Does an Oregon Manufactured Home Park or Floating Home Marina Tenant Association Need “Official Recognition”?
A landlord’s refusal to “recognize” a tenant association does not determine whether the group is legitimate under Oregon law.
Throughout Oregon, residents of manufactured home parks and marinas often organize together to share information, discuss concerns, and advocate for their communities. In some cases, management may claim that a tenant association is not “official” or is not recognized by ownership or management.
However, tenant associations do not require approval from a landlord, park manager, state agency, or advocacy organization in order to exist.
Oregon Law Protects Tenant Organizing
Oregon law protects the rights of tenants to organize and participate in tenant groups. The legitimacy of a tenant association comes from the law itself — not from whether management agrees with the group or acknowledges it.
There is also no state registration process for tenant associations in Oregon. Residents do not need permission from the state to organize with neighbors around shared concerns.
Tenant associations may take many forms, including:
- Informal resident groups
- Elected tenant boards
- Community advocacy groups
- Neighborhood communication networks
- Chapters affiliated with advocacy organizations
Whether formal or informal, residents may still organize together to communicate and advocate for issues affecting their communities.
Tenant Associations Often Form Around Community Concerns
Tenant associations commonly become active when residents are dealing with issues such as:
- Rule changes
- Rent increases
- Maintenance concerns
- Infrastructure problems
- Communication disputes
- Enforcement practices
- Marina or park management conflicts
For many communities, tenant associations provide an important way for residents to stay informed and work together constructively.
Organizing Does Not Depend on Landlord Approval
Some residents mistakenly believe their association has no standing unless management formally acknowledges it. But landlord recognition is not what creates a tenant association’s existence or rights. The law does.
Residents may still meet, communicate, distribute information, and advocate together even when management disagrees with the organization or refuses to engage with it.
Oregon law protects the rights of tenants to organize and participate in tenant groups. Residents who want to better understand these protections can review ORS 90.750, which addresses tenant organizations and related rights under Oregon law.
You can read the statute here: ORS 90.750
Mandatory Mediation Laws Require Landlords to Meet With Tenant Groups
In 2019, Oregon enacted laws establishing mandatory mediation rights for manufactured home park and marina tenants.
Under ORS 90.767, a landlord may be required to participate in mediation when requested by a tenant or a group of tenants, provided the process is not being used to harass the other party. These laws created a formal process for addressing disputes and concerns between landlords and residents.
Residents who wish to better understand these rights can review ORS 90.767.
You can read the statute here: ORS 90.767
You can initiate Mandatory Mediation and through the Manufactured and Marina Communities Resource Center (MMCRC).
ORS 90.767(10)(b) addresses remedies that may apply when a party fails to participate in required mediation .
It is important to understand that laws change. This information is not intended to be legal advice and it is not intended to replace the work of an attorney.
