Rent Increase Request Policy
The OHCS Rent Increase Policy outlines OHCS policy around rent increases. Recent revisions have been made to meet the requirements of SB 611.
The Rent Increase Policy applies to most OHCS-funded properties with rent restrictions and includes special provisions for properties funded through federal programs like HOME and the Housing Trust Fund (HTF), which require approval for any rent increase. By maintaining this policy, OHCS aims to provide predictability for property owners and managers while safeguarding affordability for affordable housing residents.
Project Rent Increase Requests Policy
Rent Increase Notification (RIN)
For increases for current tenants of 5% or below.
This process is for properties requesting up to and including 5% increases on existing tenant rents. This notification can include a plan for bifurcation of rents for new tenants.
Rent Increase Review (RIR)
All requests > 5%
This process is for properties requesting more than 5% increases on existing tenant rents. This notification can include a plan for bifurcation of rents for new tenants.
Rent Rate Approval (RRA)
For HOME and Housing Trust Fund (HTF) funded properties.
This process is for properties funded with OHCS HOME and/or Housing Trust Fund resources where federal regulations require state and local agencies to approve rents annually, regardless of any increase.
This process can also include up to 5% increase in current rents with or without a bifurcation of new resident rents.
Any rent increase of greater than (>) 5% for any unit type must follow the RIR process.
Background on Rent Increase Policy
OHCS developed its Rent Increase Policy to balance the financial sustainability of affordable housing properties with the need to protect residents from sudden or excessive rent hikes. Originally adopted in 2018 in response to advocacy from tenant-focused organizations like the Housing Alliance and Oregon Law Center, the policy was designed to ensure that rent increases are reasonable, transparent, and aligned with both state law and the long-term viability of affordable housing developments.
The policy has evolved alongside state legislation, including SB 608 (2019), HB 3113 (2021), and SB 611 (2023), which established and refined statewide rent increase caps. Today, OHCS allows rent increases of up to 5% annually without prior approval for most properties, provided they meet program requirements and submit a Rent Increase Notification (RIN). Increases above 5%—up to the state cap of the lesser of 7% plus CPI or 10%—require a formal review and approval process. This includes a detailed assessment of the property’s financial health, capital needs, and potential impact on residents.
Questions? Email ARH.Rents@HCS.Oregon.gov