PSU report shows rise in Oregon eviction cases despite assistance programs
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — More than 22,000 Oregon renters faced eviction in 2023, and Portland State University researchers discovered that only a minority of affected tenants were able to access formal support.
On Tuesday, PSU uncovered the latest findings from its Evicted in Oregon project. Data show that Oregon circuit court eviction filings rose by about 22% last year, with more than 18,000 cases recorded in 2022.
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The new report highlights responses from focus groups of Multnomah County residents who have faced eviction since the pandemic began. Researchers tracked whether the participants chose a “fight, flight or freeze” approach when threatened with losing their shelter — or if they experienced more than one.
Out of the 53 tenants who described their experiences, about 58% told PSU researchers they “fled” from their unit to avoid further action from landlords or the legal system.
About 51% of respondents “fought” by discussing the eviction notice with a landlord, seeking assistance from local organizations or service providers, or asking the court to dismiss the case.
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Seventeen percent of participants “froze,” meaning they initially “had no idea what to do” in response to the notice.
Researchers found that tenant responses were dependent on factors such as income levels, immigration status, language barriers or lack of knowledge of other options.
And despite the available support services, including Portland’s Eviction Legal Defense Program and Oregon’s Emergency Rental Assistance, data show that just 25% of renters accessed formal support.
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“Many tenants have trouble accessing available programs due to a lack of outreach, complicated applications, or challenges with seeking assistance in a stressful situation,” Natalie Cholula, PSU doctoral candidate and report co-author, explained in a statement. “Defending oneself from eviction is already a challenging and overwhelming task, particularly when the threat of being forced to vacate the premises has long-lasting impacts.”
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