MH Abandonment in Progress - Home Is Sold to Non-Resident Just Before 60 Day Letter Expires

Question - A landlord is near the end of an abandonment notice. The former resident and owner of the home without notice to the landlord sells the "abandoned" home to another person. Does the landlord have to send a new abandonment notice to the new owner and restart the 60 day clock? Answer: [Note: This answer presumes that the landlord has legally declared the abandonment, and following the statute regarding issuance of the 45-day letter. It also presumes that there are no liens on the home, since they would have prior right to determine what happens.] Interestingly, I find nothing in the abandonment statute [ORS 90.675] that prohibits the tenant from selling the home during the 45-day period following the landlord's issuance of the 45-day letter. In fact, I believe that possibility was contemplated when the statute was drafted and/or amended. [My answer might be different if the tenant sold the home after expiration of the 45-day letter, since the statute says that under that circumstance the home is conclusively presumed" to be abandoned. To me this means that the tenant had nothing to convey. But we'll deal with that issue another time.]So the real issue is not with the abandonment statute

Storage Agreement Default - Space Not Maintained - 3 Day Notice

Question - A resident moves out of their house but the daughter continues to pay a storage fee and signed a MHCO Storage Agreement. The home is not being occupied by anyone. All storage fees are current. However, no one is maintaining the yard or outside of the home. This is required under the Storage Agreement, and work needs to be performed immediately. The MHCO storage agreement refers to a three (3) day notice in the event of non-compliance. Does the community owner give a 3-day notice for non-compliance? If so, what happens next if there is no compliance? Does the landlord file an FED? Should the landlord stop accepting storage payment?Answer: You are referring to MHCO Form 35B Manufactured Home Storage Agreement (With Homeowner)." Before addressing your specific questions

