City of Portland Launches Home Sharing Pilot Program

(PORTLAND, ORE.) - The Portland Housing Bureau is launching a 12-month home sharing pilot program today, offering one-time grants to homeowners with spare rooms who rent them via a qualified home sharing provider. The provider will connect prospective renters with homeowners who have available rooms and may also help facilitate the application process and provide ongoing support during tenancy. Participating homeowners who meet all program requirements may receive $1,000 for the first room and $500 for each additional room from the City after the first 30 days of successful leasing.

"As we work together to solve our housing crisis, the City of Portland is exploring creative solutions to activate existing housing that may be underutilized,"said Mayor Keith Wilson. "For many Portlanders, home sharing is a win-win solution, helping homeowners to supplement their incomes while providing low-income tenants with affordable housing options. We've seen similar programs thrive in cities across the nation, and I'm excited to offer incentives and support to boost home sharing in our community."

Rooms must be made available for at least 12 months, and tenants cannot be members of the homeowner's family or household. Rent is restricted to $200 per week, including utilities and fees. Educational opportunities will be available to interested homeowners from Real Estate and Property Management Education (RPM) beginning in March. RPM's class will cover local and state landlord-tenant law applicable to home sharing arrangements and will also provide recommendations on navigating potential interpersonal challenges.

The Home Sharing Pilot Program also includes capacity -building grants designed to help local organizations support homeowners and tenants in their communities who wish to participate in home sharing.

For more information, please visit www.portland.gov/phb/home-sharing-pilot-program