In a recent case, a tenant claimed she needed an emotional support animal for a mental disability and asked the homeowners association board for an exemption from the community’s no-pet policy. Since the tenant’s disability isn’t readily apparent, the landlord asked her for verification. She provided a medical note listing her diagnosis. Although the disease is an officially recognized illness, the board wanted more information about the disability and how it affects her “major life activities.” When she refused to provide the information, the landlord moved to evict her.

Did the landlord’s request for more information about the disability go too far?

Question:  I am wondering if you can tell me how to get rid of an abandoned vehicle in our community? I have legally evicted some tenants from an owner owned home. They finally left, but I need to know how to get rid of the vehicles they left behind.

Question:  Can you evict for no cause in an RV park on a month-to-month rental agreement?

In today’s highly competitive rental market, effective advertising is crucial to attracting the right renters. But for these very same reasons, your advertising and marketing practices can get you into fair housing hot water. The advertising media you select and the message you craft may be illegally exclusive. While it can be direct and intentional—No children … Christian community … Not suitable for the disabled (which, regrettably, come from actual ads)—discriminatory advertising can also be far more subtle, so much so that it’s easy to cross the line without intending to.

This month’s lesson will help you keep your advertising and marketing practices within the bounds of fair housing laws. First, we’ll explain the fair housing advertising laws. Then, we’ll outline a strategy that will work for any landlord, whether its marketing consists of simple lawn signs, digital ads on social media websites, or anything in between. 

On December 13, 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed significant changes (SB891) to the process of non payment of rent.  MHCO requested attorney Phil Querin to do a complete analysis of the new laws and provide guidance to owners/operators of manufactured home communities in Oregon.  Phil's complete analysis is attached above - just click: "Non Payment of Rent Guidance/Analysis as of December 20, 2021 by Phil Querin" above this paragraph.  MHCO is currently working on a new flow chart and revised forms - to be posted later this week.

Question:  We have sub-metered water and are sending tenants monthly water bills. May I charge them a late fee for failure to pay the bill on time? If so, how do I go about notifying them?