Quick answer
Oregon’s main rent relief now is the Eviction Prevention Rapid Response (EPRR) program, funded by Oregon Housing and Community Services and administered by Public Partnerships (PPL). It provides up to $8,000 in emergency rental assistance per household for tenants with a scheduled eviction court hearing for nonpayment, accepts roughly 45 applications at the beginning of each month based on available funding, and pairs with free legal help from the Oregon Law Center’s Eviction Defense Project (888-585-9638). If you do not have a court case yet, dial 211 for community action and charity rent funds. The pandemic Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program is closed, and federal ERA funding ended September 30, 2025. Applying is free.
Key facts
- EPRR: up to $8,000 per household in emergency rental assistance for tenants facing an eviction hearing, with legal services, to prevent displacement.
- Monthly window: PPL accepts applications at the beginning of each month, about 45 per month depending on funding, so timing matters.
- Legal help: the Oregon Law Center Eviction Defense Project gives free legal assistance to low-income tenants statewide facing eviction court cases; have your case number and summons date ready.
- The pandemic Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program is closed; Treasury’s ERA2 period of performance ended September 30, 2025.
- Funding was cut in the 2025 legislative session, so expect limited slots; no legitimate program charges a fee.
Table of contents
- What is Oregon’s Eviction Prevention Rapid Response program?
- Who qualifies for EPRR and how do I apply?
- What if I am behind on rent but have no court case yet?
- How does free legal help work in an Oregon eviction?
- What other rent and bill help exists in Oregon?
- What documents do I need to bring?
- How do I act, step by step?
- Related guides
- Frequently asked questions
What is Oregon’s Eviction Prevention Rapid Response program?
EPRR is the state’s current rent relief for the most urgent cases. Oregon Housing and Community Services funds it, and Public Partnerships (PPL) administers it. The program offers immediate rent assistance and legal services to households with a scheduled eviction hearing so they are not displaced, and it provides up to $8,000 in emergency rental assistance per household, according to the PPL program page and a 2025 award description. Payments go to the landlord to resolve the nonpayment case.
The reason EPRR replaced broad rent relief is federal: the pandemic Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program ran on Treasury money, and the U.S. Treasury states that the ERA2 period of performance ended on September 30, 2025, on its Emergency Rental Assistance page. Oregon now uses state funds, which the 2025 legislative session reduced, so slots are limited.
Who qualifies for EPRR and how do I apply?
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court case | A scheduled eviction court hearing for nonpayment of rent (a termination notice alone is not enough) |
| Amount | Up to $8,000 per household, paid to the landlord |
| Timing | Applications accepted at the beginning of each month; about 45 accepted per month based on funding |
| How to apply | Through PPL’s EPRR application when the window opens; PPL’s message line is 833-746-8167 (the open-application email is not for submitting applications) |
| Legal partner | Oregon Law Center Eviction Defense Project, 888-585-9638, for tenants with a court notice who need rent assistance and defense |
Because the monthly cap is small, call the Oregon Law Center as soon as you receive a court summons, prepare your documents before the first of the month, and apply the day the window opens.
Watch out: EPRR and the Oregon Law Center never charge. Sites that sell “Oregon rent relief applications” or ask for a fee to “reserve a slot” are scams.
What if I am behind on rent but have no court case yet?
EPRR requires a court hearing, so earlier help comes from local sources:
- 211info. Oregon’s 211 lists open rent and deposit funds by county; the Oregon Law Center itself directs people who only need rent assistance to contact 211. See 211.org.
- Community action agencies. Each region’s agency runs emergency rent, deposit, and energy funds and often administers HUD-funded homelessness prevention.
- Homelessness prevention (ESG). HUD Exchange lists homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing among the uses of Emergency Solutions Grants in its program requirements; coordinated entry in your county is the door.
- County and metro programs. Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties fund eviction prevention through Supportive Housing Services; other counties have smaller funds.
- Charities. Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and church funds pay landlords directly, usually once.
How does free legal help work in an Oregon eviction?
The Oregon Law Center Eviction Defense Project provides free legal assistance to low-income tenants across the state facing eviction court cases, in every county. Tenants in Multnomah County may get help before court once they receive a termination notice. Call 888-585-9638 and give your name, case number, and court summons date. The project no longer partners directly with rent assistance agencies, so apply for EPRR or local funds yourself while the attorney handles the case.
