Proposed Bill - 90 Days Notice for Rent Increases

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rentals

Most renters have probably experienced it – opening your mailbox to find a notice that your rent is going up. Often, increases come in $50 or $100 increments, but in Seattle’s booming rental market, some are seeing their rents rise by $1,000 or more at a time. Most renters can’t absorb these exorbitant hikes, and Washington State’s Landlord Tenant Law only requires landlords to give 30 days notice for rent changes (60 days in the City of Seattle), giving tenants a short window to find a new home. But according to Crosscut, Washington State Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Seattle) is planning to introduce legislation that would require landlords across the board to give 90 days notice if they raise rents by more than 10 percent. The notification period for increases of 10 percent or less would remain at 30 days. For renters who don’t have much cushion in their savings account, this would give them more time to save up enough cash for move-in fees such as first and last months’ rent and a security deposit. According to King-5, the Rental Housing Association of Washington will fight the bill.
Kohl-Welles will also introduce legislation to prohibit landlords from discriminating against potential tenants on the basis of their participation in a government assistance program such as Section 8, which provides rent vouchers for households making 30 percent or less of the area’s median income. The bill would be aimed at landlords who either prohibit those in such a program from applying for housing altogether, or who don’t give them equal consideration with those not enrolled in an assistance program.
If you are interested in renting in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

Renting is Half as Affordable as Buying in the U.S.

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rental Blog
If you’re a renter, think about the amount you write on that check every month. Is it inching toward 30 percent of your monthly income? According to a new report by Zillow, gone are the days when mortgage rates made home ownership prohibitively expensive and renting was the affordable option. They report that the average renter in the U.S. is spending 30 percent of their monthly earnings on housing, and Seattle renters spend a little more than 30 percent, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal. Owning a home can cut that percentage in half, as homeowners pay only about 15 percent of their monthly income on their mortgage. Historically, renters have paid about 25 percent of their income toward rent.
Rents in Seattle are up a staggering 21.5 percent over the past five years, and with incomes only having grown 10.4 percent over that same span, renters are increasingly burdened with monthly housing costs. With mortgage interest rates hovering around 4 percent, first-time buyers in the U.S. are only spending an average of 17.5 percent on housing, even with many only paying a 5 percent down payment. Zillow says that even if interest rates rose to 7 percent, buying a home would be more affordable than it has been historically.
So, if you are looking to save on monthly housing costs, start saving those pennies for a down payment! If you are interested in real estate in the Seattle area, contact your local agent today.

Renton Rental Home: $3,995

Extraordinary Kennydale home with stunning views of Lake Washington. Great open floor plan with rich hardwood floors and walls of windows creating lots of bright light throughout. This updated home has everything, including granite counter-tops and stainless steel appliances and is an entertainers dream. TWO MASTER SUITES. No expense was spared when it comes to the tranquil and private backyard, it’s truly a masterpiece. Close to parks, beaches, boat launches, shopping, restaurants & minutes from 405. For more information on Seattle area rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed//Bath:	4//3
Price:	$3,995

Arthur Erickson Designed Rental Home: $7,000

This beautiful Arthur Erickson designed residence in the Highlands sitting on 8+ acres is now available for rent! A masterpiece of space & light, this home features tall ceilings, and lustrous white polished concrete & glass ceiling lend a fantastic backdrop to luxurious & elegant living. If you love mountain & sound views, swimming & reflection pools, and a sculptural meadow that  enhance rich woodland setting, this home is the perfect city escape for you. If you’re interested in this or other Seattle neighborhood rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	4//4
Price:	$7,000

Eastlake Condo Rental: $3,599

This elegant 2 bed, 2.5 bath condo unit in the Tramonti condominium is now available! The unit also includes a den and has views of Lake Union and Downtown Seattle. From its sophisticated aesthetics to its steel and concrete structure, this home offers the finest materials and design. Features include freshly painted interior, an amazing open floor plan with European hardwoods, 9.5 foot ceilings, and a gas fireplace. The kitchen also contains stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. This condo has over 30 feet of roof top deck with full Western Views! If you’re interested in this, or other Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	2/2.5
Price:	$3,599

Belltown Condo Rental: $2,000

This Belltown condo rental is in a great location,  with beautiful view of Downtown and partial views of Lake Union. Features include high ceilings in living room and bedroom, and large windows that allow plenty of light. The sizable living room has an eating space, and kitchen has granite counter tops, wood floor, stainless steel appliances and beautiful wood cabinets. Bedroom has 2 closets and view of the lake. The building amenities feature 24 hour concierge, security, pool, sauna, fitness center and an entertainment room. Rent includes water/sewer/garbage, parking and storage.If you’d like more information on this unit, or other Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed//Bath:	1//1
Price:	$2,000

Market for Seattle Area Apartment Rentals Softening in 2014

The average rent for an apartment in the Seattle area rose to $1,214 a month in 2013. A new report suggests that rental prices will at least stabilize if not decline in 2014. Rental prices have dipped $5 and the number of vacancies is up which is a sign of the market softening. The Seattle metro area is experiencing its largest apartment building boom in the past 20 years. All of the upcoming vacant units will cause competition for tenants and slow the rent hike. Bellevue has the area’s most expensive rates for a one-bedroom apartment at $1,434 a month. Belltown, Denny Triangle and South Lake Union are the most expensive sub-markets with rates averaging $1,624 a month for a one-bedroom. The most expensive neighborhoods are Fremont/Wallingford ($1,514), Capitol Hill ($1,449) and First Hill ($1,421). Lower rents were found in North Seattle ($957). If you're searching for s Seattle Rental, contact your local real estate agent today.