Generic Community Rules and Regulations

Please Note: This form is general in nature, and some provision may not be necessary or appropriate for your community. MHCO recommends that you and your legalcounsel determine which provisions may be appropriate. User acknowledges that MHCO, it's officers, directors, and legal counsel are not providing this form as legal advice. All users should have their own legal counsel review each form used in their community.RULES AND REGULATIONSTABLE OF CONTENTSSUBJECT SECTIONGENERAL 1MANUFACTURED HOME SET UP 2MANUFACTURED HOME STANDARDS 3 MANUFACTURED HOME AND LOT MAINTENANCE 4 HOMEOWNERS AND GUESTS 5SUBLETTING 6 SALE OF MANUFACTURED HOMES 7UTILITIES 8 PETS 9COMMON AREAS 10RECREATION FACILITIES 11VEHICLES 12FIREARMS AND FIREWORKS 13 TERMINATION OF LEASE/RENTAL AGREEMENT 14REMOVAL OF MANUFACTURED HOME 15ENFORCEMENT AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION 16MEDIATION/ARBITRATION 17PARTIAL INVALIDITY 18AMENDMENT OF RULES 19IMPORTANT: Violation of the Rules and Regulations can result in the termination of your tenancy. Section 1 GENERAL1.1 These rules and regulations apply to the manufactured housing COMMUNITY known as _____________, which is referred to in these rules and regulations as "COMMUNITY".1.2 The owner and operator for COMMUNITY will be referred to in these rules and regulations as "OWNER".1.3 The owner of an individual manufactured home or dwelling who is also a park resident or tenant and who rents or leases a lot in the COMMUNITY from OWNER will be referred to in these rules and regulations as "HOMEOWNER" or "HOMEOWNERS".1.4 The manufactured homes or manufactured housing structures which HOMEOWNERS place on lots they lease/rent from OWNER in COMMUNITY will be referred to in these rules and regulations as "manufactured homes" (or singularly).1.5 The individual manufactured home spaces in COMMUNITY leased to HOMEOWNERS by OWNER will be referred to in these rules and regulations as "lots".1.6 The site/lot rental agreement entered into between OWNER and HOMEOWNER, of which these rules and regulations form an integral part, is referred to in these rules and regulations as "lot rental agreement" or "agreement".1.7 Any action required to be taken by OWNER pursuant to these rules and regulations may, unless otherwise specified, be taken by the property manager appointed by OWNER to act as its representative in connection with COMMUNITY.1.8 Any approval, consent, or waiver which these rules and regulations require to be obtained from OWNER or COMMUNITY must be obtained in writing, signed by an authorized representative of OWNER or COMMUNITY, and obtained prior to doing the act for which approval, consent, or waiver is to be obtained, particularly prior to the initiation of any construction.1.9 Any actions with which these rules and regulations deal must be taken in accordance with federal and state law and regulations, and in accordance with local ordinances, in addition to meeting the requirements of these rules and regulations.1.10 Any alterations to HOMEOWNER'S manufactured home or improvements (including fencing, painting, color scheme changes, name signs and the like) constructed on HOMEOWNER'S lot must have the prior written approval of OWNER, whether those alterations or improvements are required by the lot rental agreement or these rules and regulations or whether they are voluntarily proposed by HOMEOWNER. Improvements or alterations will usually be required to be made with factory-manufactured material.1.11 OWNER may waive one or more requirements of these rules and regulations on a showing by HOMEOWNER that special circumstances exist which distinguish its situation from that of other HOMEOWNERS. Any HOMEOWNER'S request for a waiver must be in writing and addressed to the property manager appointed by OWNER for COMMUNITY. All decisions to waive any such requirements shall be in OWNER'S sole discretion, and agreement to waive a requirement shall not constitute a waiver of OWNER'S later decision not to waive a requirement for the same or a different HOMEOWNER. OWNER may condition any waiver on HOMEOWNER'S payment of an amount to offset expenses associated with the waiver or may impose other reasonable conditions.1.12 If HOMEOWNER fails to complete improvements, do maintenance, or otherwise take some action required by these rules and regulations, OWNER has the option of taking that action for HOMEOWNER. If HOMEOWNER takes some action not in compliance with these rules and regulations (such as constructing an improvement without approval), OWNER has the option of undoing what HOMEOWNER has done. If OWNER exercises this option, HOMEOWNER shall be responsible to OWNER for OWNER'S expenses in doing the work, together with a supervisions/management fee of an additional twenty percent (20%).1.13 OWNER will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, marital status, familial status, religion, national origin, or handicap in violation of any city, state, or federal law. In determining how to meet this promise, OWNER will follow precedent under appropriate city, state, and federal statutes.1.14 COMMUNITY OWNER does not provide a security patrol or security systems. Residents are encouraged to exercise reasonable diligence and caution in securing their homes and personal property at all times. Residents observing any suspicious or illegal acts are requested to notify the police department and/or the COMMUNITY manager.1.15 Failure of COMMUNITY at any time to require performance of any Rule or Regulation contained herein shall not limit the right of COMMUNITY to enforce the Rule or Regulation, nor shall any waiver of any breach of any Rule or Regulation be a waiver of any succeeding breach of that Rule or Regulation or a waiver of that Rule or Regulation itself or any other Rule or Regulation.Section 2 MANUFACTURED HOME SET-UP2.1 OWNER is not responsible for top soil, lot preparation, foundation stability, final grading, settling, drainage, gravel or relocation of any utilities unless agreed to in writing by OWNER.2.2 HOMEOWNER agrees that HOMEOWNER has examined the condition of the lot and is aware of its condition and accepts said lot "as is" and "with all faults". HOMEOWNER further states that HOMEOWNER has not relied on OWNER/COMMUNITY for advice concerning the installation of the manufactured home and has relied and discussed such installation with a manufactured home dealer or contractor and is relying on the skill, experience and judgement of the manufactured home dealer or contractor.2.3 HOMEOWNER will give OWNER 72 hours notice before bringing their manufactured home into COMMUNITY for set-up. On arrival, OWNER will instruct HOMEOWNER and HOMEOWNER'S driver on where to park the manufactured home pending set-up.2.4 Prior to siting any manufactured home in COMMUNITY, the HOMEOWNER shall be responsible for coordinating with the COMMUNITY manager to specifically locate the position of the manufactured home on the lot. Corner stakes will be set on the lot to locate the proper position of the home relative to the street and lot corners. The HOMEOWNER will be responsible for coordinating with the manufactured home dealer and/or transportation company that moves the manufactured home to ensure that the manufactured home is properly positioned on the lot. All HOMEOWNERS with mortgaged, manufactured homes who are purchasing their home on a contract shall furnish to the Manager, the name and address of the lienholder or mortgagee prior to moving the home into the Community.2.5 On arrival at COMMUNITY for set-up, HOMEOWNER will register with OWNER the license number of the vehicle which is towing their manufactured home and the license number of the manufactured home, if required to be licensed. If the manufactured home is not required to be licensed, HOMEOWNER will register with OWNER the manufactured home's color, make, model and dimensions.2.6 All aspects of manufactured home siting and set-up, including electrical, gas, telephone, sewer, water, and