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.

Renters in Old Buildings Blindsided By Rent Hikes

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rentals Blog
With all the talk about record-high rents in the Seattle area, you may look around at the high-rise apartments sprouting up in South Lake Union, Capitol Hill, and Ballard and think you’ve found the culprits for our status as the U.S.’s 8th most expensive city for renters. But here’s a surprising statistic reported recently by Sanjay Bhatt at The Seattle Times: rents in older buildings are actually rising at faster rates than those in newer ones. Rents in buildings built in the 1980′s grew by a rate of 8.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2014, whereas rents in buildings newer than 2010 grew by only 1.4 percent (granted, rents in these buildings are much higher to start with).
Renters who care little about granite counter tops and rooftop decks have historically been able to rent units for reasonable rates in older buildings that offer function without the flash. But as many of these mid-century buildings approach 60 or 70 years old, they’re being sold off to development groups who pass on renovation costs to tenants in the form of rent hikes. For residents such as those at the Linda Manor Apartments in West Seattle (a building built in 1964), those hikes came in the form of a 130 percent increase, according to The Seattle Times. One resident saw her rent rise from $1,000 per month to $2,300 per month.
With the addition of 86,000 new residents over the past four years and just under 29,000 new units built over the same time period, housing is at a premium and a low vacancy rate in King County is creating stiff competition for renters. Because of that, landlords are having no trouble filling units, even with ever-rising rents.
If you are interested in renting in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

Madison Park Rental Home: $2,450/Month

This gorgeous end unit next to Madison Park Beach and the Park is now available for rent! This home sits above the lake itself, with lots of windows and a spacious deck. Features include beautiful views of Lake Washington, mountains, and Madison Park. The home has two bedrooms, and one and a half baths. It is in close proximity to restaurants and shops, and a bus line to Downtown. Amenities include washer and dryer in the unit, and one car parking in secure garage. For more information on Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	2//1
Price:	$2,450

Looking For A Roomate? MatchPad App Can Help

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rental
The dating world has OkCupid, Match.com, and a host of other websites that claim to connect you with your soul mate. New service MatchPad has applied those same principles to connecting potential roommates, using criteria such as desired budget and location, as well as matching up compatible personality traits. According to an article on mynorthwest.com, the service launched in September as a website, and the app for both iOS and Android users will be available in January. Renters in Seattle won’t be able to take advantage of the service just yet, as it currently only operates in New York City, but once it does reach the Northwest it could help take some of the guesswork out of finding that elusive perfect roommate.

Madison Park Rental Home: $4,500/Month

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rental Blog
This three bed three bath Madison Park home is a perfect location, is now available for rent! Three bedrooms are located on the 2nd floor & 2 baths. The Office features views on the 3rd floor, and master bedroom has 3/4 bath and a fireplace. On the main floor, you’ll find an updated kitchen, family room, dining room, living room, & powder room. The yard space is truly amazing! There’s a large deck off the kitchen and family room, and two side patios on the South side of the home. The laundry room is located in the basement, and there is a two car garage parking off the alley. *Looking for a short term lease – 3 months* All rooms are furnished except one bedroom. For more information on this, or other Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed//Bath:	3//3
Price:	$4,500/Month

Queen Anne Luxury Rental: $4,950

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rentals Blog
This romantic three level 2 bed, 2 bath  “Tower” Apartment was built in 2011 with views of Elliott Bay, the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. This rental comes with a spacious 1 car garage (with the possibly of additional parking available). Features include travertine baths, stunning views, and a beautiful gourmet kitchen. The 500 sf deck is partially covered with views and a fireplace. Extraordinary landscaping includes waterfalls, terraces & boulders. If you’re interested in this or other Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	2//2
Price:	$4,950

Make Your Rental’s Bedroom Feel Like A Retreat

*Synced from the Seattle Luxury Rentals Blog
With customization options at a minimum, apartments often never quite feel like home for many renters. Living with your landlord’s choices for wall colors, flooring materials and finishes can leave renters feeling dissatisfied with their surroundings. But there are some things you can do to make one of the most important rooms in the apartment – the bedroom – feel less like a hotel and more like your own restful and relaxing retreat. Using some inspiration from the designers at Zillow, here are some ideas:
To start with, overhead lighting in apartment buildings is usually not the most flattering, but since you most likely can’t change the main fixture in your rental, invest in table lamps or floor lamps to give your bedroom a nice glow.  Stylish lamps can often be found inexpensively at stores such as Target or TJ Maxx.
Giving walls a fresh coat of paint is one of the cheapest and simplest ways to personalize your bedroom, but many landlords are not ready to let you wield a paintbrush of your own. Check in with them first, and if you get the go-ahead, a soft grey or classic white will give you a serene space that is also a blank canvas for the rest of your personal touches.
Once you’ve painted, pick up some new bedding in your favorite color palette to add some interest to the room. Along with a nice set of sheets (Target also carries inexpensive sets that feel much more luxurious), you have an opportunity to make a statement with your duvet cover and unique throws and pillows.
Can’t paint your walls? Paint your furniture! Take an old, tired dresser, give it a good sanding and dress it up with whatever color paint you’d like. Paint the whole thing, just the legs, just the top, it’s up to you! Heavy, dark furniture tends to weigh a room down, especially if there is little natural light, so adding some color in the form of furniture can be a major upgrade and is budget friendly.
Now you’ve got some ideas, so get decorating!
If you are interested in renting in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today!

