FAQs: Publicly Supported Housing - Contract Preservation (PuSH-CP)

Below are some common questions and answers regarding the Publicly Supported Housing - Contract Preservation (PuSH-CP) process and program. This is most relevant to affordable rental housing property owners, managers, and public housing authorities.

What properties are subject to PuSH-CP rules and regulations?
Every property that receives Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD), and/or U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding may be subject to PuSH-CP. PuSH-CP applies to owners of “publicly supported housing” which includes affordable rental housing developments that:

Have 5 or more multifamily rental units, AND

Receives government assistance requiring affordability limits (income and or rent), such as:

HUD project-based rental assistance contracts other than Section 8 vouchers
USDA Rural Development Rental Assistance and Stand Alone Rental Assistance contracts
OHCS Department grants or loans
Other government assistance identified in OARs

A list of properties subject to ORS 456.766 through 456.819 and OAR 813-115-0001 through 813-115-0070 are available in the Affordable Housing 10-Year Expiration Forecast.

Where do I find the Notice to Government form?

The PuSH-CP Notice to Government form is required by all affordable rental housing properties subject to PuSH-CP at two intervals prior to expiration: 30 months (2.5 years) and again at 24 months (2 years) before the last funding restrictions expires. If notices are not received in a timely manner, OHCS has the authority to extend existing affordability restrictions as allowable by statute ORS 456.804.
How do I notify local government?
Once owners submit a PuSH-CP Notice to Government forms to OHCS, they will also need to mail a copy of it to local government which includes city, county and public housing authorities. Contact information for local authorities can be found below:

League of Oregon Cities city directory

Housing Authorities of Oregon

Is OHCS sending updates regarding the latest (2025) legislation so that property owners can be aware of their responsibility?
OHCS sent a Technical Advisory on October 1, 2025, linking to a PuSH-CP Instruction Guide outlining program requirements. To stay up to date and receive future Advisories, be sure to sign up for Technical Advisories and bookmark PuSH-CP webpages.
House Bill 3042 established a three-year safe harbor for "large" rent increases. Is there, or will there be, a definition of "large" rent increases?  If owners follow state law for rent increases, would that be considered "large", or if they follow the law, how can OHCS enforce?
For the three years following affordability expiration (the safe harbor period), owners are required to follow the OHCS Rent Increase Policy which includes submission of rent increases to OHCS during the three years. OHCS will consider approval of rent increase requests for residents in rent restrictive units at the time of expiration for increases that are within policy and previous program requirements. Learn more about OHCS’ Rent Increase Policy.
What are monetary penalties for noncompliance with safe harbor?
OHCS may leverage a $5,000 penalty for noncompliance during the safe harbor period as allowable by statute ORS 456.267.
Are you going to require owners to have some sort of signed letter from prospective tenants to verify they have been informed of potential expiration?
OHCS will require written notice for prospective tenants and will provide verification that notice is incorporated into the application process at each portfolio property. Detailed information on the prospective tenant notice timelines and requirements can be found onOHCS PuSH-CP for Property Owners.
Will OHCS have a database of projects coming up to expiration, and intention on maintaining affordability?  And if so, will that be available on your website?
Yes, OHCS maintains and publishes a projected 10-year list of expiring properties as well as a preservation dashboard that includes status updates. Learn more about preservation data.
What is the Right of First Refusal (ROFR) process?
In Oregon, a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) under the PuSH-CP process gives qualified purchasers (like a public housing authority or OHCS) the first opportunity to buy an affordable housing property when its owner decides to sell it to a third party. Local governments have a first priority to record a ROFR on a property in the geographic area they serve. If local government does not file a ROFR, a designee will be sought by OHCS to file a ROFR as early as 30 months before expiration. If a ROFR has not been filed at 60 days from expiration, OHCS will file ROFRs on properties before the property’s affordability restrictions expire. The ROFR will expire three years after property’s affordability expiration.
What is the legislative history of PuSH-CP?

In 2019, HB 2002 increased timeframes for property owner required notices and expanded the ROFR process for the government to include all existing publicly supported housing.
In 2021, HB 2095 extended notice requirements to include tenants. A minimum of 12 months advanced notice required. Failure to provide notice will extend affordability restrictions by the amount of time notice is late.
In 2023, HB 3042 established a three-year safe harbor period protecting residents in occupancy at the time of the expiration of use restrictions from large rent increases. Extended tenant notice period to a minimum of 20 months. Also requires owner to advise prospective tenants of impending expiration of affordability restrictions prior to execution of lease and establishes money penalties for non-compliance with notice and safe harbor requirements. OHCS may file ROFR.
In 2025, SB 973 strengthened tenant notice requirements requiring a minimum of 30 months advanced notice and provided in Oregon’s five most commonly spoken languages. SB 32 requires OHCS to publish an expiring property list with preservation status.