Property Management Blog

Key Takeaways Structure matters: Independent managers are often solo or very small operations, while companies usually divide work among several people. Systems matter: Written procedures, records, screening standards, and maintenance tracking are more important than ...

Key Takeaways Local comps first: Start with three to five comparable rentals in the same King County submarket instead of relying on countywide averages. Adjust, do not average blindly: Compare condition, parking, outdoor space, updates, ...

A month-to-month lease can sound like the perfect arrangement for a rental property owner. You collect rent each month, avoid a long commitment, and seemingly have more freedom if your plans change. In Washington, however, ...

Key Takeaways Washington law applies automatically once a lease or rental agreement exists. Whether the agreement is written, oral, or created by accepting rent, the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act governs the landlord–tenant relationship. Both landlords and ...

Key Takeaways Evictions in Washington must follow strict legal steps. Landlords are required to comply with the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act, and even small mistakes in notices, timing, or service can delay or dismiss an eviction ...

Key Takeaways Compare move-in and move-out documentation before deciding whether a condition is normal wear and tear or tenant-caused damage. Consider the property's age and the condition of individual materials rather than assuming every repair ...

Key Takeaways Set written screening criteria before marketing your rental so you can evaluate every application using the same objective standards. Price your Snohomish-area rental from current comparable properties rather than relying on broad averages ...

Deciding whether to allow pets in a rental property can have a bigger impact than many landlords expect. A pet-friendly policy may help your Bothell rental appeal to more qualified applicants and reduce vacancy, but ...

Raising rent is one of the more delicate parts of owning a rental property. Owners need enough income to cover rising operating costs, but a poorly handled increase can frustrate a good tenant and create ...

Key Takeaways Clear lease agreements set expectations early, reducing misunderstandings and helping create a smoother landlord-tenant relationship. A detailed rental agreement protects your investment by outlining responsibilities, payment terms, maintenance procedures, and property rules. Keeping ...