You got a rent increase notice

Landlords can raise your rent. But not unlimited. In Oregon, for 2026, they can only raise it up to 9.5% per year. That's the cap, from SB 608, Oregon's statewide rent stabilization law. Over 9.5% 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 for 2026: your current rent × 1.095
• If their proposed rent is higher than that number, the increase exceeds the cap.

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 you answered "no" to either of the last two, the 9.5% cap applies. If you answered "yes" to either, 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.