Bill > SB1523

This bill, relating to electronic access to residential tenancies, aims to provide tenants and applicants with more options regarding how they interact with landlords, particularly concerning online portals and electronic payments. It defines a "tenant portal" as any electronic platform used for applying for, managing, or ending a tenancy, but excludes simple email or text communications. The bill requires landlords to offer printable application forms and to process applications submitted outside of a tenant portal. Crucially, it prohibits landlords from forcing tenants or applicants to use a tenant portal for essential tasks like verifying identification, signing agreements, or submitting documents, and mandates that landlords provide an alternative method for accessing common areas if a tenant portal is used for that purpose. Furthermore, landlords cannot mandate electronic payments, such as through a tenant portal or by card, and must accept payments by check or other reasonable non-electronic methods; failure to do so could prevent them from charging late fees or terminating a tenancy. While landlords are generally prohibited from requiring electronic payments, they are permitted to charge tenants for payment processing fees if the tenant chooses to pay by credit card or through a tenant portal, provided certain conditions are met, including offering a non-electronic payment option. The bill also clarifies that landlords can still use tenant portals for their own record-keeping and that tenants who are harmed by a landlord's non-compliance with these provisions can seek damages. This legislation will take effect 91 days after the legislative session concludes.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/SB1523