(2) Landlords that are eligible for assistance under the Housing Choice Landlord Guarantee Program must obtain a judgment against the tenant, following a hearing in which the landlord proves the amount of damages, in either the small claims department of a circuit court or a circuit court for the county in which the property is located. Assistance is limited to reimbursement for only those amounts in the judgment that are related to property damage, unpaid rent or other damages:

(a) Caused as a result of the tenant’s occupancy under the Housing Choice Voucher Program;

(b) That exceed normal wear and tear; and

(c) That are in excess of $500 but not more than $5,000 per tenancy.

(3) A landlord must submit a claim for assistance to the department within one year of obtaining a judgment against a tenant pursuant to subsection (2) of this section.

(4) The department may contract with a public or private provider for the administration of the Housing Choice Landlord Guarantee Program. The department is not subject to the provisions of ORS chapter 279A or 279B in awarding a contract under the provisions of this subsection. The department shall establish by rule procedures for inviting proposals and awarding contracts under this subsection.

(5) The department shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section, including but not limited to prescribing additional qualifications and requirements that must be met by landlords and the form of application that must be submitted to the department to receive assistance under the program. [2013 c.740 §3; 2017 c.271 §2]