Salem, Oregon - May 18, 2007 - On May 17th, State Representatives Chip Shields (D-N/NE Portland) and Tina Kotek (D-North Portland), along with the Housing Alliance, celebrated the 50-2 vote passage of HB 3186-A in the Oregon House of Representatives.

Shields says that the condo conversion bill, which now goes to the Oregon Senate for consideration, clarifies how much notice must be given to tenants when their apartment is converted to a condo. He said some developers have given only a 30-day notice when a 120-day notice is required. The bill also adds consumer protections, points people in the direction of resources so that they might be able to purchase their unit once it converts, and requires that construction work done during the conversion notification window be done from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m.

"This issue is socking working people in the gut all across this state," said Shields. "There were 17 condo conversions in my district alone last year, and many people are being displaced in my North and Northeast district and statewide."

Rep Kotek added, "This bill will help our state do a better job of balancing the opportunities and negative consequences created by condo conversions in our communities."
 

Ian Slingerland of the Community Alliance of Tenants and Amy Fauver of the Neighborhood Partnership Fund -- both Housing Alliance members -- approached Rep. Shields to draft the bill. Its purpose is to enhance the rights of tenants by creating clearer guidelines for condominium developers to better respect the rights of tenants.

The bill now moves to the Oregon Senate for consideration.  For further information regarding HB-3186 A or to track the progress of other bills sponsored by Rep. Shields, visit his website at www.leg.state.or.us/shieldsc.