Uncategorized Carbon Monoxide Detectors The Washington State Building Code Council, RCW 19.27.530 requires that CO alarms be installed in non-owner occupied, existing dwelling units by January 1, 2013. The language of the regulation is unclear but many experts interpret it to mean that all rentals must have a CO detector whether or not there are fuel burning appliances or […]
Uncategorized A twenty day notice to vacate doesn’t necessarily mean that the tenant has to be out in twenty days? Notice can’t be given at any point of the month requiring the tenant to vacate in 20 calendar days – if rent is due on the first, notice cannot be given on the 15th for the tenant to […]
Uncategorized 20 day notice to vacate
Uncategorized Removing tenant’s personal property… That state law specifies the procedure that must be followed before a landlord can remove or dispose of any personal property a tenant leaves behind? It is illegal to include a clause in the lease that that waives or shortens this process. A judge can award a tenant up to $500 per day for every […]
Uncategorized What happens to the personal belongings of a tenant? Washington state law specifies the procedure that must be followed before a landlord can remove or dispose of any personal property a tenant leaves behind?  It is illegal to include a clause in the lease that that waives or shortens this process.   A judge can award a tenant up to $500 per day for every […]
Uncategorized Maintenance Timelines That state law specifies how soon repairs must be started in a rental?  The landlord must “commence remedial action” as soon as possible after receiving written notice of a problem; this shall be no later than the following: 1.      24 hours to restore heat, hot or cold water, electricity, or to fix a very hazardous […]
Uncategorized Rental properties and repair issues Washington state law specifies how soon repairs must be started in a rental? The landlord must “commence remedial action” as soon as possible after receiving written notice of a problem; this shall be no later than the following: 1. 24 hours to restore heat, hot or cold water, electricity, or to fix a very hazardous […]
Uncategorized Rental properties and repair issues Washington state law specifies how soon repairs must be started in a rental? The landlord must “commence remedial action” as soon as possible after receiving written notice of a problem; this shall be no later than the following: 1. 24 hours to restore heat, hot or cold water, electricity, or to fix a very hazardous […]
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Uncategorized Lessons For landlords http://mynorthwest.com/859/2066880/Lessons-for-Landlords Great advice for landlords!
Uncategorized Search for rentals
Uncategorized Bed Bugs! Bed bugs are becoming an increasing problem in rentals? Under Washington state law landlords are obligated to manage infestations in rental units, except in single family residences or when the infestation is caused by the tenant. In order to hold the tenants responsible the owner would have to be able to demonstrate that the infestation […]
Uncategorized Lease termination in Washington State In Washington State a tenant may validly terminate a lease before the end of the term for three reasons: domestic violence or stalking; military orders or because of repairs not being completed. A tenant can only be evicted mid-term for cause – for somehow violating the terms of the lease, such as not paying rent […]
Uncategorized Rental Maintenance Issues Critical maintenance issues have to be addressed even if a tenant is behind in rent? For example, a tenant who is being evicted for non-payment of rent still has the right to a working heating system. Furthermore, while the Washington State Landlord/Tenant Act restricts the actions a tenant can take to force a landlord to […]
Uncategorized Seattle Washington – Rental Property Inspections The city of Seattle has passed an ordinance requiring registration and inspection of all rental properties beginning in 2014? Under the legislation all properties with 10 or more rental units will have to register with the city by July 1, 2014; from five to nine units by December 31, 2014, and from one to four […]
Uncategorized Did You Know? That if a written accounting of the tenant’s deposit is not mailed within fourteen days of vacating the premises, that nothing can be taken out of the deposit? In fact, a judge can require a landlord to pay the tenant twice the amount of the deposit if a landlord does not comply with this requirement. […]
Uncategorized Tenant deposit accounting may leave you with nothing! That if a written accounting of the tenant’s deposit is not mailed within fourteen days of vacating the premises, that nothing can be taken out of the deposit? In fact, a judge can require a landlord to pay the tenant twice the amount of the deposit if a landlord does not comply with this requirement.
Uncategorized Did You Know… That a tenant has basic rights in Washington, including the right to a clean and sanitary home, some form of heat and electricity, the right to hold the landlord liable for any damage caused by the landlord’s negligence, and the right to not be discriminated against by a landlord? In addition, tenants are protected from […]
Uncategorized Breaking the lease might break the bank! That if a tenant breaks a lease the landlord is required to make a good faith effort to re-rent the property? The courts usually interpret requirement as meaning that the property must be marketed for rent for the same terms – such as rent and deposits – as the vacating tenant had. If the landlord […]
Uncategorized That there is no three day (or other time frame) right of rescission on a lease? There’s also no provision for a neighborhood review and no Form 17. Due diligence must be done before the lease is signed. Once the lease is signed it’s a “done deal.”
Uncategorized Realistic Late Fees That per the Washington State Landlord Tenant Act late fees must be “reasonable” and not punitive? The courts typically interpret this as being a maximum of $50 or 10% of one month’s rent, whichever is higher. The NWMLS lease actually indicates a maximum of 10% of one month’s rent. The safest bet is to take […]