House strengthens voice of residents during sale of manufactured home parks

Bipartisan effort leads to compromise on Opportunity to Purchase legislation

SALEM – On February 11, 2014, the Oregon House of Representatives passed legislation to help Oregonians living in manufactured homes find out if their park is for sale, and to allow a short time for residents to put together an offer to buy the park.

 House Bill 4038 is the result of a bipartisan effort led by Representatives Nancy Nathanson (D – Eugene) and Gene Whisnant (R – Sunriver). Following committee discussions of House Bill 3007 in the 2013 session, the legislators brought together people representing tenants or park residents and representatives of landlords or park owners to develop a compromise.

 “We have improved the law so it’s easier for park owners and easier for residents,” Rep. Nathanson said. “I’m proud that we finally arrived at a compromise that can help people keep the homes they already own, in the neighborhoods where they live.  We’ve crafted a simpler process that meets standard business practices, easier for everyone to work with.”

Oregon has more than 1,100 manufactured home parks throughout the state, providing more than 63,000 residential spaces for affordable housing.

“Affordable housing is a critical issue for working families,” Rep. Whisnant said. “This bill addresses concerns of park owners and park tenants so this housing option is maintained for many of our citizens.”

HB 4038 passed the House unanimously and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

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