Annual Renters Survey

Every year, Portland Tenants United conducts a survey of renters and provides a report to share with the community what issues tenants are facing and which issues we want to see addressed.

Read PTU's 2023-2024 Renter Survey report

INTRODUCTION

Over the past four years, Portland Tenants United (PTU) has conducted an annual survey of Portland area renters to better understand tenant concerns and experiences. The survey was collected in May 2024, asking tenants to reflect on their housing experiences over the past 12 months. The survey was distributed through PTU’s email and text list and on social media. 206 tenants responded to the survey.

Rent continues to rise in a market that was already too expensive for many. When considered alongside increases in fees and utilities, it’s clear that Portland renters are heavily burdened by basic costs of shelter and may struggle to make a home in their residence. The prevalence of persistent and unresolved housing issues and patterns of landlord harassment indicate the need for stronger tenant protections and rental support services.

MAJOR TAKEAWAYS

Rent payments exert major pressure on renter’s budgets. 68% of respondents are rent burdened, paying 30% or more, and 47% are severely rent burdened, paying more than 40%.

Rents Continue to rise. 66% received rent increases in the last year, with an average increase of 9.5%. The rate is consistent with 2022 (67%). This is compounded by the rising costs of utilities and the accumulation of fees that, in practice, push many renters beyond the 10% cap.

Rent increases have real impacts. Nearly half of respondents (49%) had to cut back on things they enjoy due to a rent increase while 41% were forced to cut into more essential parts of their budget, like food and medical care. This is a sharp increase from 2022 when 21% of respondents had to eliminate essentials to make rent. 15% could no longer afford their housing and were forced to relocate.

The rate of landlord-tenant issues remains high. Consistent with last year's survey, 70% reported experiencing one or more issue with their housing. Of those individuals, 35% felt that these issues constituted harassment. This means that the number of tenants with no significant issues (30%) is similar to the number who are experiencing harassment from their landlord or property manager (28%).

Renters feel their housing is precarious. 49% had their housing stability threatened. This was usually for financial reasons like increased rent or loss of income, though for 12% of all respondents it was due to conflict with a landlord or property manager.

Most renters’ issues go unresolved. Whether it is problems maintaining housing stability or maintenance needs, resolution is difficult to achieve. Only 13% of issues were completely resolved and only 4% of landlord - tenant problems achieved a resolution.

It is hard to know where to go for help. Renters were split on where to find help with housing problems when worried about staying in their homes. 33% worked directly with their landlord or property manager; 22% contacted legal aid services; 22% reached out to tenant advocacy groups to understand their rights; and 19% contacted the city’s Rental Services Office.