Resources for finding rentals
Washington County Properties
The Department of Housing Services owns many units of affordable housing located throughout Washington County. These units have rents set to be affordable to low-income households. County-operated and non-operated properties are listed as well.
My Apartment Map
My Apartment Map Affordable Housing Search plots affordable housing on an interactive map, so renters can easily find housing near their desired location. The map shows nearby grocery stores, restaurants, schools and other amenities. The website is free to use.
GoSection8.com
GoSection8.com is a rental listing service designed specifically for renters with Vouchers and landlords who work with the Voucher program.
HUD Subsidized Apartments
A database of apartments subsidized by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that can be used to search for affordable properties throughout Washington County.
Other rental assistance options
Rental Assistance Programs
The Department of Housing Services offers a variety of programs such as public housing and vouchers to meet the needs of low-income households in Washington County, Oregon.
HUD Rental Assistance
There are several apartment complexes located throughout Washington County, and other areas, that offer rental assistance from HUD.
Public Housing Agencies
If you are interested in applying for rental assistance in other areas, click the link above for contact information for other Public Housing Agencies.
Tips for your housing search
Get free copies of your credit reports from the three credit-reporting agencies before you start your search. Know what is on your report ahead of time so you will be able to respond to negative or inaccurate information on your report.
When you call to ask about a rental, make your call from a quiet place where you are unlikely to be interrupted.
Arrive 15 minutes early to any appointment to see a rental. Dress as if you were going to a job interview.
Ask the landlord for a tour of the apartment and common areas of the property. Show you care about the quality of your home by asking questions. If you see things you like, let the landlord know. If the place does not meet your expectations, don't hesitate to look elsewhere.
Renters with barriers
If you have problems finding housing due to issues with your credit, criminal record, or rental history, you may want to try one or more of the following:
If your screening problem is related to a disability, you have the right to ask for a reasonable accommodation during the screening process.
Participate in a tenant education training. Landlords are often more willing to accept tenants who have completed a tenant education course. In Washington County, Community Action offers a free tenant education training called Rent Well. For more information, visit their website.
Ask about the screening process and application fee. If you know you have negative information on your credit report, or negative rental history, look at the screening criteria before you pay any application fee. If you do not think you will pass the background check, ask if there is something you could do that would help.
Talk to the landlord. If the landlord seems unwilling to negotiate with you, it may mean that your application will not be accepted. However, if the landlord seems encouraging or tells you that other tenants with similar problems have been accepted before, submitting an application might be worth a try.
Fair housing
Fair housing laws say that everyone must be given the same opportunity, and treated the same, in the rental of homes, duplexes, apartments, and other types of housing. Fair housing laws protect against illegal housing discrimination based on "protected class status" in any housing transaction.
Federally Protected Classes: race, color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status, and disability
State of Oregon Protected Classes: marital status, source of income, sexual orientation/gender identity, honorably discharged veterans/military status, and domestic violence victims
If you feel that you have encountered housing discrimination during your search, you may want to contact one or more of the following resources:
Fair Housing Council of Oregon Hotline - 800-424-3247 x2 or [email protected]
US Department of Housing and Urban Development - 800-669-9777
State of Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries Civil Rights Complaints - 971-245-3844