The laws that govern the landlord-tenant relationship are complex.  Michael helps landlords navigate through those laws by counseling them on how to avoid court and representing them in court. Michael understands that owning and managing rental property is a business that requires cost containment to be profitable, and the legal expenses associated with litigation can quickly destroy those profits.  Michael’s goal is to help landlords resolve disputes as inexpensively as possible.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, familial status or the source of income of any person.  A tenant can sue directly for an alleged housing violation, but there are also governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations that have the power to enforce the fair housing laws.

The Oregon Residential Landlord-Tenant Act controls almost every aspect of the landlord-tenant relationship, including the application process, the terms of the rental agreement, what the landlord can charge the tenant, the condition of the premises, the termination of the tenancy, and the accounting for rent and deposits afterwards.  The Oregon Residential Landlord-Tenant Act empowers tenants to enforce the Act by providing statutory minimum penalties for most violations and attorney fees for the prevailing party.

In addition to the Oregon Residential-Landlord Tenant Act, there are federal regulations and local ordinances that impose additional requirements.  If the housing involves any type of federal subsidy or tax credit, then there is a layer of federal regulation that provides a myriad of protections for the tenant as a condition to accepting the subsidy or tax credit.  If the housing is located in one of the larger municipalities, then there is a housing maintenance code that will apply in addition to the standard habitability requirements.