Make Your Rental Feel Like A Home

Just because you live in a rental space doesn't mean that you have to feel like you are living in someone else's home. Adding a touch of "you" to the space will make it feel more special and like your own place. Before making changes be sure to talk with your landlord. Many landlords will be okay with certain changes if things are put back the way they were at the end of the lease or because those changes may make the space more desirable.
Sometimes you may have to negotiate certain changes such as painting walls. A new color on the walls could make the space feel more your style and the landlord may give the go ahead to paint in your choice of color as long as you repaint to the original color it was when you move out. You could also negotiate new appliances. If the landlord does not want to purchase new appliances, maybe if you offer to pay half the cost then they might be willing to do so.
Switching out light fixtures for more stylish ones such as hanging globes, chandeliers or sconces would be a great way to brighten the place up and add another touch of "you". Either changing the cupboard doors in the kitchen or removing them entirely is another way to update the place or make it feel more cozy. Something as simple as replacing door knobs is another way to add character. Be sure to keep the original doors and knobs or anything else you might change so that you can put everything back the way it was before moving out. Things such as removing metal blinds and replacing them with ones made of fabric or putting up curtains are something that could be negotiated with the next tenants. They may want to purchase them from you instead of using the metal blinds which usually make a space feel darker and like a rental.
Little touches here and there and new furniture from retailers or flea markets can make a big difference in making your rental feel like home. Remember that when looking for a rental, keep an open mind and see the potential.

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.

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

Downtown Condo Rental Available: $4,500

This sleek two story corner unit in downtown Seattle is now available for rent! Condo features soaring 18ft ceilings, wrap around floor to ceiling windows and active views, with a large private deck. Warm interiors feature elegant colors and cherry hardwood flooring. The designer kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances make for an entertainer’s dream. Spacious Great Room with fireplace is perfect for entertaining (flat screen tv stays in unit!). The 2nd floor master suite has a large walk-in closet, five-piece master bath and office area/sitting room for your convenience. Tenant will also have a secure garage parking space. For more information on Seattle condo rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	2,2
Price:	$4,500

High Seattle Rent + High Competition = High Stakes for Renters

Have you been searching for a new Seattle rental and found that someone else is always one step ahead of you? You aren’t alone! Seattle renters in the throws of searching for a new place to call home have a lot of other renters competing for the same properties. Some renters have been attending open houses, even arriving early in hopes of getting to spe3ak with the landlord directly, only to find that there is a line of Seattleites ahead of them at the door, already discussing their game plan for landing that lease. What is a renter to do? One could spoke with Mynorthwest after a year long search for their rental home. “Oh, it’s awful. You’re like, I’m going to be smart and get to this house 20 minutes early and there’s already 20 people there and they’re all talking about their strategy,” said Ian Schuler. “Seattle is filled with beautiful Type-A personalities. Everybody knows what they want and they’re so competitive. And it takes, honestly, that that kind of personality, I think, to be on top of it.”
On average, a one bedroom in Seattle may have gone up 200-400 dollars this past year, and new construction apartments are coming on the market with a high price tag. To make themselves look desirable, many renters are putting together portfolios that include family resumes, pet resumes and neighbor recommendations, along with letters from previous landlords. Anything that might give them the edge needed to one up another prospective tenant. Stay on top of the rental search, and be prepared to have tough competition with the units you’d like to live in. If you’re looking for Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Washington Park Rental Home: $7,000

This beautiful Washington Park rental home has spectacular views of Lake Washington and Mt Rainer from nearly every room, and is now available rent. This home was completely remodeled in 2007, and is in impeccable condition. There are 4 bedrooms on the top floor, an expansive deck which is adjacent to an open kitchen and living room, and also has a wonderful backyard, and a media room! The downstairs has a separate guest suite, and the home also includes an office with a wall-wall bookcase, and a wine cellar. There is a two car garage attached for your convenience. If you are interested in this, or other Seattle rentals, please contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	5&4
Price:	$7,000/Month