cable television hook-ups, as well as provision of required foundation or footings, and any other necessary blocking, are the sole responsibility of HOMEOWNER.2.7 As a part of hooking-up to COMMUNITY'S water system, HOMEOWNER will install a back flow device at HOMEOWNER'S expense.2.8 HOMEOWNER is responsible for any damage caused to their lot, other lots, streets, or any portion of COMMUNITY during the siting or removal of their manufactured home and shall reimburse OWNER or other HOMEOWNERS, as appropriate, for any loss suffered.2.9 HOMEOWNER is responsible for connecting the manufactured home to the sewer line with rigid pipe. The manufactured home must be placed on the lot so as to cover or enclose sewer and water connections, as required by law.2.10 HOMEOWNER must remove any towing hitch within thirty (30) days after the manufactured home is placed on the lot.2.11 Temporary steps must be removed within thirty (30) days of set-up and replaced with permanent steps.2.12 HOMEOWNER will not be entitled to move into their manufactured home until siting and set-up have been approved by OWNER.Section 3 MANUFACTURED HOME STANDARD3.1 Prior to siting any manufactured home in COMMUNITY, the HOMEOWNER shall be responsible for providing the manager and/or OWNER a copy of the manufactured home purchase agreement (if the home is new) or accurate description of the manufactured home that confirms that the purchase agreement includes all required improvements as set forth in Section 3 of the COMMUNITY rules and regulations. Specifically including skirting, decking, awnings, and storage building. In those cases where a HOMEOWNER is moving a qualifying manufactured home into COMMUNITY that is not a new purchase, the HOMEOWNER shall be responsible for providing a photograph together with complete descriptive information identifying the size and materials of all improvements including storage structures that will be sited in the COMMUNITY. All home roofs must have composition asphalt shingles or the equivalent with a gable profile.3.2 No permanent alterations are to be made to the manufactured home, or manufactured home lot without the prior written permission of OWNER (including fencing, painting, color scheme changes, etc.). The OWNER reserves the right to approve any exterior accessory or structure added to the manufactured home or placed on the manufactured home lot prior to its installation. All structures must be of factory-manufactured material or specifically approved in writing by the OWNER prior to construction and/or installation. The OWNER reserves the right to request that all permanent structures erected by a HOMEOWNER be removed at the HOMEOWNER'S expense when the HOMEOWNER moves from the COMMUNITY.3.3 All homes, accessories, and/or alterations/additions shall comply with applicable federal, state and local statutes and ordinances as to their construction, installation and maintenance.3.4 No manufactured home, accessory structure or addition, including awnings, decks, etc., may be placed closer than permitted by county/city set back requirements to any lot boundary line. No manufactured home, accessory structure and/or addition to include decks, awnings, porches, etc., may be placed closer than 8' from any electrical transformer.3.5 All homes must have a window of not less than 12 square feet on the side of the home facing the street; example: 3'6" wide by 3'6" high. A smaller window may be allowed with the prior written approval of OWNER on the condition that the HOMEOWNER install landscaping acceptable to OWNER across the front of the home to visually compensate for the lack of a window(s). The window(s) facing the street must have wood trim painted a complementary color.3.6 Homes moving into COMMUNITY must be a minimum of 24' wide (unless a lesser width is approved by OWNER pursuant to paragraph 1.11), and must be approved by COMMUNITY management prior to move-in. A home will normally not be accepted if it is more than five years old as of the date of move-in. Management reserves the right to refuse admission to any home that does not meet COMMUNITY standards or the condition and/or appearance of the manufactured home is misrepresented.3.7 All homes are required to have wood, vinyl or aluminum lap siding. Skirting must be of a similar material as the siding on the home and painted/stained to match the siding or trim color. Wood skirting must have a 2" X 6" pressure treated base plate adjacent to the ground and be made of pre-treated/weatherized material that is compatible in design to the exterior of the home. Brick, rock or ornamental skirting is also acceptable. Skirting must be continuous; any noticeable cracks or seams between the skirting panels must be caulked within thirty (30) days following set-up. Corrugated metal or fiberglass skirting is NOT allowed. All skirting must have an access panel (minimum dimensions 18' X 24") that does not require tools for opening or closing and is located so that fuel, electric and water and sewer connections are readily accessible for inspection and repair.3.8 Within thirty (30) days of set-up, each HOMEOWNER shall be responsible for installing the lot number of their home on the front side of the home approximately 5' above ground level.3.9 HOMEOWNER is responsible for installing or constructing the following within thirty (30) days of set-up of its manufactured home:a) Pre-treated wood skirting compatible with the manufactured home and painted to match it, or some other suitable siding approved by OWNER pursuant to paragraph 1.11. b) Pre-painted continuous aluminum or galvanized metal gutters and down spouts connected by underground 3" rigid or corrugated pipe to the curb, gutters must be of continuous metal fabrication;c) Two above ground hosebibs, one on each side of the manufactured home;d) A storage building which:1) is not smaller than 6' X 8' or larger than 15' X 10';2) is constructed as part of the carport using wood or pre-treated wood siding (whether or not prefabricated) painted to match the manufactured home; and3) is roofed with asphalt shingles compatible with the color and style of the manufactured home; 4) pre-fabricated wood or metal storage sheds are allowed subject to prior written authorization from COMMUNITY management.3.10 All manufactured homes must have awnings and decks not smaller than specified below unless otherwise approved by OWNER. Exceptions to minimum size requirements may be approved by OWNER if HOMEOWNER'S lot will not accommodate structures of the stated dimensions. All plans for decks and awnings must be approved by OWNER prior to installation and construction. OWNER may agree to elimination of the front door awning, but such agreement must be in writing at the time of move-in. Any deck area shall total no more than 500 square feet. Minimum deck sizes shall be as follows:* Patio Side: Deck - 4' X 6' or 24 square feet of continuous deck.* Awning - 4' X 6' or 24 square feet of continuous aluminum factory/manufactured or wood frame awning.