Tips to Receive Your Security Deposit Back

If you’ve rented before, you’re likely familiar with that awful feeling that even though you’ve hired a cleaner to clean the carpets, and mopped every inch of the rental, you’re not going to receive that security deposit back. You wait eagerly by the mailbox in hopes of receiving a check, and when it comes you’re shocked to find that you’ve only received $100 back – where did all of your money go? To prevent this from happening again, here are some tips from our friends over at Curbed Seattle, on how to receive as much of your deposit back as possible.
1) Read Your Entire Lease – Don’t just skim it, really dig deep for anything you should not be responsible for. Landlords cannot add anything in the lease claiming tenant responsibility to pay for any damages that are not your fault. If a non-refundable cleaning fee is to be paid, it must be stated in the lease.
2)Take photos when you move in – Be sure to capture any damages already in place before you move into your rental. Be sure you receive a checklist of all previous damages agreed upon by your landlord and you, and signed by both parties; also make sure your receive a copy of this document.
3) Give Your Landlord 14 Days to Deliver the Deposit – By WA Law, your landlord must deliver your deposit to you within 14 days after your move out date. If you do not receive the check within this time period, you have the right to sue for double the deposit amount. Be sure to give your landlord your current address, otherwise the fault may be deemed your own.

Tis the Season For Cold Damp Weather – How to Prevent Mold in Your Home

It’s that time of year again, and the cold, damp weather is in full swing. If you’re living in an older rental it is important you check for signs of mold and mildew early this year to avoid extensive build up. Smell a musty odor coming from the basement? Build up of mold spores can accumulate in various parts of the house, causing reactions such as runny nose, itchy or watering eyes, or wheezing. To avoid mass build up, here are some things you can do to prevent and control mold build up in the home.
See clutter? Organize! Keep things like wood furniture, clothing etc. from contacting the walls and window sills, and put what you can in plastic tubs with tight sealing lids.
Kill mold building up- Scrub the area thoroughly with soap and water to remove the dirt accumulating, and then follow up with a stronger mold/mildew killing solution. Allow the mold killing solution to sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing it to settle in and kill all the germs. Try to find a cleaner without bleach, as bleach will not reach the roots of the mold spores, and may not kill them entirely. Contact your landlord if plumbing leaks occur, or you notice excess moisture in the home that could cause mold. If you’re interested in more information about Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Washington Park Rental Home: $10,000

This beautiful Washington Park Rental Home is now available for rent, featuring large rooms, kitchen, family room, and oak floors. This 4 bed 3 bath home has a large second master bedroom, and fabulous views of Mt Rainier, close to Madison Park shops and restaurants. The perfect dwelling to meet all of your needs. For more information on this listing, or other Seattle rentals, contact your local Real Estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	4//3
Price:	$10,000