ORS 90.465: Right of city to recover from owner for costs of relocating tenant due to condemnation; defense.

(1) A city with a population that exceeds 300,000 shall have a right of action against the owner of any premises to recover the reasonable costs of relocation incurred by the city because the condition of the premises causes condemnation and relocation of the tenants at public expense. In order to recover the costs, the city must allege and prove that, due to action or inaction of the owner, the premises are or have been in multiple and material violation of applicable health or safety codes for a period of more than 30 days and that the violation endangers the health or safety of the tenants or the public, or both. (2) It shall be an affirmative defense to recovery of relocation costs incurred for any tenant that the condition was caused by the action or negligence of that tenant. (3) The official responsible for city code enforcement shall notify the owner in writing when the official finds the premises to be in a condition that may cause tenant relocation. The notice shall also inform the owner of the potential liability for relocation costs. (4) A landlord may not terminate a rental agreement because of the receipt of the notice required by subsection (3) of this section except for the reasons set forth in ORS 90.385 (4). The owner is not liable for tenant relocation costs if the termination is for the reasons set forth in ORS 90.385 (4)(b). (5) The action provided in subsection (1) of this section is in addition to any other action that may be brought against an owner under any other provision of law. [Formerly 90.450]