Rental Housing Association of Greater Portland
President’s Message
As discussed in my last message, the board had their meeting this May to consider disassociating from the Oregon Rental Housing Association. The pending decision was announced in the May 2010 newsletter as well as the April 2010 dinner meeting. I was happy to see the attendance of members (other than board members) at the board meeting who provided valuable input into the Board’s deliberation.
After much discussion and analysis of the pros and cons of continued association, the board voted unanimously to disassociate from the Oregon Rental Housing Association (ORHA) effective the date of their dues increase, July 1, 2010. There were two abstentions. Of particular note is that all guests polled were in favor of disassociation as well. Given the decision, I am sure everyone’s next question is what does this mean to you as a member.
First and foremost, the RHAGP will discontinue selling ORHA forms and as of July 1, 2010. After the board resolution for disassociation, RHAGP has contracted with my firm and affiliate member Mr. Jeffrey Bennett’s Firm (Warren Allen) to produce forms for RHAGP to use beginning on July 1, 2010. These forms will be available in the office as of that date for purchase in person, by fax or mail. Online production of the forms will have some delay, but not dramatic. We are hoping to contract with a firm to get online access to our forms before the end of the year and are hopeful this will be accomplished well in advance of that date.
While having the forms provided to the RHAGP was convenient, RHAGP has not had control over the forms it sells. It now does. While we have always worked with ORHA to improve their forms when a problem arose, ORHA always had the final say on the type of forms they chose to produce as well as the format and language used. RHAGP will now have that direct control. We look forward to an improvement of the forms as well as improvement in making changes efficiently and promptly as the need arises.
The other significant change will be in lobbying efforts. Historically, state lobbying has been done on our behalf (with our participation in the ORHA board meetings) by ORHA. While we always had a say in what lobbying efforts should take place and on which side of each bill support should go, it was subject to consensus gathering among the ORHA affiliated members. The RHAGP will now undertake its own legislative agenda in Salem subject to the control and direction of our board of directors. Again, a substantial change but one we look forward to and believe will be in the best interests of all of our members.
Sometimes changes happen. On behalf of the board as a whole, I want to let you know that we believe the change will be beneficial to all of our members and look forward to the new opportunities we have to participate both locally and in the State capital on issues important to landlords.
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