* Carport Side: Deck 3' X 6' (including steps)Awning - 12' X 26' or 312 square feet of wood or wood frame carport. Homes within COMMUNITY that have installed a deck and/or awning prior to the issuance of these Rules and Regulations shall be exempt from this requirement. Corrugated metal or fiberglass awnings are not allowed.3.11 Decks and porches must be skirted with either manufactured skirting of a similar style and color as the skirting used to skirt the manufactured home or fully enclosed with pre-treated wood so as to be compatible with the design of the porch and deck. All skirting must be continuous and have an access panel (with minimum dimensions of 18" by 24"), and the access panel shall not require tools for opening or closing. All decks, porches and steps must have hand rails. Vertical slats/railings made of 2" X 2" material on 4" centers must be installed between the top of the railing and the deck and step treads. Decks must be constructed of 2" X 4" or 2" X 6" pressure treated/weatherized wood.Awnings and decks must be installed within thirty (30) days following set-up of the manufactured home unless other arrangements have been made in writing with OWNER.Any wood frame patio awning or carport awning must have a composition roof, be designed and painted to match the manufactured home and be approved by OWNER in writing prior to its construction. The carport awning must be a minimum of 12 feet wide unless the terrain or the lot size or shape limit the awning size to a narrower width. Garages may be constructed in lieu of a carport but must be the same color as and compatible with the manufactured home and shall be constructed only with OWNER'S prior written approval.3.12 All above-ground piping must be protected from freezing with adequate heat tape and wrapped with insulation. All above-ground plumbing must be connected to an underground shut off/gate valve that is accessible and maintained in good working order at all times. HOMEOWNERS are responsible for bleeding outside water lines prior to subfreezing weather conditions. Any damage or expense caused by freezing pipes will be borne by the HOMEOWNER.3.13 Each HOMEOWNER shall receive a Lot LANDSCAPING WORKSHEET at the time HOMEOWNER makes application for residency. The worksheet will outline a general landscaping plan which shall be used as a model for preparing the HOMEOWNER'S landscape plan. Prior to siting of the manufactured home, HOMEOWNER must submit a lot landscaping plan to OWNER for review and approval. No home will be allowed to move into COMMUNITY until the lot landscaping plan has been approved by OWNER. Not later than ninety (90) days following move-in, each new HOMEOWNER shall be required to install sufficient landscaping so as to meet the minimum landscape standards set forth below.A. Landscape Plan with Front Yard Lawn: If the HOMEOWNER elects to install a lawn in the front, side or rear yard areas of their lot, the lawn must be mowed regularly and kept weed free. In those cases where a HOMEOWNER elects to install a front yard lawn, a minimum 24" wide planting bed must be installed across the front of the HOMEOWNER'S home. A minimum of ten evergreen shrubs, measuring 18"-21" or alternately, in 3 gallon containers must be installed in the front yard planting bed.B. Landscape Plan without Front Yard Lawn: If a HOMEOWNER elects not to install a lawn in their front yard, acceptable alternatives include weed barrier fabric covered with decorative rock or bark mulch together with a minimum of not less than ten evergreen shrubs, measuring either 18"-20" in size or in 3-5 gallon containers plus not less than five additional shrubs or plants of a size not smaller than 1-gallon in size. All yard areas that are covered with decorative rock or bark must be kept weed free at all times.C. All HOMEOWNERS are required to landscape and maintain the yard area next to their driveway that lies within the boundary of their lot. HOMEOWNERS are encouraged to install landscaping on their neighbor's lot or may make arrangements with their neighbor to allow the neighbor to improve and/or maintain the landscaping in this area if both parties agree.3.14 Prior to moving into COMMUNITY and as a deposit to insure HOMEOWNER'S landscaping is completed, HOMEOWNER shall provide to OWNER a signed promissory note, payable to OWNER, in the amount of $1,000.00. OWNER shall have the right to recover from the promissory note, such sums expended by OWNER in correcting and/or completing HOMEOWNER'S landscaping. The promissory note (or any funds remaining if landscaping was done by OWNER) shall be returned to HOMEOWNER on completion of all required landscaping work.3.15 HOMEOWNER shall install an in-ground sprinkler system with an automatic timer within ninety (90) days of siting the home. HOMEOWNER is required to repair and maintain the system in good working order at all times. 3.16 OWNER reserves the right to make reasonable modifications to the manufactured home standards identified herein to accommodate special circumstances which may be dictated herein by the terrain of the COMMUNITY or individual lots.3.17 No excavation of any kind shall take place until and unless the park has been notified due to the existence of underground utilities.Section 4 MANUFACTURED HOME AND LOT MAINTENANCE4.1 HOMEOWNER is responsible for maintaining and keeping clean and in good repair the exterior of their manufactured home, as well as all appurtenant structures such as decks, steps, storage building(s) and fences at all times. All wooden structures such as decks, hand railings, storage buildings, etc., shall be painted or stained as necessary to prevent their visual and/or physical deterioration. The exterior finish of the home must be maintained to the satisfaction of the Owner/Community, which may require painting as needed with a color pre-approved by Owner.4.2 HOMEOWNER is responsible for maintaining all lawn areas, flowers, shrubbery and trees within the boundaries of their lot. Lawns must be mowed on a regular basis during the spring/summer/fall growing season, edged, kept free of weeds and watered as necessary. All slopes must be planted with erosion deterrent plants.If the landscaping is not properly maintained, OWNER may, but is not required to, perform or have performed whatever landscape maintenance may be required and charge the HOMEOWNER directly. If the HOMEOWNER consistently fails to maintain the space, OWNER reserves the right to evict the HOMEOWNER. If HOMEOWNER wastes water and allows water to run into the street, OWNER may impose a charge each time the HOMEOWNER wastes water. 4.3 All landscaping improvements made to the manufactured home lot as provided by this Agreement shall, upon termination of tenancy, by either the HOMEOWNER or COMMUNITY management/ owner become the property of OWNER except as provided herein below. The HOMEOWNER may remove and those landscape improvements that OWNER AND HOMEOWNER have agreed upon in writing and signed by all parties.4.4 HOMEOWNERS absent for an extended period of time - two weeks or more (14 consecutive days) shall be responsible for arranging for the care and maintenance of their lot during their absence.4.5 Fences over 48" high are not permitted. Chain link fences and cedar fences are allowed and may be installed only in the rear yard area of the manufactured home lot. Chain link fences require metal fence posts set in concrete and stretched fencing fabric. All cedar fences shall be 36" in height with a 12" lattice top rail and be constructed as per applicable building code regulations. All fences, including color of paint or stain, must be approved in writing by OWNER prior to installation. HOMEOWNER is responsible for maintaining any fence located on HOMEOWNER'S property.4.6 If HOMEOWNER constructs a rear yard fence, as outlined in paragraph 4.5, HOMEOWNER will be responsible for a twelve inch mowing strip along the outside of the fence, whether or not that strip is HOMEOWNER'S lot or COMMUNITY property.4.7 Common areas, driveways, streets and HOMEOWNER'S lots, including porches and decks, are to be kept clean and free from trash and litter at all times. Personal property of HOMEOWNER'S or HOMEOWNER'S guests shall not be permitted to be left in the streets, other HOMEOWNER'S lots, or the common areas. Garbage cans, gardening tools and equipment, etc., must be stored inside the HOMEOWNER'S storage shed.4.8 Furniture left outside a home shall be limited to items commonly accepted as outdoor or patio furniture. Storage of any type beneath the mobile home including material of explosive nature is prohibited (Oregon State Law). Standard patio furniture and a park approved storage cabinet will be permitted to present a clean and neat external appearance. Any household appliance, exercise equipment or upholstered furniture cannot be placed outside the mobile home. Boats, travel trailers, unmounted campers or unsightly objects are not to be stored on HOMEOWNER lots or parking areas. Special storage problems should be coordinated