Tips to Move Safely Into Your Rental Home

Moving into a rental home can be stressful and taxing on the mind and body, so preparing to move safely and efficiently is essential to getting everything unpacked on the big moving day.  Packing each box lightly, or light enough to be carried is a smart idea if you’re not looking to experience any back pain at the end of the day. Many think that shoving as much as possible into each box will make things easier with fewer boxes, but in fact it will only slow down the process, and you might end up hurting yourself or others if the boxes are too heavy to hold.It may sound strange, but doing some basic stretches before you begin moving will loosen up your muscles, and may prevent and pulled injuries or soreness the next day.
Prepare for your move by bringing proper tools and equipment with you – if you do not have a big crew to help move your boxes, bringing a dolly can really help things run smoothly, and make the move go by much quicker. If you’re moving larger appliances, an appliance dolly would also be useful. Taking a walk around the property a day or two before moving day might help spot any tricky areas and solutions for the move, like how you’re going to fit the couch that is too wide through the front? Maybe there is a back entrance that will be easier to move larger pieces of furniture. Remember to dress comfortable for the big move, and wear comfortable protective tennis shoes. It’s also perfectly ok to move at your own pace – don’t rush yourself too much, a safe move is a happy one. For more information on Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Tips to Organize Your Tiny Kitchen

Is your tiny kitchen cramping your style? We often drool over beautiful pictures of expansive kitchens in Pottery Barn catalogs with huge dining rooms, and enough counter space to prepare a meal for the Seahawks defensive line, but most of us come home every night to cook our meals in kitchens a small portion of that size. Small kitchens can easily become disorganized, and not enjoyable to cook in, so here are a few tips from Zillow to clearing out the clutter, and redesigning your kitchen to better suit your lifestyle. Be careful not to crowd your small kitchen with huge appliances- work around the refrigerator, there are several companies that make smaller sized equipment such as slender microwaves that can save counter space.
Efficient use of storage is also essential to keeping things tidy in a smaller kitchen, such as the use of recycle bins, spice drawers, and open shelving can also do wonders for aesthetic purposes. If you’re given the option to paint in your rental, painting the walls and ceiling the same light color can make the room appear larger than it actually is. Don’t have enough counter space for everything? Look into purchasing a rolling cart with a flat counter top and shelving below, that can be handy for cooking and extra storage, but can also be moved out of the kitchen when it is crowded. For more information on redesigning your kitchen space, visit Zillow.

Waterfront Madison Park Condo for Rent: $3,100

This fabulous two bedroom one bathroom waterfront condo located in the Madison Park neighborhood is available for rent! This unit has been completely remodeled and now features new stainless steel appliances, marble counter tops, a spacious living area, and an extensive deck. This Seattle rental offers many attractions within close proximity, such as: local shops and restaurants, bus lines, parks, the beach and much more. It also offers covered parking, a washer and dryer inside the unit, and rent includes most monthly cost such as utilities and basic cable.  In addition, if you are a boat owner ask about the availability of a boat slip.

Please inquire with Kristine Losh if you want to learn more about this tremendous Seattle rental.

Status	For Rent
Bed/Bath	2/1
Price	$3,100/month

First Hill Rental: $3,000/Month

This beautiful one bed two bath unit in First Hill is now available for rent, with an open floor plan, and an abundance of natural light. The unit features a wonderful chef’s kitchen, with top of the line appliances, and custom cabinets. It also features stunning views of Mt Rainer and Mt Baker. The master suite includes a built in office for your convenience, a steam shower, and alot of space. This unit is located in close proximity to Seattle University, Virginia Mason, and Cal Anderson Park.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	1,2
Price:	$3,000/Month

Ballard Beachfront Rental: $4,500

This lovely 2 bed, 1.5 bath beachfront condo is now available for rent in the Sunset Hill neighborhood. Located where the locks meet the Puget Sound, this top floor penthouse unit has private elevator access, an open floor plan with beautiful hardwood flooring, and high ceilings.The kitchen has granite counter tops, high end stainless steel appliances, and opens to the living/dining room area, which includes floor to ceiling windows, maximizing the views and light. The master bedroom has a walk in closet, laundry room, entertainment room, and one reserved parking space. The unit also features a large private deck. This rental is located within walking distance to downtown Ballard, and Golden Gardens. If you’re interested in this, or other Seattle Rentals, please contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	2/1.5
Price:	$4,500

67 Unit Apartment Building Possibly Planned for 3601 Greenwood Ave N

Puget Sound Reprographics has occupied the space located at 3601 Greenwood Ave N for some time, but since Ewing & Clark assisted selling the space last month, different plans have been floating around for the space, including a proposal for a 67 unit apartment building. According to the Daily Journal of Commerce, an LLC registered to John Graham of Graham Capital Group filed a proposal with the city seeking a 4 story apartment building, which would include 67 units, and 3,500 sf of commercial retail space.
The current building that sits on Greenwood Ave would be demolished with this plan, there will be a design review meeting that will take place on July 22nd in the Ballard Library. If you’d like more information on the property, visit the Daily Journal of Commerce.

Washington Park Rental Home: $6,000

This picture perfect 4 bed, 2 bath home in the heart of Washington Park is now available to rent! The home is updated throughout using the highest quality materials and construction. Features include spacious rooms, private outlook, beautiful oak floors, fine mill-work, remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, and a sunny private deck. This home is elegant and inviting, and could be yours to rent today. If you’re interested in this or other Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Baths:	4/2.25
Price:	$6,000