Not legal advice. OSTA is educational advocacy, not a law firm. This page is general information for Oregon manufactured dwelling park and marina tenancies — you own the home and rent the space (ORS 90.505–90.850). It does not apply to apartment or other standard ORS 90.100–90.465 rentals. It is not legal advice. Talk with an attorney about your situation.
Disability Rights in Manufactured Home Parks
If you live in a manufactured home park and have a disability, both state and federal Fair Housing Laws protect your rights. These laws ensure you have equal access to housing and the ability to fully use and enjoy your home and the park’s facilities. This guide explains your rights to request reasonable accommodations and modifications.
Please note: OSTA (Oregon State Tenants Association) provides information and mediation support, but does not provide legal representation or legal advice.
Reasonable Accommodations
A reasonable accommodation is a change, exception, or adjustment to a rule, policy, practice, or service that may be necessary for a person with a disability to have an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling, including public and common use spaces.
Example
Allowing a live-in caregiver to park in an area usually restricted to residents only.
Example
Repairing a park-owned street specifically to allow safe passage for a resident using a wheelchair.
Reasonable Modifications
A reasonable modification is a structural change made to existing premises, occupied or to be occupied by a person with a disability, in order to afford such person full enjoyment of the premises.
Common examples include installing a wheelchair ramp to your home's entrance, widening doorways, or installing grab bars in a bathroom.
Who Pays?
- Private Parks: Typically, the resident is responsible for paying for the modification to their own home or lot.
- Publicly Funded Parks: If the park receives federal financial assistance, the housing provider may be required to pay for the modification, unless it causes an undue financial and administrative burden.
Live-in Caregivers
Live-in caregivers are essential support personnel, not tenants or guests. They are present solely to provide necessary care to the resident with a disability.
- They do not sign standard park occupancy agreements.
- They cannot be charged additional rent or extra person fees.
Assistance Animals
Under Fair Housing laws, assistance animals (including service animals and emotional support animals) are not considered pets. They work, provide assistance, or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.
- Park rules regarding breed, size, or weight limits do not apply.
- Parks cannot charge pet deposits or monthly pet fees for assistance animals.
How to Make a Request
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Submit a Written Request
While verbal requests are valid, written requests are strongly recommended to create a clear record. Keep a copy for yourself.
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Provide Verification (If Needed)
If your disability or the need for the accommodation is not obvious, management may request reliable disability-related information. This is usually a simple letter from a doctor, therapist, or other medical professional verifying the disability and the need for the specific accommodation. They are not entitled to your detailed medical records.
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Wait for a Response
Park management must respond promptly. An unreasonable delay can be considered a denial under the Fair Housing Act.
Filing a Complaint
If park management denies your reasonable request, ignores it, or retaliates against you for making it, you have the right to file a formal complaint.
BOLI
Bureau of Labor and Industries (Civil Rights Division). They handle state-level housing discrimination complaints.
Visit BOLI WebsiteFair Housing Council of Oregon
A nonprofit organization that promotes equal access to housing and assists with discrimination claims.
Visit FHCO WebsiteNeed More Support?
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