PORTLAND, Ore. — In the wake of the coronavirus shutdowns, Multnomah County will help anxious renters with an eviction moratorium, officials announced Monday night.
County chair Deborah Kafoury released more details at a news conference on Tuesday morning. The moratorium will be in place for as long as the county remains in a state of emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak, she said.
Kafoury said people will have six months to pay back what they owe once the state of emergency is lifted.
"Yes, everyone should pay their rent on time," Kafoury said. "But for people who are losing their wages due to COVID-19 and find themselves unable to pay rent, we want you to be able to stay in your home."
The moratoriums applies to people who lose their jobs, lose work hours, have to miss work for child care because of school closures or to take care of a relative sick from the coronavirus.
According to the Oregonian, tenants must provide letters of proof from their employer, school doctor or another source to verify their hardship.
"Many people are hurting right now. We're hearing your concerns," tweeted Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. "We're here to help. We're acting now. We're going to get through this together."