Oregon Department of Justice

Attorney General Hardy Myers today filed a settlement agreement with a Southern Oregon manufactured housing dealer for a series of alleged unlawful trade practices committed during sales to customers. Named in an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance filed in Jackson County Circuit Court are American Mobile Homes, Inc. of Central Point and its president Tom Demille.

" This court action is the last in a series filed against dealers, manufacturers, and set-up crews of mobile homes," Myers said. "The actions are a direct result of the Department of Justice Manufacturing Housing Task Force that examined a variety of problems in the industry in 2000-2001. This effort resulted in stronger laws protecting consumers who purchase manufactured homes and have them placed on private land or rent space in a mobile home park."

The Department of Justice received three complaints in 2002 against American Mobile Homes, Inc. with each case representing unique challenges for the consumers. The problems often involved poor communications between the dealer and the manufacturer leaving the consumers caught in the middle. Buyers experienced a variety of problems with their homes including delivery and structural issues, faulty electrical wiring and concerns about appliances. In one case, a consumer was promised a full year's free rent and did not receive it.

Under the agreement, the company either solved the consumers' problems or paid restitution. The company agreed to not violate the state's consumer protection laws, to not offer free space rent or rental assistance in the future and to honor all representations made to customers particularly when explaining what is included in the price of the manufactured home.

American Mobile Homes paid Justice $2,000 for its consumer protection and education fund. The settlement admits no law violation.

Consumers wanting information about governmental agencies that assist consumers in the process of purchasing and siting manufactured homes may call 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. Justice is online at www.doj.state.or.us.