- What does mediation mean? Mediation is an alternative dispute resolution process that is different from going to court and having a judge (or jury) pick a winner and loser by determining the facts and applying the law to the facts. Mediation is also different from arbitration. At an arbitration, the parties typically pick a person (usually an attorney) to act like a judge and determine the facts and apply law. At an arbitration there is also a winner and a loser.
In mediation, the parties typically pick a third party neutral who will meet with the parties to help them find a solution to resolve a dispute. Because mediation requires the agreement of the parties to come to a resolution, it is not always successful. Mediation does not limit a party’s ability to file a lawsuit or arbitration.
In my experience, the cases that resolve at mediation are where both parties come with an open mind, are willing to listen and can consider compromise in order to avoid the cost and hassle of litigation.
In my experience, the cases that don’t resolve are usually because one of the parties has unrealistic expectations or opinion of their case, or that the matter should move forward based on “principle.”
2. When is mediation required? Mediation is required for any non-exempt issues (see question 3) involving compliance with the rental agreement or non-exempt conduct of a landlord or a tenant within the facility. Please note that a facility is a manufactured home park or a floating home marina. Mediation can be initiated regarding a non-exempt dispute between a landlord and a tenant or between two or more tenants. Note that if the dispute is between two or more tenants, mediation must be initiated by the landlord.
3. What types of disputes are exempt (i.e. not subject to mediation)? The following disputes are not subject to mediation:
(a) Facility closures consistent with ORS 90.645 or 90.671;
(b) Facility sales consistent with ORS 90.842 to 90.850;
(c) Rent payments or amounts owed, including increases in rent consistent with ORS 90.600;
(d) Termination of tenancy pursuant to ORS 90.394 (failure to pay rent), 90.396 (24 hour notices), or 90.630(8) (three strike provision);
(e) A dispute brought by a tenant who is alleged to be a perpetrator of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking under ORS 90.445 when the dispute involves either the allegation or the victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking;
(g) A dispute involving a person not authorized to possess a dwelling unit as described in ORS 90.403; or
(h) A dispute raised by the landlord or tenant after the tenancy has terminated and possession has been returned to the landlord (including ORS 90.675 (abandonments).
4. How is mediation initiated? Mediation may be initiated by a tenant or a landlord. If a tenant or landlord initiates the mediation process, then the parties are required to participate (but see questions 7 and 8 below). If there is a dispute between or among tenants, a landlord must initiate mediation.
5. What if mediation is not currently included in my rental agreement? A landlord and/or tenant is required to mediate regardless of whether a rental agreement currently provides for mediation. If a rental agreement does not currently have such a process, SB 586 requires a landlord to unilaterally amend the rental agreement to include mediation. Specifically, ORS 90.510 (5) (what is required to be included in rental agreements) is amended to include in a rental agreement a section for mandatory mediation of disputes that states: “that the tenant or the landlord may request mandatory mediation of a dispute that may arise concerning the rental agreement or the application of this chapter, and the process by which a party may request mediation, including a link to the web site for the Manufactured and Marina Communities Resource Center with additional information about mandatory mediation of disputes.”
6. Who facilitates a mediation? Mediation may be requested through either: (1) Manufactured and Marina Communities Resource Center (“MMCRC”); or (2) a local Community Dispute Resolution Center (“CDRC”); or (3) a mutually agreed-upon and qualified mediator. Each party must cooperate with the CDRC or designated mediator in scheduling a mediation session at a mutually agreeable day and time, within 30 days of the initiation of mediation. Each party must attend at least one mediation session.
7. Who has to participate in the mediation (i.e. does it have to be the owner)? A landlord can designate a representative to participate in the mediation on the Landlord’s behalf (including a non attorney). The representative, however, must have the authority to resolve the dispute in the mediation. Note that a tenant can also designate a representative.
8. Do I have to reach an agreement in the mediation? No. Neither party is required to reach an agreement in a mediation. Each party must attempt to mediate the dispute in “good faith.” The law specifically says that the parties are not required to: (1) reach an agreement on all or any issues in the mediation; (2) participate in more than one mediation session; (3) participate for an unreasonable length of time in a mediation session; or (4) participate if the other party is using the mediation to harass the party or is otherwise abusing the duty to meditate.
9. What would happen if a party failed to meditate in good faith? If a party fails to meditate in good faith by abusing the right to require mediation or uses mediation to harass the other party, the aggrieved party may recover an amount equal to one month’s rent from the violating party. Please note that this is a two way street. In addition, the other party has a defense to any claim brought by the violating party over the dispute involved in the mediation request, and may have the claim dismissed.
10. Can I use an admission in mediation at a subsequent trial? Conversely, can something I say be used against me? No. Mediation, and what is said during mediation, is confidential. Any statement made in a mediation is inadmissible. The purpose is to have an honest dialogue in order to encourage a settlement. Additionally, a mediator cannot be called as a witness.
