Columns

  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…

  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 On September 17, 2025 the 2020 Regulation was officially withdrawn via a memorandum from the FHEO as part of a broader deregulatory effort under the…

  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.

  In  this litigious era when anyone can file a claim, Landlords and Managers must be careful in their advertising. The most obvious reasons relate to Fair Housing Claims. As covered in my previous article “Responding to ICE Inquiries,” familiarity with Federal and State Fair Housing laws is essential.   Federal and State Fair Housing Protected…

Note:   This revised article (as of 12/12/25) references SB 599 which Oregon passed in May that prohibits vetting applicants (or discriminating against them) based on immigration status.  Landlords and Managers are now being faced with inquiries/investigations involving their tenant by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). This creates…

  Picture this: A gay couple visits your leasing office asking about available one-bedroom apartments. There are two such apartments available but your leasing agent shows the couple only one. She doesn’t mention the other apartment because she wants to keep the couple away from the resident in the neighboring apartment because she’s heard him…

    Question:  What happens to the home of a tenant living alone? What protections are in place?    

  The decision often hinges on what is and isn’t “reasonable.” Fair housing laws require landlords to make “reasonable accommodations” for rental prospects and residents who have disabilities. Disagreements over whether requested accommodations are reasonable are a perennial cause of discrimination complaints. And in many cases, it falls to HUD…

Question:  I have an issue regarding late payment of rent where I own both the home and the space.  The rent is constantly late. After I file for eviction the tenant either pays before the court hearing or at the hearing.  I am then stuck with the filing fees and service fees.  What are my options?  

Four additional questions and answers regarding Oregon's new rent control law. 1. Question:  I am using MHCO leases that I will renew in three years.  The leases provides for a rent increase each year of the lease of 4.5%.  Going forward, can I now increase rent 6% each year that is left of the lease or do I have to stick with the 4.5%?   2.…