Oregon Department of Justice

Attorney General Hardy Myers today recommended changes in state policies regarding manufactured homes. The recommendations follow seven months of work by a Manufactured Housing Task Force first convened by Myers in September 2000.

The Task Force solicited ideas from industry representatives, consumers, park owners, park managers, lenders, and other interested parties. Over 150 people participated.

"Consumers and manufactured home businesses alike stand to benefit from significant reform," Myers said. "The recommendations that I make today are critical to helping manufactured housing realize its potential as a quality, affordable option."

Myers said that he had initiated legislative efforts, or would support measures introduced by others, to implement each recommendation, including:

• Creating uniform sales disclosure documents to help ensure that purchasers are fully informed of the terms of their purchase agreements. HB 3684, with amendments.
• Granting buyers a right to rescind rental agreements for space in a manufactured home park. HB 2847 (Sponsored by Rep. Merkley).
• Requiring licensing of salespersons based on a plan to be prepared by a task force prior to the next Legislative Assembly. HB 3691, with amendments.
• Enlarging the remedies available to tenants subjected to unlawful retaliation for the assertion of their rights. HB 3693, HB 3176.
• Prohibiting abusive lending practices. HB 3917, with amendments.
• Making it easier for tenants in manufactured home parks to purchase the parks in which they live. HB 3694, HB 2863 (sponsored by Rep. Carlson).

"Many participants in the Task Force -- representing business as well as consumer interests -- called on our Department to more aggressively enforce existing consumer protection laws regarding manufactured homes," Myers said. "We intend to do exactly that."

The report will be available on line at www.doj.state.or.us after 12:00 p.m. today.

For more information on the Manufactured Housing Task Force, or any other consumer issues, please contact the Attorney General's consumer hotline at (503) 378-4320 (Salem area only), (503) 229-5576 (Portland area only) or toll-free at 1-877-877-9392 or write Financial Fraud/Consumer Protection, 1162 Court Street, N.E., Salem, Oregon 97301-4096.