with Management in advance.4.9 Stacking or storage of firewood is limited to one cord. Firewood must be stored behind the manufactured home or in an approved storage shed. All wood and pellet burning stoves that do not contain a seal of certification by the Oregon DEQ or federal VA are not allowed in COMMUNITY, and must be removed upon sale of the home. Any tarps used to cover firewood must blend with the surroundings and/or be compatible in color 4.10 Clothes lines or clothes line poles are not allowed. Clothing, linens, rugs, etc., are not to be draped over deck or porch railings or otherwise left outside the HOMEOWNER'S manufactured home.4.11 HOMEOWNER may erect play/exercise equipment in HOMEOWNER?S backyard with OWNER'S prior written permission. All play/exercise equipment must be located behind the manufactured home and within the designated boundaries of the HOMEOWNER'S yard. HOMEOWNER assumes responsibility for maintaining all such equipment in serviceable condition and agrees to remove the equipment when the tenancy is terminated. Permission to have play/exercise equipment on the lot is subject to revocation at any time if OWNER determines that the equipment is dangerous, inherently unsafe, being used by HOMEOWNER or HOMEOWNER'S guests in an inappropriate, abusive or disruptive or noisy manner or in need of repair. As a condition to granting consent to install such play/exercise equipment, OWNER shall have the right to require the HOMEOWNER provides proof of liability insurance of not less than $250,000 naming the OWNER and COMMUNITY as co-insureds. All such decisions by OWNER shall be in OWNER'S sole discretion and shall be final. Above ground pools (wading pools, hot tubs/spas, etc.) are permitted only with written permission from OWNER. HOMEOWNER agrees to defend and hold the OWNER and OWNER'S Agents harmless from any and all claims, suits, damages and actions resulting from play/exercise equipment and/or above ground pools (wading pools, hot tubs/spas, etc.). Wading pools are to be emptied after each use and hot tubs/spas are to be covered after each use.4.12 HOMEOWNERS must remove (take down) any holiday decorations from their manufactured home, yard and/or space within thirty (30) days after the celebrated holiday.4.13 Backboards may not be installed on carports, awnings, or other structures located on the HOMEOWNER'S lot. Portable backboards/stands are allowed with the prior written approval of OWNER.4.14 HOMEOWNER is responsible for installing, maintaining, and keeping clean and in good repair approved window coverings which may include curtains, drapes, shutters or blinds, etc., in all windows of the home. Unapproved window coverings include, but are not limited to, sheets, blankets, table cloths, and plastics, etc.4.15 Exterior window blinds are allowed with the prior written permission of OWNER. Bamboo or reed exterior blinds are NOT allowed. Exterior blinds must be of a color that matches the exterior siding or trim color and must be maintained by the HOMEOWNER in a serviceable condition at all times.4.16 Signs, Posters, Decals, Prints, Pictures, etc., are not to be displayed in windows or on the home at any time. Political yard signs are permitted during an election campaign however must be removed within forty eight hours after Election Day. No sign shall be larger than 18" X 24" or 432 square inches. Section 5 HOMEOWNERS AND GUESTS5.1 The tenancy agreed on in the rental agreement is based on occupancy of the manufactured home by the persons identified in the agreement. Any additional occupants must be approved by OWNER prior to move-in.5.2 In accordance with Oregon law, the total number of permanent residents in any manufactured home shall not be greater than two per bedroom in the manufactured home.5.3 HOMEOWNER is responsible for the actions of other occupants of manufactured home, guests, licensees and invitees. No trespassing by HOMEOWNER or HOMEOWNER'S' guests on other spaces is allowed. 5.4 No commercial trade or business nor gratuitous baby-sitting may be conducted out of HOMEOWNER'S manufactured home or on its lot in COMMUNITY.5.5 No one will carry on any obnoxious or offensive activity which OWNER believes is or may become a danger or annoyance or nuisance to COMMUNITY or other HOMEOWNERS.5.6 Guests of HOMEOWNER may not remain in COMMUNITY for more than fourteen (14) days in any year (whether consecutively or cumulatively) unless written authorization is received from OWNER. HOMEOWNERS are responsible for their guest's actions. Guests desiring to become residents of the manufactured home, must apply for residency, and shall be subject to Owner's approval. Such application shall be made during the fourteen (14) period. Requests for residency by HOMEOWNER'S guests that are submitted after expiration of the fourteen (14) day period are discouraged and may not be approved due to the late submission. Under such circumstances, the criteria used by Owner for screening the guest's application for tenancy are as follows: 1) prior rental references, 2) credit references, 3) employment status, 4) ability to pay rent and other expenses arising under the rental agreement with the park, 5) criminal records (including indictments and convictions), 6) the availability of information required under the parks application for tenancy, 7) the guest's willingness to enter into a rental agreement with the park, and the timeliness (i.e.. during the fourteen (14) day period).5.7 HOMEOWNER, will respect the peace of COMMUNITY and see that guests do the same. Neither HOMEOWNER nor guests shall cause unreasonably loud or disturbing noise through parties, radios, televisions, stereo equipment, musical instruments, chain saws, motorcycles, automobiles, pets, etc. There is a noise abatement curfew from 10:00 p.m. until 7:00 a.m.5.8 HOMEOWNER will provide OWNER with the name of a person to be contacted in the event of HOMEOWNER'S death.5.9 HOMEOWNER will provide OWNER with proof of ownership for the manufactured home occupied by HOMEOWNER consisting of a) copy of the bill of sale for manufactured home prior to move-in and/or occupancy, and b) copy of the title and vehicle I.D. information from Oregon Building Codes Division within sixty (60) days after move-in.5.10 HOMEOWNER will, upon request of OWNER, provide OWNER with proof of insurance and proof of good standing with the county showing that the personal property taxes have been paid for the manufactured home for the current personal property tax year.5.11 HOMEOWNER is responsible for registering the manufactured home registration plate (X-plate) with Owner prior to move-in and/or occupancy.5.12 Two annual COMMUNITY garage sales will be permitted for all HOMEOWNERS in the COMMUNITY on two predetermined weekends in the spring and fall. HOMEOWNERS are responsible for coordinating which two weekends each year the garage sales will take place. Each garage sale is not to last more than one weekend (three days). Prior approval must be obtained from OWNER as to which weekends and times each COMMUNITY garage sale is scheduled to prevent interference with other COMMUNITY projects. NO INDIVIDUAL GARAGE SALES ARE ALLOWED.5.13 Tampering with mail addressed to others is a federal offense and is a basis for eviction.Section 6 SUBLETTING6.1 No rental or subletting of a manufactured home is permitted. Manufactured homes must be owner-occupied.6.2 Any person occupying a manufactured home to care for it (i.e., a "house-sitter") during an absence by HOMEOWNER in excess of 30 days must be approved by OWNER prior to occupying the manufactured home. OWNER reserves the right to require the same background check for such person as for an occupant requesting residency at Section 5.6 above.6.3 Under exceptional circumstances, the OWNER and/or COMMUNITY Manager may approve the use of a manufactured home by other than the owner; however, prior written permission must be obtained in advance from OWNER.Section 7 SALE OF MANUFACTURED HOMES7.1 Prospective purchasers of a manufa

