Renter Support
Keeping Renters Secure
Our Renter Support programs help provide security, especially when unexpected events like illness or job loss put your housing at risk. We’re here so you can focus on building a stable future.
If you need support with essential bills, our Utility Assistance Program can help you stay current.
Rent Assistance Details & Eligibility
Our emergency rent assistance program helps you stay in your home by covering rent payments and preventing eviction.
To apply, call our prevention line at 503-615-0770 on the 15th of the month to be screened for eligibility. Phone lines open at 9:00 a.m.
Our emergency rent line is open on the 15th of each month (or the next Monday if it falls on a weekend).
Calls are answered first-come, first-served starting at 9:00 a.m. until all appointments are filled.
Payment amounts are determined by income, past-due balance, address jurisdiction, and available funds.
Be prepared to provide household names, birthdates, Social Security numbers, gross income for the past 30 days, and a current nonpayment notice from your landlord.
Once approved, we’ll review your file and process your payment. Your landlord should receive it by mail within 1–2 weeks.
For application status updates, call 503-615-0770 and leave a voicemail with your details.
Eligibility Requirements
Emergency rent assistance is available for Washington County residents who meet the following criteria:
Have a current nonpayment notice from your landlord (priority is given to those at higher risk of eviction)
Earn less than 50% of the Area Median Income (income guidelines)
Have not received emergency rent assistance in the past 12 months
Eligibility and assistance amounts depend on funding availability and may change at any time. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Emergency Rent Assistance Income Guidelines
Income Guidelines for Oregon - Program Year 2025
50% of State Median Income by Household Size for use Housing & Urban Development Department (HUD) 2024
Emergency Rent eligibility criteria and eligible amount are based on projected funding sources and are subject to change at any time.
| Household Size | Annual 50% AAMI | Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
$41,300 | $3,441.6 |
| 2 | $47,200 | $3,933.33 |
| 3 | $53,100 | $4,425.00 |
| 4 | $59,000 | $4,916.67 |
| 5 | $63,750 | $5,312.50 |
| 6 | $68,450 | $5,704.17 |
| 7 | $73,200 | $6,100.00 |
| 8 | $77900 | $6,491.67 |
Rent Well Program Details & Eligibility
Rent Well is a free, 15-hour class designed to give you the tools and knowledge to rent with confidence. You'll learn about tenant rights and responsibilities, fair housing laws, finding housing, and overcoming rental challenges. Rent Well classes are free and open to all.
Attend in person: Call 971-223-6020 and leave your contact info or email rentwell@caowash.org to register.
Learn online at your own pace: Access the self-paced course at rentwell.org.
Graduates earn a certificate and may qualify for extra landlord support through the Rent Guarantee Fund, which helps landlords feel confident renting to low-income tenants by covering unpaid rent, eviction costs, and property damage if needed.
Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for the Rent Guarantee Fund if you:
Complete the Rent Well course
Earn 60% or less of the area's median income
Are homeless or unstably housed
Have barriers like poor credit or eviction history
Have no prior program claims
Tenant Materials:
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SB 611 Rent Increase Explainer - English
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SB 611 Rent Increase Explainer - Spanish
Tenant Resources:
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An FAQ about Washington County’s eviction court and process.
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Explainer video about the landlord-tenant first court appearance if summoned.
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A resource hub for Oregon tenants with guidebooks and legal resources.
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Oregon’s Community Alliance of Tenants, a rights organization.
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Free legal assistance to low-income tenants facing eviction court cases.
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Free, confidential Housing Mediation to address rent, repairs, communication, or other tenant-landlord issues.
