions:

• Newer construction – Properties built within the last 15 years (rolling exemption)
• Small landlords – Single-family homes exempt if landlord is an individual owning 4 or fewer such properties
• Owner-occupied – Duplexes where owner lives in one unit
• Affordable housing – Properties with existing rent restrictions
• Short-term rentals – Rentals under 30 days

3. Maximum Allowable Rent Increases

Oregon's Statewide Rent Stabilization Law establishes a rent increase cap for properties in Forest Grove. Landlords cannot raise rent more than 7% plus the Consumer Price Index change, capped at 10% annually.

2026 Rent Increase Caps:

• Most residential properties: 7% + CPI, capped at 10% maximum
• Manufactured dwelling parks: 3% + CPI, capped at 7% maximum

Important Rules:

• Only one rent increase per 12-month period is allowed
• Landlords must provide at least 90 days written notice before any increase
• The cap applies to tenants who have lived in the unit for at least 12 months
• First-year tenants may see increases above the cap (but still need 90-day notice)

Example: If West Region CPI increased by 2.5%, the maximum rent increase would be 7% + 2.5% = 9.5% for most properties.

4. Just Cause Eviction Protections

Oregon's Statewide Rent Stabilization Law establishes just cause eviction requirements for rental properties in Forest Grove. Tenants who have lived in their unit for at least 12 months are protected from eviction without a valid legal reason.

At-fault just cause reasons (tenant is at fault):

• Non-payment of rent
• Material violation of lease terms
• Committing a crime on the premises
• Permitting or creating a nuisance
• Intentional damage to the property

No-fault just cause reasons (tenant is not at fault):

• Owner or family member move-in
• Demolition or major renovation
• Withdrawal from rental market
• Sale of property to buyer who will occupy

Relocation Assistance: For no-fault evictions, landlords must provide one month's rent as relocation assistance to tenants who have lived there 12+ months.

5. Resources for Forest Grove Tenants

If you're a tenant in Forest Grove and have questions about your rights, consider these resources:

• City of Forest Grove – Official city website with housing information
• Forest Grove Housing Department – Local housing programs and resources
• Oregon Law Center – Free or low-cost legal assistance for tenants
• Legal Aid Services of Oregon – Free or low-cost legal assistance for tenants
• Forest Grove Housing Authority – Local housing authority and tenant services
• Home Forward (Portland Metro Housing) – Local housing authority and tenant services
• Oregon Housing and Community Services – State agency for housing resources
• Community Alliance of Tenants – Statewide tenant rights organization

You can also use RentCheckMe to check if your building is likely covered based on construction year and property type.

6. Important Disclaimer

This article is a high-level overview of Oregon's Rent Stabilization Law (SB 608) as it applies in Forest Grove. It does not cover every exception and does not constitute legal advice.

Laws may change, and how they apply depends on your specific situation. For binding guidance, consult with a qualified attorney, the Community Alliance of Tenants, or Legal Aid Services of Oregon.

Frequently Asked Questions