Oregon SB 599 – Immigration and Citizen Status Protections

Dear Multifamily NW members,                   

The majority of the provisions in SB 599 mimic the already standard best practices in rental housing for compliance with National Origin fair housing protections. Since the first iteration of the Fair Housing Act was passed by Congress in 1968, discrimination has been prohibited based on race, color, religion and national origin, covering the sales, rental and financing of housing.

On May 28th SB 599 was signed into law by Governor Kotek, becoming effective upon signature. This bill narrowly reinforces existing state and federal fair housing laws of National Origin protections – specifically addressing inquiries surrounding an applicant’s immigration or citizenship status. Unlike standard fair housing legislation that applies protections across all aspects of housing, SB 599 is directed solely at rental housing providers, omitting other housing interests of real estate sales, bank financiers, or title companies.

SB 599 outlines:

• Housing providers are prohibited from inquiring into the citizenship status of an applicant, tenant or household member – except as required to comply with federal laws in subsidized affordable housing.
• Housing providers must accept any combination of identification to verify applicant identity:
  • A social security card;
  • A certified birth certificate;
  • A permanent resident card;
  • A visa;
  • An individual Taxpayer Identification Number card; or
  • A passport, driver’s license or other government issued identification, regardless of expiration date;
  • Any non-government identification or combination of identifications that would permit a reasonable verification of identity;
• Housing provider is prohibited from rejecting a rental application for failure to provide a social security number or prove lawful presence in the United States.
• Housing providers are prohibited from disclosing or threatening to disclose immigration or citizenship status with the intent or purpose to harass, intimidate or retaliate.

Violations are applicable to standard remedies in ORS 90.390 and 659A.995. Housing providers whose practices already follow these standard fair housing national origin best practices will have minimal impact from SB 599.

Multifamily NW routinely offers fair housing educational opportunities - check out the full calendar of classes!