🚨 Oregon Landlords: Take Action Now to Oppose HB 3974 🚨

# Oregon House Bill 3974 (2025): A Serious Concern for Landlords

## Understanding the Implications of HB 3974

Oregon House Bill 3974 (2025) is currently under consideration in the state legislature. It poses significant concerns for landlords and the broader rental housing market. If passed, this bill would cap tenant screening fees at $20, regardless of the costs incurred by landlords. Additionally, it imposes new restrictions on how landlords can conduct applicant screenings.

Sign that reads, 'Oregon Landlord Legislative Call to Action'

🔍 What HB 3974 Proposes

HB 3974 includes several crucial proposals:

• Cap on Screening Fees: Screening fees for tenants would be capped at $20, even if the actual screening costs exceed this amount.

• Restriction on Specific Services: Landlords cannot require applicants to purchase certain screening services.

• Acceptance of Third-Party Reports: Landlords must accept third-party screening reports, which might compromise the verification of applicant information.

• Limit on Screening Charges: Landlords can charge only one screening fee every 60 days, no matter how many properties an applicant applies to.

  
  

You can read the full bill text here on the Oregon Legislature website.

⚠️ Why This Bill Hurts Landlords and the Rental Market

Although this bill is presented as a tenant protection measure, it unfairly places the financial burden of tenant screening on landlords. Many landlords are small property owners already dealing with rising costs and regulatory pressures. Let’s look at how HB 3974 could harm the rental market:

1. Increased Costs: Thoroughly screening applicants is vital for effective property management. Capping fees below actual costs forces landlords to absorb the excess costs.

2. Reduced Quality of Screening: Accepting third-party reports can compromise the accuracy and consistency of background checks. This can increase the risk of problematic tenancies.

   
   

3. Disincentive to Rent: These new restrictions may deter investment in rental housing. This could ultimately reduce the availability of quality rental units across Oregon.

   
   

Insights from Landlords

Landlords have shared their concerns about HB 3974. Many believe that the capping of tenant screening fees will lead to financial strain and that accepting third-party reports may compromise tenant safety.

It’s essential to remember that quality tenant screening plays a critical role in maintaining a stable rental market. As a landlord, your ability to verify the backgrounds of potential tenants is fundamental to successful management.

📣 Call to Action: Make Your Voice Heard

It is crucial for all Oregon landlords to contact your state representatives and the representatives for the districts where you own rental properties. Inform them that HB 3974 is a misguided policy that could harm housing providers and negatively affect the quality and availability of rental housing in Oregon.

🔗 Find your representatives by clicking here

When reaching out, consider sharing:

• The impact of this bill on your effective tenant screening.

• The actual costs you incur for tenant screening.

• Any concerns regarding unintended consequences for the rental market.

  
  

🛑 Let’s Stop HB 3974 Together

Your voice is vital. Important decisions are currently being made, and your input matters. Act today to protect your rights and the future of Oregon’s rental housing market.

🤝 Support the Fight: Join PAROA

To amplify our collective voice and support ongoing legislative advocacy, we encourage all landlords to join the Portland Area Rental Owners Association (PAROA). PAROA actively works to protect the rights of rental housing providers and advocate for fair, balanced housing policies in Oregon.

🔗 www.paroa.org

Together, we can make a difference. By uniting our efforts, we can ensure that the needs of rental property owners are met while maintaining a healthy rental market.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Engaged

It’s crucial for landlords to remain informed about legislative changes affecting the rental market. Being engaged in advocacy efforts helps secure the future of rental housing in Oregon. By collaborating with organizations like PAROA, we can support the ongoing fight for fair housing practices.