Dealer Sells Home With Rent Being Owed to Landlord

Question: A home was purchased by a local dealer from a resident who had not paid rent for several months. The dealer then sold the home to another person who applied for tenancy and passed the screening criteria. The landlord wants the past due rent ($900) paid before permitting applicant to move into the home. Can the landlord go after the dealer to pay the past due rent? Can the landlord keep the applicant from moving in until the $900 is paid? Should the landlord have given some notice to the existing tenant, the dealer, and/or the prospective tenant, regarding how the unpaid rent should be handled? What about other expenses the tenant who sold the home ran up, such as utilities, late fees, maintenance clean up expenses, etc.? What do you suggest as far as notices to the dealer stating the amount of money owed? The dealer is not the lien holder.

Answer: Landlords should become intimately familiar with ORS 90.680, and then make sure their rules and rental agreements conform to what is allowed. Set forth below is a summary of those portions of the statute that address your questions:

o If the prospective purchaser of a manufactured dwelling or floating home desires to leave the dwelling or home on the rented space and become a tenant, the landlord may require the following:

o That a tenant give not more than 10 days' notice in writing prior to the sale of the dwelling or home on a rented space;

o That prior to the sale, the prospective purchaser submit to the landlord a complete and accurate written application for occupancy of the dwelling or home as a tenant after the sale is finalized;

o That a prospective purchaser may not occupy the dwelling or home until after the prospective purchaser is accepted by the landlord as a tenant;

o That a tenant give notice to any lienholder, prospective purchaser or person licensed to sell dwellings or homes of the requirements of the resale requirements [Emphasis mine - PCQ];

o If the sale is not by a lienholder, that the prospective purchaser pay in full all rents, fees, deposits or charges owed by the tenant prior to the landlord's acceptance of the prospective purchaser as a tenant [Emphasis mine];

o If the landlord's rules and/or rental agreement requires prospective purchasers to submit an application for occupancy as a tenant, at the time that the landlord gives the prospective purchaser an application the landlord shall also give the prospective purchaser copies of the statement of policy, the rental agreement and the facility rules and regulations, including any conditions imposed on a subsequent sale ;

o The following conditions apply if a landlord receives an application for tenancy from a prospective purchaser:

o The landlord shall accept or reject the prospective purchaser's application within seven days following the day the landlord receives a complete and accurate written application ;

o An application is not complete until the prospective purchaser pays any required applicant screening charge and provides the landlord with all information and documentation, including any financial data and references, required by the landlord;

o The landlord may not unreasonably reject a prospective purchaser as a tenant. Reasonable cause for rejection includes, but is not limited to:

o Failure of the prospective purchaser to meet the landlord's conditions for approval;

o Failure of the prospective purchaser's references to respond to the landlord's timely request for verification within the time allowed for acceptance or rejection;

o In most cases, the landlord must furnish to the seller and purchaser a written statement of the reasons for any rejection ;

o The landlord may give the tenant selling the home a notice to repair the home [e.g. for damage or deterioration] under ORS 90.632. The landlord may also give any prospective purchaser a copy of that notice.

o The landlord may require as a condition of tenancy that a prospective purchaser who desires to leave the dwelling or home on the rented space and become a tenant must comply with the repair notice within the allowed period under ORS 90.632.

o If the tenancy has been terminated for failure to timely complete the repairs under ORS 90.632, a prospective purchaser does not have a right to leave the dwelling or home on the rented space and become a tenant.

