The Beaverton City Council is asking renters and property owners to understand the rights available to tenants and to help one another during extreme heat events.
The ask comes in response to extreme heat experienced in the region last week, and another wave of hot temperatures expected in the coming days.
During the Aug. 2 City Council meeting, Councilors mentioned Senate Bill 1536 that was signed into law in March 2022 and creates and protects tenant rights to cooling, specifically increasing access to lifesaving cooling technologies, like air conditioning. It also offers tenants protections for coming into compliance with cooling devices in use during extreme weather, including an extra day added to any deadlines from landlords to correct installation issues for every day of an official heat emergency.
If a tenant has received a notice to comply and needs help, they can contact the Community Alliance of Tenants or the Oregon Law Center for assistance.
The bill also provides $34 million for emergency heat relief solutions that will keep Oregonians safe, including emergency air conditioner units, cooling pumps, and cooling centers.
The City Council further urged property owners and landlords to be compassionate during these times and delay the distribution of eviction notices and evictions, specific to cooling units or other cooling related devices, when heat advisories or other official heat-related events have been declared.
Last week, the City of Beaverton activated after-hour cooling centers and an overnight cooling shelter in response to several days of extreme heat.
In the event of another heat wave, community members can visit Beaverton Hot Weather Information for available resources, transportation, and other tips for staying safe and cool during extreme temperatures.
People are also encouraged to stay hydrated, check in on your neighbors, avoid strenuous activity in heat of the day, and know the signs of heat exhaustion.
If someone outside is unsheltered and whose life appears to be in danger, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, if you see someone having a difficult time during warm weather, please call the police non-emergency number at 503-629-0111 and request a welfare check.
