As a community manager, you will normally be charged with accepting or rejecting prospective residents. This is one of the most important functions that you will perform as a manager of a manufactured home community. Done properly and effectively, the rental application and screening process will minimize potential problems in landlord - resident relations.
In order to comply with Oregon Law, and to provide accurate records, there are several forms that are to be completed when the applicant is accepted to become a resident in the community. These forms should be completed after you have reviewed the resident's application, and completed all background checks and tenant screening, but before the resident moves into their home.
By Terry R. Dowdall, Esq.
We all know that 80% or more of a community homesites must be occupied by at least one 55+ person, and that documented proof of age must be consistently required to qualify for 55+ status under HOPA. Let's not forget that the requirements also mandate the re-survey.
When the prospective resident returns a complete and accurate written rental application, you should provide the applicant the following:
A landlord may require payment of an applicant screening charge solely to cover the costs of obtaining information about an applicant as the landlord processes the application for a rental agreement. (ORS 90.295) This activity is known as screening, and includes but is not limited to checking reference and obtaining a consumer credit report or tenant screening report.