by Sarath K.K

Created on: November 15, 2011   Last Updated: November 16, 2011

There are a number of tenant and landlord laws that exist in Oregon with the aim of protecting the renters and landholders.  A variety of well-placed rules protect the rights of both renters and land owners. There are also a number of responsibilities that each party should follow.

The “Residential Landlord and Tenant Act” sets regulations that the land owners should follow. The set rules are applicable on in the case of rented homes or apartments with a few exceptions.

Mobile home rights

Mobile homes may be a factory-made lodging park or houseboats etc. These tenants enjoy more rights when compared to normal tenants. For the eviction process to take place, a notice has to be presented by the landlord at least 30 days in advance. The notice should also include the causes for eviction. If the problems are resolved within a period of 30 days by the tenant he/she may stay. Further violation of the problems within 6 months will enable the landlord to evict tenants without giving a chance to correct the problems.  In a case where the property is being shut down, a prior notice has to be given 365 days ahead. Otherwise, the landlord is responsible for finding another dwelling at the same rent. In addition he should also pay for moving charges.

Discrimination

Legally, a landowner cannot evict or refuse to rent a tenant because of his/her color, marital status, national origin, physical handicap, mental handicap, sex, caste, source of income or race.

In order to write rental agreements, the party has to be at least 16 years of age. Under certain circumstances minors are also allowed to sign a rental arrangement.

Federally Subsidized Housing

Tenants who wish to stay in federally subsidized houses typically will have to pay 30% of their total income as rent or pay the amount set aside in the welfare fund. These houses can be used just like a private home.

Loans from Farmers Home Administration (FmHA) or the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can help low-income citizens to buy homes without large down payments.

Rights of landlords

Landlords are allowed to enter the property if prior notice is given at least 24 hours in advance. Exceptions may be allowed in the case of emergencies or when the property is on sale. The land owner must send a notice even if he/she has to enter the yard of a single-family residence.

If the landlord fails to follow these rules, the tenants can file a case in the court. He/she can also ask for the damage costs to be settled.

All laws are to be followed strictly and action will be taken against any violators.

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