Oregon Measure 43 is a property-related rule that adjusts how counties assess property for tax purposes and can affect rent control and tenant protections. This guide explains what the measure does, how it changes assessment limits and appeal rights, and what owners and renters should know in practical terms. It focuses on mechanisms that shape local budgets, housing costs, and long-term affordability. Below you will find a verified overview of key details, followed by plain-language explanations of how the measure works in real-world situations.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Official Name | Oregon Measure 43 | Election ballot title |
| Primary Focus | Property assessment limits and tenant protections | Statutory language |
| Assessment Growth Cap | Limited to inflation plus 1 percent, subject to local rules | State law implementing measures |
| Tax Impact Goal | Limit rapid increases in property tax bills for homeowners | Legislative fiscal note |
| Rent Control Interaction | Restrictions on no-cause evictions and rent increases in covered units | ORS and local ordinances |
| Appeal Rights | Owners may challenge assessed value through county processes | County assessor procedures |
What Measure 43 Addresses
Measure 43 focuses on two connected areas: property assessment and tenancy rules. For property owners, it sets clearer limits on how much assessed value can grow each year, which in turn affects property tax bills. For renters, it strengthens protections against no-cause evictions and places controls on rent increases in covered housing. The measure is designed to balance local revenue needs with resident stability, particularly in markets where housing costs are rising quickly.
How Property Assessment Works Under Measure 43
Assessment Limits and Calculation
The measure limits the annual increase in a property’s assessed value to the sum of national inflation and one additional percentage point, unless local rules specify a lower cap. This applies to most residential and small commercial properties. Counties must apply the cap consistently and explain the calculation in public notices. The goal is to keep tax growth predictable for households while still allowing governments to fund essential services.
Owner Rights and Procedures
Owners receive assessment notices each year and have the right to question the value through county appeal processes. Measure 43 preserves these rights and clarifies timelines for submitting challenges. It also requires assessors to document how inflation and local factors affect values. This transparency helps owners understand why their bill may rise or stay level.
Practical Effects for Renters
Rent Control and No-Cause Eviction Rules
In areas where Measure 43-style rules are active, landlords face tighter restrictions on issuing no-cause eviction notices and on raising rents above set percentages. These limits are intended to reduce abrupt displacement and give tenants more security. The rules typically exclude very small properties or single-family homes in owner-occupied buildings, depending on local ordinances.
Stability and Affordability Outcomes
By curbing abrupt rent hikes and wrongful evictions, the measure can increase stability for renters. In the longer term, it may influence investment in rental housing, maintenance practices, and new construction. Measure 43 is most effective when paired with policies that expand housing supply, because rent controls alone cannot solve shortages.
Interactions with Local Laws
Oregon allows cities and counties to adopt stricter tenant protections and rent rules. Measure 43 sets a baseline that local governments can build on. Counties must align their assessment and appeal processes with the measure, and municipalities must coordinate rent rules so they do not conflict. This layered approach means outcomes vary by location, which is why checking local specifics is essential.
Common Misunderstandings
- Measure 43 does not freeze property taxes; it limits assessment growth, which moderates increases but does’t guarantee lower bills.
- It does not override all local rent rules; stricter city or county laws can still apply.
- Owners can still sell, renovate, or change use within zoning rules; the measure mainly affects annual valuation growth.
- Exemptions for low-income homeowners or disabled residents remain separate programs and are not replaced by this measure.
Resources and Next Steps
To understand how Measure 43 applies to a specific property or rental, start with the county assessor’s website for assessment details and the local housing authority site for rent rules. Owners should review annual notices and deadlines, while renters can check lease terms and permitted increase percentages. For complex cases, consulting a local housing counselor or attorney can clarify rights and responsibilities under the measure.