Gen Y. Millennials. Internet Generation. Boomerang Generation. Echo Boomers. Trophy Kids. Whatever you call them, they are making a profound statement on both the marketplace and workforce in the US. Coming in at 83 million strong, they rival the Baby Boomers of 63 million and we should pay attention to this group!

This morning MHCO and several other landlords filed a lawsuit against the City of Portland to declare invalid a portion of the Renter Protection" Ordinance which requires property owners to afford tenants a minimum 90 day notice for rent increases of more than 5%. MHCO believes the notice provision is an attempt by the City Council to push the envelope to challenge the current statewide prohibition on local rent control legislation.  

We are taking this action for the following reasons (you may have to ""cut and paste"" the links below into your browser):

1. The 90 day notice provision is directly preempted by ORS 91.225.  
2. The City Council has already stated its preference in legislative hearings to enact local rent control ordinances and would likely do more if it could overcome statutory preemption. Ironically

Question: Can landlords ask just for social security numbers and deny applicants if they do not have one? Or does that start to go down the slippery slope of disparate impact? If the landlord does not require social security numbers, does that open them up liability to the rest of the community?

Do I need a license to sell manufactured homes?

Yes. Individuals or entities that sell a manufactured home on behalf of another person have always required a license.

Question: When can a manager refuse payment by check? If the name on the check does not match the resident's name can (or should) the check be refused? Should there be a park rule to back this up? If the manager refuses payment because of the name on the check and asks for money order or cash does that have to be in the rules? All of this stems from the concern of unauthorized residents becoming tenants simply because a manager accepts a check for space rent when they are not an approved tenant.

Update:  Last week the MHCO Board decided unanimously to make a major contribution to  "Say No To Rent Control".  This coalition will be working to overturn the new Portland City Code.  The MHCO Board believes that any trespassing on landlord's ability to raise raent needs to be strongly rebuked.  MHCO will be working with attorney John DiLorenzo at Davis, Wright, Tremaine LLP.  MHCO will keep you up to date as we move forward with this litigation.

In the meantime, MHCO Attorney Phil Querin has thoroughly analyzed the new code and provided a complete analysis of the new law.

By Phil Querin

Background.  On October 7, 2015, the City of Portland amended its Code to address what it believes is a shortage of available housing units for rent.  What is unique about this move is that it is directed not only at Federal or State subsidized rentals, but all rentals, whether they fall into the category of affordable housing" or not.  In order to accomplish this