Granting Opportunities for Property Rental Owners
Oregon offers a range of grant and incentive programs designed to support property rental owners in enhancing and expanding affordable housing options. These initiatives focus on developing new housing units, preserving existing properties, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging participation in rental assistance programs.
Here’s an overview of current opportunities available as of March 2025:
1. Housing Development Grant Program (HDGP)
Administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), the HDGP—also known as the “Trust Fund”—provides grants aimed at increasing Oregon’s affordable housing supply for low- and very low-income families and individuals. Funds can be utilized for:
Constructing new housing units.
Acquiring and rehabilitating existing structures.
Operating housing for low-income households in multifamily rental properties.
This program offers flexible funding to support various stages of affordable housing development and maintenance.
2. General Housing Account Program (GHAP)
GHAP, also managed by OHCS, aims to expand affordable housing across Oregon, including on Tribal lands. It serves two primary areas:
Rental Housing Development: Funding for the creation of new affordable rental housing units.
Rental Housing for Veterans: Targeted support for housing projects benefiting veterans.
GHAP is recognized for its flexibility, making it a valuable resource for developers focusing on affordable rental housing.
3. Multifamily Energy Program (OR-MEP)
To promote energy efficiency in multifamily housing, the OR-MEP offers funding for improvements such as:
Installing energy-efficient insulation and windows.
Upgrading appliances and lighting fixtures.
Implementing other energy-reducing measures.
These enhancements can lead to reduced utility costs and increased property value.
4. Energy Trust of Oregon Incentives
The Energy Trust of Oregon provides cash incentives to rental property owners for energy-efficient upgrades. Eligible improvements include:
Upgrading heating and cooling systems.
Installing smart thermostats.
Enhancing insulation and weatherizing
These incentives help landlords reduce operating costs while improving tenant comfort.
5. Landlord Participation Incentives
To encourage landlords to participate in rental assistance programs, various incentives are available:
Regional Long-Term Rental Assistance (RLRA): Offers reimbursements for repairs required to pass move-in inspections and provides incentive payments for each unit rented to RLRA households.
State-Funded Programs: The Housing Choice Landlord Guarantee Program and the Rent Guarantee Program offer financial incentives per unit rented, assistance for necessary repairs, and funds to cover potential costs such as unpaid rent or legal actions.
These programs aim to mitigate potential risks and encourage landlords to provide housing to low-income tenants.
6. Federal Programs
At the federal level, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated over $1 billion for the modernization and retrofitting of older affordable housing buildings. These funds support improvements in energy efficiency and resilience against extreme weather, benefiting both property owners and tenants through reduced utility bills and enhanced property value.
Conclusion
Oregon provides a variety of programs to assist rental property owners in developing, maintaining, and improving affordable housing. By leveraging these grants and incentives, landlords can enhance their properties, reduce operational costs, and contribute to addressing the state’s affordable housing needs. For detailed information and application procedures, property owners should consult the respective program administrators or official state resources.
