Columns

by MHCO
  There were 32,321 fair housing complaints filed nationwide in 2024, one of the highest totals in more than two decades, according to the 2025 Fair Housing Trends Report recently released by the National Fair Housing Alliance. As usual, disability-related discrimination accounted for the largest share of complaints at 54.6 percent, followed by…
by Phil Querin
Question:  :  I am the Regional Manager for an Oregon park management company.  I was reviewing the Legislation email [SB 1523 and HB 4123] and needed some further clarification on what we can technically charge back to our residents.  We have just introduced a resident portal and are now mailing out monthly rent statements. Are we able to charge…
by Phil Querin
  Oregon Senate Bill 1523   Purpose of Bill. Addresses electronic access to residential tenancies and provides access alternatives for tenant applicants who are unable or unwilling to use digital portals for residential housing services. It will become law on June 5, 2026.  
by MHCO
A convenient parking spot is a prized amenity at many rental properties. You and your staff may routinely field requests like, How can I get a spot closer to the building entrance or the entrance to my space? Don’t assume the person asking is just looking for a special favor. If an applicant or tenant has a mobility-related disability, they may…
by MHCO
In Oregon MHCs, non-payment of utilities is not grounds for a "nonpayment of rent" eviction. Instead, it is treated as a violation of the rental agreement, which allows for a "for-cause" termination.   
by Phil Querin
  Question. The City of Harrisburg is ending its franchise with Republic Services and will instead be contracting with the City of Junction City for garbage collection. While this change will not be implemented for a few years, we are trying to be proactive and look at all our options.  We currently have a 20-yard compactor and ten co-mingle…
by MHCO
  Issue: Time constraints may lead to insufficient documentation of interactions with prospects and residents, increasing the risk of discrimination claims. Establishing clear standard procedures that incorporate documentation requirements can help staff consistently avoid this issue.
by Phil Querin
  Caveat: The following answers are based upon my legal alchemy brewed from experience, my understanding of Oregon statutory and case law, and practical considerations balancing the costs of litigation vs. the benefits of a reasonable solution. Members should consult with their own alchemists.   Be sure to review MHCO’s recent legal article on…
by Phil Querin
  On January 28, 2020 HUD issued FHEO[1]-2020-01 (“the 2020 Regulation”). The Subject was: “Assessing a Person’s Request to Have an Animal as a Reasonable Accommodation Under the Fair Housing Act.” On September 17, 2025 the 2020 Regulation was officially withdrawn via a memorandum from the FHEO as part of a broader deregulatory effort under the…
by Phil Querin
  Effective January 1, 2026, Oregon House Bill 3522 (HB 3522) went into effect. It streamlines the legal process for property owners and landlords removing squatters. It now allows them to be evicted under Oregon’s FED law[1] which had been reserved for the removal of tenants.