Obviously, the statute was drafted with tenant/purchasers in mind. However, as long as the home remains on the space, the landlord has complete control over the situation. In your case, I suspect the delinquent tenant made no effort to notify the landlord of his planned sale to the dealer. However, that does not prevent him from imposing these requirements on the dealer if he wants to put a tenant in the park.

Going forward, it might be advisable for all landlords who have faced this situation before, to prepare a summary of requirements to give dealers when they purchase homes from tenants already sited in the park. They may want to expressly address this in their rules, so tenants cannot say they didn't know. The written summary to dealers should clearly state that if a departing tenant owes monies to the landlord, repayment will be required before occupancy of the home will be permitted by a new resident. [A more difficult question that is not addressed by the statute, ORS 90.680, is whether the landlord may prevent the dealer from removing the home without paying the past due sums. I suspect the answer may be Yes" a landlord may do so

Beyond The SAFE ACT with Blackhawk Capital Group

By Kris Monte - President Blackhawk Capital Group

E-mail: kmonte@bhcapitalgroup.com

The SAFE Act has received a lot of attention lately by park owners, but did you know that it's really only one law of many state and federal lending regulations you are required to comply with when selling homes on contract?

The SAFE Act requires you, the park owner, to either use a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator such as Blackhawk Capital Group or obtain your own origination licensing in order to sell your park homes on installment contracts. However, the greater issue is that obtaining those licenses for most companies is really a small step towards being fully compliant when acting as a creditor. Below are just a few of the other regulations that you need to follow as a creditor.

1) The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (DFA) established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) as an independent entity housed within the Federal Reserve Board (FRB). The newly created CFPB is the primary regulator for non-depository lenders with the broad authority to write rules to protect consumers, a.k.a. borrowers"

Rent to Own and SAFE Act Implications

Question: We just acquired a manufactured home in our community. I would rather sell it to a new tenant, but would consider renting it out or doing a rent-to-own. If I pursue rent-to-own option, will I be subject to the new SAFE Act?

Answer: Remember that the SAFE Act only applies if the seller/landlord is providing financing, and in doing so, is going to make a credit decision regarding the buyer's financial capacity.

In short, so long as you don't extend credit (which includes carrying back a security agreement or other form of installment payment contract) you're not subject to the Act. If you do a credit check for your prospective tenant, this would not be covered by SAFE. Make sure that your lease/option or rent-to-own paperwork is reviewed by legal counsel - and under no circumstances do you want to offer an extension of credit in the transactional documents. Under SAFE, if you extend credit for the purchase of the home you would have to be a Mortgage Loan Originator as described in the Act. I did an extensive summary (FAQs) on the SAFE Act, and you can link directly to it on the MHCO website.

However, on another note, you might want to consider what you are getting into as a landlord of mobile homes. First, you will be responsible for providing certain statutory essential services" which are far more extensive than if you were merely a landlord of the space. Additionally

Resident Pays After FED Issued Settles Before Hearing

Question: We have had to file two consecutive FED Complaints against a resident. The day before the first appearance for each case, the resident tender the rent that was due, although he do not pay the court fees of $115.00. After two months of this, he owes us $230.00. He promises to repay this amount but does not. Now rent is due for January, 2012. We are sure the same thing will happen again. How can we collect the court fees?

Answer: I assume that when he tenders the rent, you accept it and report to the court that the case is to be dismissed. This means that any leverage you had to make the full payment, including court fees, has disappeared. You might consider one of the two following alternatives:

1. Since the 72 hours has already expired and you've had to file the FED complaint, you are not required to accept the rent unless he agrees to pay the court fees. Next time, if he declines, don't let the case be dismissed. Go to the regularly scheduled first appearance. If he shows up, tell the judge you'd gladly permit him to stay if he pays the filing fees. If he can't afford to pay it in one lump sum, negotiate a repayment plan (e.g. 50% next month and 50% the following month). Then have the judge put the agreement in a Stipulated Judgment of Restitution, which means that if he doesn't pay the sums do as scheduled, you can go back to court to have him evicted.

2. Under Oregon's "three strikes"law [ORS 90.630(8)-(10)], if a resident is issued three 72-hour notices within a rolling 12 month period, you can issue them a 30-day non-curable eviction notice, on or shortly after, the third strike. Then you can say to the resident that you will permit them to stay only on condition of payment of the outstanding court fees. Obviously, this is a pretty big hammer and if they can't pay the fees all at once, you should negotiate partial payments, similar to what I suggested above. However, this alternative would automatically not result in a "Stipulated Judgment of Restitution"(you would have to be in court to get that). For that reason, I prefer No. 1 over No. 2.

