Putting Knowledge into Action

The law gives you rights, but it is up to you to exercise them.

If you feel that your tenant rights have been breached and you want to do something about it, OSTA can support you by providing a variety of tools, resources, and next steps to help you empower yourself and those in your community.

Which should we start – an OSTA Chapter, a Residents Committee of Seven, or a Tenants’ Association?

Landlord-tenant laws protect residents who wish to gather and meet for any legal purpose.  In fact, the law protects your desire to have all three groups at your park or marina.  But each group serves a different primary function.

It is not unusual, in well-organized communities, to have an OSTA Chapter,  a Residents Committee of Seven, and a Tenants’ Association. The membership of the OSTA Chapter Board and the Committee of Seven often overlap and cooperate in their efforts to make residents feel connected and better protected.

Notify Your Landlord in Writing

It is imperative that you document in writing all important communication between you and your landlord.  Having a written record is the best way to assert your rights and ensure that there is a trail of evidence should a dispute arise.

To make things easy for you to communicate in writing to your landlord, we have developed a series of sample letters for you to fill in the details according to your situation.  Topics include Notices of:

  • Intent to Repay Rent after 6-Month Grace Period due to COVID-19
  • Invalid Termination Notices
  • Illegal Entry
  • Invalid Rent Increase
  • Invalid Rule Change
  • Habitability Issues
  • …and more!

Start an OSTA Chapter

Unlike a Residents Committee, the main goals of the OSTA Chapters are to educate residents about their rights, empower them to work together to solve issues, and advocate for one another with the very real possibility of raising their issues up for legislative consideration to improve the lives of all park and marina tenants in Oregon.

Start a Residents Committee

OSTA fought for the laws to protect an organized committee of residents who work together to resolve landlord-tenant issues at their individual parks and marinas.

Purchase your Marina or Park

One of the best ways to add stability to your housing situation is to purchase your marina or park.

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Mahatma Gandhi, Nonviolent Independence Leader

You have no rights unless you exercise them.

John W. Whitehead, Defender of Civil Liberties & Human Rights

There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.

Margaret J. Wheatley, Organizational Behaviorist

“There will always be a reason why you meet people. Either you need them to change your life or you’re the one that will change theirs.” – Madeline Sheehan