About this Chapter

In 1990, 5 Portland area property managers met in Beaverton for lunch to discuss mutual concerns over Landlord Tenant Law and sought solutions to improve the quality of service of residential property managers of single family homes in Oregon. Since there were no professional associations meeting the needs of single family fee managers, a loose association was formed, the Oregon Property Managers Association (OPMA).

In 1993, the newly formed National Association of Residential Property Managers was sought to advance OPMA's objectives whose membership had then increased to 12 property management companies. The Greater Portland Chapter became the 11th local chapter to form in the United States. Today, the National Association has over 60 chapters with more than 5,200 members from the United States, Canada, Argentina, West Indies, and Australia. Each member manages an average of 240 units.

The Greater Portland Chapter represents the management over 19 property management firms managing over 5000 housing units in the tri-county area.

This association of the Oregon Chapter with the National Association has been a good marriage greatly benefiting the community and the profession.

All of the members are licensed property managers or brokers with the State of Oregon and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics to meet the needs of the community. Among them are:

• A duty to protect the public from fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical practices of property managers.
• A duty to adhere to the Federal Fair Housing Statutes.
• A duty to protect the fiduciary relationship of the Client.
• A duty to treat all Tenants professionally and ethically
• A duty to manage the property in accordance with the safety and habitability standards of the community.
• A duty to hold all funds received in compliance with state law with full disclosure to the Client.

In addition to promoting high standards of business ethics, professionalism and fair housing practices, the Association also certifies its members in the standards and practices of the residential property management industry and promotes continuing professional education.

National Certifications of Residential Property Manager are, Residential Management Professional (RMP), Master of Property Management (MPM), and the coveted Certified Residential Management Company (CRMC).

Annual National, Mid Year, and Regional Conferences are held with a focus on education and professional standards. The local monthly meetings provide outside education from professional speakers/vendors and opportunities to network. Members discuss changes in Landlord Tenant Law, Office efficiency, and increasing professionalism amongst its members.