In June of last year, Oregon passed HB 2550, which banned certain communications between real estate buyers and sellers. Real estate “love letters” are letters sent by prospective home buyers, which aim to entice sellers to sell them their homes, instead of others that may be seeking to buy that home. Often times, they include a photo of the family and pets, and plans for how they would improve and maintain the property.
Some have deemed the letters “problematic,” since the letters could include information which may prejudice sellers towards illegal discrimination. For example, a seller may notice that a prospective buyer is of the same religion or nationality, and may favor that buyer over others. HB 2550 required that sellers agents reject the communications, and not deliver them to the seller.
Pacific Legal Foundation filed suit, claiming that the law violates first amendment rights, and District Judge Marco Hernandez concurred. Judge Hernandez issued a preliminary injunction, and HB 2550 can’t be enforced pending his further decision.
