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This Primary
Election, our industry experienced a tremendous defeat with the loss
of Senator Rod
Monroe (D-Portland). During the 2017 legislative
session, he stood up to Speaker Kotek and the House of
Representatives bill to end no-cause termination notices and impose
rent control. Unfortunately, that resulted in the advocates taking
him out in the Primary election.
We can’t let
this happen again. This
coming November election is critical. Either, we
elect legislators who will help us manage our properties or we may
face future set backs with rent control and/or the loss of no-cause
evictions.
The Speaker
sees the defeat of Senator Rod Monroe as one step closer.
... read more
Mind Your Business – Tia’s Tips for
Better Rental Management
Assistance
Animals: Best Practices for Landlords
Federal Fair
Housing laws prohibit discrimination against people who are members
of protected classes, in the advertising, sale or leasing of real
estate. For rental owners, that means making exceptions to your
standard policies or allowing a modification of the premises in order
to allow a member of a protected class (in this case a disabled
person) the opportunity to enjoy the dwelling unit the way a
nondisabled person could by allowing the keeping of an animal that is
not a pet. Under the law, an animal that assists a disabled person is
seen as an assistive device.
When it comes
to things like wheelchair ramps, visual smoke alarms or shower grab
bars, rental owners by and large have no objection to making an
exception. Some accommodations such as longer grace periods for rent
payments or a dedicated space in a first-come, first-served parking
lot, can generate some grumbling. But absolutely nothing causes more
upset and opposition than the idea of assistance animals – especially
for “no pet” rental owners.
... read more
Accessory
unit: A family’s quest stymied
When you see
the spot where Marcie Howard and her husband, Gary, would like to
build a small house on the property of their son, it’s hard to see
why the city of Albany and Mayor Sharon Konopa won’t let them.
The Howards
moved to Albany last fall from the north Oregon coast after Gary, 76,
had major surgeries close together and was suffering from the
effects. They hoped to build a place behind the house of their son,
Douglas Howard, on his 1.7-acre property between Broadway Street and
the Calapooia River floodplain.
... read more
Understanding
the Proposed Screening Criteria Reform in Portland, Oregon
If you
haven’t already heard, Commissioner Eudaly’s office has been working
on a proposal to regulate tenant applications, along with screenings,
approvals, denials, and move-in costs related to residential rental
units in Portland, Oregon. Earlier this week, the commissioner
released the latest draft of the proposal. I have included a copy at
the end of this article, if you want to read the complete text. The
Portland City Council is hoping to consider this ordinance during a
council meeting in mid to late September. It is important to keep in
mind that this is a working draft, so it may change before it
officially goes before the city council. As you will see, this is a
very comprehensive proposal, so it is worth reading the entire
document. I have done my best to summarize the most significant parts
for you.
... read more
Security
Responsibilities as a Landlord
Question:
“What’s my
responsibility for security at my rental properties?”
... read more
A
Look at Injury Liability for Landlords and Property Managers
Tenant
festivities, whether during the busy holiday season, the long days of
summer or at any time of the year, are a great way for people to
enjoy their home and the amenities your property offers. But
sometimes the merry-making — or even the preparations — can land a
tenant or one of their guests in the emergency room.
Every year,
thousands of people rush to the ER due to falls related to parties or
holiday decorating. Other hazards lurk, too — fires from candles and
folks taking a dive on the front steps or sidewalk, for example.
So, who is
liable for injuries on a rental property — landlord or renter? While
you should consult lease agreements, local laws or a lawyer for
specifics, these guidelines will help you navigate the most common
mishaps.
... read more
Landlord
Goes Above and Beyond for His Tenants
There isn't
enough positive news for all the hard work and difficult situations
that landlords have to deal with on the day to day. However,
despite it all, we wanted to showcase the good that a landlord can do
and hope to hear more feel
good stories to warm
the cockles of our hearts!
... read more
Thank
you to our Sponsors!
Oregon Landlord’s 90-day Confusion
It’s a
beautiful summer day in July and I’m sitting at my desk pondering the
hotline calls I have been fielding, currently 4 for the day. As
I begin to dial the 4th caller, I’m betting to
myself that it will be a question centered around the “90-day rule”.
That’s the term I hear often from callers who are mostly private
landlords trying to navigate increasingly turbulent waters in the
rental industry.
... read more
Education in Property
Management