Changing 55 and Older Status and Community Rules

Question: A landlord changed the status of the community from "Family" to "55&Older" in June. Management did not change the rules and regulations. However, they did advertise the community as "55&Older -"; identified that status in the community's Application Criteria; and have met the requirements of the "80/20 Rule". Now the community owner is changing the rules. One of the many rule change includes altering the status of the community from "Family" to "55 & Older". It is likely that the residents will have enough votes in the petition to vote down the rule changes. Where does this leave the community's "55 & Older Status"? Does that status actually need to be in the rules?Answer: I believe the rule change is essential. The reason is that it is the primary document (along with the rental agreement) that defines how the park is to operate under a 55+ regime. Here is a brief summary of how these conversions should occur:Currently, in order to qualify for the 55+ exemption under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1989 ("FHAA -") and the Housing for Older Persons Act ("HIPA -") of 1999, a community must comply with the following requirements:1. Be intended and operated for persons age 55 or over. This intent can be met by such things as (1) The manner in which the community is described to prospective residents; (2) Advertising designed to attract prospective residents; (3) Lease or rental provisions; (4) The written rules and regulations; (5) Consistent application of the rules, regulations and procedures; (6) Actual practices; and (7) Publicly posting statements describing the facility as a 55+ community. The age verification procedures must be updated every two years. This means maintaining a complete file on each space, including with the tenant application updated information, circulated every two years, confirming the names and ages of all persons who are currently residing in the home.2. Have at least one person who is 55 years of age or older living in at least 80% of its occupied units. This 80/20 rule is critical. Generally, communities strive to be over 80%, since falling below 80% means immediate disqualification. Does this mean that the 20% margin must be reserved for families with children? The answer is "No." In fact, a 55+ community may strive for 100% occupancy by persons age 55 or over. Does it mean that community management must accept otherwise qualified age 55+ applicants when the second or subsequent person occupant is 18 years of age or older? Again, the answer is "No." If desired, the community may increase the age requirement for the second or subsequent occupant to 25 years, 30 years, or even 55+ years. Similarly, the community may impose a more restrictive minimum age requirement than 55. However, it is important for park owners and managers to make sure that all such age/occupancy requirements be properly reflected in the community's Rules and the Statement of Policy - and be consistently applied. 3. Publish and adhere to policies and procedures that demonstrate an intent to be operated as a 55+ community. This requirement is fairly self-explanatory. The community must make sure that in all that it does, from its advertising, rules, rental agreements, and all other policies, it always hold itself out as a 55+ facility. 4. Comply with HUD age verification of occupancy procedures to substantiate compliance with the requirement that 80% of the facility be intended to be occupied by at least one person age 55 or over. The law provides that the following documents are considered reliable for such verification: (1) Driver's license; (2) Birth certificate; (3) Passport; (4) Immigration card; (5) Military identification; (6) Any other state, local, national, or international official documents containing a birth date of comparable reliability or; (7) A certification in a lease, application, affidavit, or other document signed by an adult member of the household asserting that at least one person in the unit is 55 years of age or older. Today, if the community can meet the HOPA requirements in all respects (not because it discriminated in getting there, but simply by attrition of family occupants and the influx of more 55+ residents), it should be permitted to do so. The process would be fairly simple for those communities that exceed the minimum 80% floor (i.e. at least one occupant age 55 or over): Implement a rules change to conform with the 55+ laws, combined with new published policies and age verification procedures, which confirm the community's 55+ status. One caveat: Even though the Oregon landlord-tenant law does permit rules changes to implement material modifications in the parties' bargain, there is a risk of possible argument by families in the community, complaining that they are now limited in the pool of available buyers for their homes. However, this risk can be remedied by "grandfathering"those family residents in, thereby permitting them to sell their homes to other families. This assumes, of course, that by doing so, the community would not jeopardize its 80%-20% ratio. Before proceeding down this path, park owners are urged to contact their own legal counsel familiar with the FFHA and HOPA for advice and direction.

Landlord Requirements to have licensed plumber or electrician

Question: A landlord recently purchased a manufactured home in his community. He wants to fix the home up and then resell it. Does the landlord have to be a licensed plumber or electrician to do the respective work on the home?

Answer: Yes! It's one thing to be performing repairs on one's own home, and quite another to be doing so on a home intended for re-sale. But keep in mind that in either case, the repairs have to conform to all of the specialty codes - which is a reason enough for using a licensed and bonded contractor in either event. From a liability standpoint, the contractor should be thoroughly vetted through the Construction Contractor's Board. Make sure that the contractor has no complaints or other Board action. If the home is to be sold on an installment contract, make sure a current form of security agreement is used. Make sure the lien is properly filed with the Department of Consumer and Business Services and appears on the title to the purchaser's home until it is paid off. Make sure the Bill of Sale and, if applicable, the retail installment contract, both have extensive AS-IS language, making no express warranties and disclaiming all implied warranties. Make sure the buyer gets their own inspection of the home, inside and out, including all systems such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc. I don't recommend letting the buyer waive the inspection - it could come back and bite the landlord if an unknown defect is later found. The landlord wants the buyer relying on his own expert, not on anything the landlord says. After the sale the landlord does not want any lingering liabilities. The landlord may likely have to be licensed as a dealer under ORS 446.003(8). Review ORS 446.616 for the rules concerning transfer of an interest in a manufactured home. Review ORS 446.611 for the rules regarding perfecting a security interest in the home. See ORS 446.641 regarding notification to the county of a transfer of ownership in the home. The landlord should be careful to record his interest first once it is acquired - and make sure title is clear when he first receives it. Otherwise, he may find himself trying to transfer an interest that the public records show belongs to his predecessor and/or has unreleased liens on it.

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