Affordable eviction defense help
In Court Eviction Defense Representation
Tenants can get legal help at our in-person courthouse clinics during the morning eviction dockets in Multnomah County Circuit Court, Mon.-Thurs., and in Clackamas County Justice Court on Friday.
The Tenant Eviction Defense (TED) team provides tenants with brief advice, helps negotiate agreements with their landlord's lawyers, and facilitates rental assistance applications. TED hopes to empower tenants, avoid evictions, and mitigate the long-term impact of an eviction on a tenant's record.
TED has very limited capacity to help tenants outside the morning eviction docket courthouse clinics. BEFORE ANY TENANT IS A CLIENT, THEY WILL BE ASKED TO SIGN AN ENGAGEMENT LETTER. Representation is NOT guaranteed.
How to prepare for court in Multnomah and Clackamas County
Arrive in court
Show up early the day of your hearing (8-8:15am in Multnomah, 7:50am in Clackamas)
Documents to bring
Bring to court with you copies of all the paperwork you received or signed related to your case, including proof of any payments your landlord disputes receiving.
Rental assistance
If nonpayment of rent is an issue in your case, please APPLY FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE NOW, before your hearing:
Multnomah County tenants, contact Bienestar de la Familia at 503-988-3509.
Clackamas County tenants, contact their Coordinated Housing Access Line at 503-655-8575 or use this online form.
Other free or low-cost legal help for Oregon Renters
Oregon Law Center's Eviction Defense Project
Service area: All of Oregon
Eligibility: Free legal assistance to low-income tenants living afacing eviction court cases. Eligibility is based on income. Services are provided regardless of immigration status and there is no immigration consequence to anyone for receiving help from the Eviction Defense Project.
Available services: Review court filings, 1-on-1 consultation, representation in court (depends on availabiltiy of attorneys, ability to appear remotely, and may be subject to qualification)
Phone: 888-585-9638
Metropolitan Public Defender Community Law Division
Service Area: Multnomah County
Available services: Review court filings, pre-court negotiation, representation in court (depends on availability of attorneys, ability to appear remotely, and may be subject to qualification)
Contact: Call 211 and ask for rental assistance and legal referral. Or, if you have a social services caseworker, ask for a referral to Community Law.
Bienestar de la Familia
Service Area: Multnomah County
Available services: Rental assistance and utility assistance.
Phone: (503) 988-3509