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.
ORS Chapter 90 · Essential habitability protections
Safe Drinking Water: Your Rights, Testing & Remedies in Oregon Parks & Marinas
Clean drinking water is an essential condition of habitability under Oregon law. If your manufactured home park or marina has contaminated water, frequent shutoffs, inadequate pressure, or unresolved health violations, you have specific statutory protections under the Oregon Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
100% potability mandate
Oregon law treats water failure as an emergency habitability breach. Landlords cannot waive this statutory duty in your space rental agreement.
Critical legal precaution
Do not withhold rent without an attorney
Under Oregon law, withholding rent for habitability failures is one of the narrowest statutory exceptions. If done improperly or without strictly following statutory notice requirements under ORS Chapter 90, a park or marina landlord can treat unpaid space rent as nonpayment and issue a 72-hour or 144-hour nonpayment notice under ORS 90.394, then pursue court possession of the space. OSTA strongly advises against unilaterally withholding rent without retaining qualified legal representation.
Legal framework
Three core statutory protections for tenants
Oregon manufactured dwelling and marina community laws provide clear obligations for landlords, enforceable remedies for tenants, and shields against eviction retaliation.
ORS 90.730(3)(c)
Obligation to supply potable water
Your park or marina landlord must maintain a continuous water supply under specified pressure, connected to suitable fixtures in good working order, and safe for normal domestic human consumption.
- Water must be drinkable, colorless, odorless, and free from dangerous microbial or chemical contaminants.
- Main supply risers and distribution lines must be kept free from freezing risks and structural ruptures.
Landlord responsibility: park riser and community main lines.
ORS 90.360 & 90.730
Habitability remedies & rent caution
Tenants have statutory rights to demand repair, claim monetary damages, and procure substitute water or housing when essential services fail.
Critical OSTA advice: Non-payment of rent for habitability failures is one of the narrowest exceptions in Oregon law. It requires strict written notice, documentation, and timelines. Do not withhold rent without an attorney guiding you.
ORS 90.765 & 90.710
Protection against landlord retaliation
It is illegal for a park owner to retaliate because you complained about water quality, contacted health authorities, or formed a tenant committee.
- Prohibited actions: Rent spikes, selective rule enforcement, service reductions, or termination notices.
- Statutory damages: For facility retaliation under ORS 90.765, ORS 90.710(1) allows actual damages or $500, whichever is greater. Talk with an attorney about other Chapter 90 remedies that may apply.
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