Keep Portland weird...and insane.

[Nathan Gesner]

Oregon and a few other areas have limitations on rent increases (see Oregon Law). If a Landlord wants to increase rents to keep up with the market, Oregon forces him to pay moving expenses for the tenants.

Here's a story that demonstrates how even a generous Landlord is viewed as a villain in these areas. Meanwhile, the city is seen as a hero even though they're spending nearly $600,000 PER UNIT to build "affordable" housing! For that price, they could build 4-8 units outside of city limits.

The main character of the story, Sok, came here as a refugee and has lived in the same apartment for 30 years with rents well below market. She was able to build a life for her family, raise her children, and become a citizen of this great country. Now she is offered enough money to live rent-free for 5-6 months. Where's the gratitude for 30 years of generosity?

When people are handed a good deal, they should invest the savings in their future instead of squandering it and thinking nothing will ever change.