You got a rent increase notice

Landlords can raise your rent. But not unlimited. In Oregon, the yearly cap is 9.5% for 2026 and 10% for 2027. The state publishes the next year's cap each September. The cap comes from SB 608, Oregon's statewide rent stabilization law. Going over it isn't a negotiation, it's a violation.

Source: ORS 90.323, Maximum rent increase | Annual cap published by Oregon Department of Administrative Services

Let's check what you got. Answer these:

Math check:

• Your current rent: $______
• Their proposed new rent: $______
• The maximum legal increase: your current rent × 1.095 for 2026, or × 1.10 for 2027
• If their proposed rent is higher than that number, the increase exceeds the cap.
• If your notice came in 2026 for an increase that starts in 2027, ask a tenant rights hotline which year's cap applies.

Coverage check:

• Did they give you at least 90 days of written notice?
• Is your building at least 15 years old? (Newer buildings are exempt from the rent cap.)
• Is this government-subsidized housing? (Also exempt from the cap.)

If your building is at least 15 years old and it isn't subsidized housing, the cap applies. If your building is newer than 15 years or it's subsidized housing, your situation is different, talk to a tenant rights hotline before pushing back.

Source: ORS 90.323, Maximum rent increase | ORS 90.324, Rent increase exemptions

This is probably illegal. Your landlord can't raise rent this much in a year unless your building is newer than 15 years or it's subsidized housing.

What to do: respond in writing, cite SB 608 (ORS 90.323), and connect with a tenant rights hotline to confirm your case.

If you're in Portland and the increase is 10% or more, your landlord owes you relocation assistance if you move out: $2,900 (studio) to $4,500 (3+ bedroom). They have to tell you about this in writing.

Details: Portland Housing Bureau, Relocation Assistance | Portland City Code 30.01.085

You've got what you need to act. Pick what's next.