What other rent and bill help exists in Oregon?
- Housing Choice Vouchers through your local housing authority, with waiting lists.
- Energy assistance. Oregon’s LIHEAP runs through community action agencies; find yours at EnergyHelp.us or 1-866-674-6327. LIHEAP never charges a fee. Oregon Energy Fund and utility programs add more.
- TANF. Oregon’s cash program for families with children, through the Department of Human Services, includes some one-time emergency payments; ask your DHS office.
- SNAP. Estimate with our SNAP calculator.
What documents do I need to bring?
Most rent programs make a decision at the first appointment if your paperwork is complete, and send you home if it is not. Gather these before you call:
| Document | Why the agency needs it |
|---|---|
| Photo ID for the applicant | Identity and residency |
| Current lease or rental agreement | Proves the rent amount and that you are the tenant |
| Notice to vacate, shutoff notice, or court papers | Shows the emergency; some funds require it |
| Proof of income for the last 30 days, or a signed statement of no income | Most funds have income limits |
| Proof of the hardship (layoff letter, medical bill, repair estimate) | Many funds require a cause beyond an ongoing shortfall |
| Landlord’s name, phone, and mailing address | Payments go to the landlord or vendor, not to you |
| Social Security numbers or ITINs for household members | Required by many public programs; many charities do not ask |
Bring originals and keep photos on your phone. If an agency says funds are gone, ask which fund in the county still has money this week; caseworkers usually know.
How do I act, step by step?
- If you have a court summons: call the Oregon Law Center at 888-585-9638 today, then apply for EPRR on the first day of the next monthly window with your lease, summons, ID, and proof of income.
- If you have a notice but no case: dial 211 for community action and charity funds, and ask about coordinated entry.
- Everyone: apply for a Housing Choice Voucher, LIHEAP, SNAP, and TANF if you have children, to free up money for rent.
- Talk to your landlord and get any payment agreement in writing.
Applying is free. OHCS, PPL, the Oregon Law Center, 211, community action agencies, and charities never charge to apply.
For more specifics, see our guides on emergency rent relief by state and programs that help pay rent.
Related guides
- Immediate hotel vouchers for people who are homeless
- Hardship grants for individuals
- Utility relief and LIHEAP by state
- Housing help: vouchers, affordable housing, and paths to owning
Frequently asked questions
Is there still Oregon rent relief in 2026?
Yes, but targeted. The Eviction Prevention Rapid Response program pays up to $8,000 for tenants with a scheduled eviction hearing, with limited monthly slots. Broader pandemic rent relief is closed.
How much does Oregon’s EPRR program pay?
Up to $8,000 in emergency rental assistance per household, paid to the landlord to resolve a nonpayment eviction case.
Do I need a court case to get Oregon rent relief?
For EPRR, yes: a scheduled eviction court hearing. Without a case, use 211, community action agencies, and charities.
Who do I call if I got an eviction summons in Oregon?
The Oregon Law Center Eviction Defense Project at 888-585-9638 for free legal help, then apply for EPRR when the monthly window opens.
When can I apply for EPRR?
Applications are accepted at the beginning of each month, about 45 per month depending on funding, so prepare documents in advance and apply on the first day.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these sources on October 24, 2026. If a source and this page ever disagree, follow the source.
- Public Partnerships (PPL), administrator for Oregon Housing and Community Services: Eviction Prevention Rapid Response program
- Oregon Law Center: Eviction Defense Project
- U.S. Treasury: Emergency Rental Assistance program status
- HUD Exchange: Emergency Solutions Grants program requirements
- EnergyHelp.us: LIHEAP office search and hotline (HHS)
- 211.org: find your local 211
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and not an application. Program funding and windows change; confirm with PPL, OHCS, or the Oregon Law Center. National Relief Program is an independent website, not a government agency.
Before you apply: program rules, amounts, and deadlines change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program administrator. Applying for government benefits is free.
National Relief Program is an independent guide, not a government agency. Spotted an error? Email support@nationalreliefprogram.org.
