Q: Can landlord kick me out if I get a restraining order on my live in boyfriend for domestic violence?
I live in Klamath County. I accepted a verbal agreement to receive housing and utilities in exchange for caregiving in December of 2020.
My boyfriend moved in with me in Feb. Of 2021 with landlords approval. In March landlord asked for 150 a month. I agreed. In July bf and I had a domestic dispute and I filled out papers for restraining order. Landlord said that if I filed papers he would have to evict us both. In August landlord stated that rent is increased to 300 a month and is not allowing me still to file restraining order against bf without being evicted myself. I really don't know what to do.
A: You need to review everything with a local landlord-tenant attorney. First, rent cannot be increased during your first year of tenancy, nor can it be increased more than 9.2% over any 12 month rolling period - both of which sound to be violated. Plus any rent increase requires at least 90 days prior written notice before it can be effective. There may be monetary penalties to the landlord for even trying this non-sense. As for evicting you because you are a victim of domestic violence, that too is unlawful. You are specifically protected unless you participated in criminal activity (e.g. both of you charged with domestic violence) or permitted the abuser to stay after being warned by the landlord to get rid of him due to the domestic violence. Your case may be complicated by the apparent connection to staying there as part of your employment but if you pay rent, you are almost assuredly a "tenant" within the meaning of the landlord-tenant statutes and would therefore be protected by them. So see a local attorney - it may mean money in your pocket. Good luck.
Katherine Goodman agrees with this answer
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