What Are the Benefits of Forming a Tenants Committee?
Have you ever questioned the rules at your park or marina? Have you wondered if the last time the parking lot was paved was in 1859? Have you wished the landlord would offer additional services to your community?
Have you asked these types of questions of your landlord but received little or no response?
If you wish for more positive tenant-landlord experiences and communication at your park or marina, or you feel that your landlord isn’t holding up their end of the bargain and you want to do something about it, OSTA recommends starting a Tenants Committee prior to starting your OSTA Chapter. There many types of tenant associations. All of them are protected by law. Learn more about the power of a tenant’s association.
To listen to our podcast about forming a Tenants Committee….
Let’s consider the various types of committees and how quickly you can form them.
Resources: Start Your Own Tenants Association
Below, you can Download our Free Handout “Practical Steps to Forming A Tenants Association” and Search for Your District Director to Request a Free OSTA Hosted In-Park Information Meeting
The Law Establishes and Protects a Tenants Association
A Tenants Association requires only two or more residents to start. OSTA encourages residents to hold a fair election where all park or marina residents can participate. Their elected association members will be representing their interests in meetings with the park or marina landlord. By law, the committee can bring any park-wide or marina-wide issue, except for rent, to the discussion. The law requires the Landlord to meet with the committee and to respond to the residents’ concerns in writing.
Download “Practical Steps to Forming a Tenants Association”
Unique Power of the Tenants Association
Whether you choose to call it a Committee of Seven, Tenants Association, or Tenant Committee- they all have the same benefits and legal protections. Their success lies in the following:
- Strength in numbers
- Ability to submit issues to the landlord through a group, rather than an individual complaint
- Backed by and protected by the law
Ready to Start Your Tenants Association?
OSTA Offers Free In-Park Information Meetings and Support. Find Your District Director Below to Request Support.
Leslie Haver
Portland Area District Director for Manufactured Homes
Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.