Deadline Is Here For Registering Rental Properties With 10+ Units

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rentals Blog
Last October the City of Seattle passed the Rental Regulation & Inspection Ordinance that aims to establish a standard for cleanliness and healthy living conditions for all rental properties in the city, and the deadline for the first phase – registering properties with 10 or more units in preparation for inspections – is tomorrow, September 30. Inspections are expected to begin early next year, and inspectors will be looking to make sure that all carbon-monoxide and smoke detectors, locks, windows, hot and cold water, and a heat source are working; making sure there are no infestation issues; and that walls, roofs, and ceilings are in good condition.
The ordinance was put in place after a 2009 survey revealed that an estimated 10 percent of the 148,000 rental units in Seattle had “moderate to severe” physical problems. Over the next two years, most rental properties in Seattle will be required to register and subsequently be inspected, with the exception of owner-occupied properties where an individual room is being rented out, and “accessory dwelling units” that are occupied by an immediate family member of an owner. Units that already have inspection reports on file will not need to be re-inspected.
The city is hoping the ordinance will encourage owners to keep rental units up to the same minimum standard and deal with maintenance issues without having to rely on tenant complaints. Units will be inspected at least once every 10 years, and eventually prospective renters will be able view an online database of all registered properties that have passed inspection. Read more about the program here.
If you are interested in renting in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

Seattle One Of Top 10 Most Expensive Cities For Renters

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rentals Blog
If you’re a renter in Seattle you don’t need telling that it costs a pretty penny to live here, but we now have census data that confirms our rents are up there with the most expensive in the country. The Seattle Times is reporting that Seattle finally cracked the top ten on the list of cities boasting the highest median rent, with a cost of $1,172 per month.
Between 2010 and 2013 rents here also saw the steepest increase of the top 50 most populous cities in the U.S., having risen by $113 per month (including utilities), or 11 percent. $1,172 is the median cost of what renters are currently paying in Seattle, so it does not reflect many newer apartment buildings that are listing un-rented units for much higher prices. Surprisingly, the number of renters in Seattle has kept pace with rising rents – in 2013 there were 307,000 renters here, a 13 percent increase from 2010.
Click here to see a chart of the top 10 most expensive cities for renters. If you would like more information on renting in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

New SHA Program Would Raise Rents For Many In Subsidized Housing

*Synced from Seattle and Real Estate Blog

An article published yesterday by The Seattle Times outlines a proposed new program from the Seattle Housing Authority that would introduce progressive rent increases for about 35 percent of households that are part of the subsidized housing system. The program, titled “Stepping Forward”, aims to cycle more people out of subsidized housing by putting residents on the path to a higher wage through job counseling, and would raise rents accordingly over a span of six to eight years.
Stepping Forward would apply to 4,600 “work-able” households, which is defined by SHA as one where at least one person between the ages of 24 and 61 has no disabilities that prevent them from working. Currently, residents in subsidized housing pay 30 percent of their income for rent, but under the new plan rent would be based on home size rather than income. For example, potential rent for a one-bedroom apartment would be $140 per month for the first year of the program, $310 per month for years two and three, $480 per month for years four and five, and $720 per month for years six and seven. Different rent amounts would apply to studios, two bedrooms, etc. For households with no work-able adults, rent would continue to be a percentage of income.
Five community meetings being held in September will give the public a chance to comment on the proposal. All meetings are at 6:00 p.m. on the following dates:

- Wednesday, September 17 at the Yesler Community Center
- Monday, September 22 at the Rainier Community Center
- Tuesday, September 23 at the NewHolly Gathering Hall
- Monday, September 29 at the High Point Community Center
For more information on rentals or real estate in Seattle, contact your local real estate agent today.

Meadowbrook Condo Rental: $2,295

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rentals Blog
This immaculate and spacious townhome in a quiet residential neighborhood-not directly on arterial, is now available to rent! Thoughtfully designed & constructed and luxuriously appointed, this residence is a step above your typical townhome. All 3 bedrooms are good sized and have an attached bath. Large, open kitchen with maple cabinetry, stainless appliances and slab granite countertops. Slate entry, gas fireplace & extensive use of ceramic tile. There is also a small fenced patio off lower level suite. One car attached garage. For more information on this or other Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed//Bath:	3//3
Price:	$2,295

Summerwind Rental Home: $2,295

This gorgeous home in the Summerwind neighborhood in the Highlands area of Renton is now available for rent! This 3 bed/2.25 bath home offers a spacious living & dining room with vaulted ceilings and a wood burning fireplace. The kitchen has an abundance of natural light, stainless steel appliances, new cabinets and opens to a sunken family room. The entertainment-sized patio is surrounded by a lovely landscaped yard with a sprinkler system. This home is near great schools, and within walking distance to numerous shops. If you are interested in this or other Seattle area rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	3/2.5
Price:	$2,295

Credit Bureaus Now Considering Rent Payment History In Score Criteria

*Synced From Seattle Luxury Rental Blog
Your credit score. That elusive number between 300 and 850 that seems to follow you around wherever you go, determining whether you can buy that new car, rent that apartment, and perhaps most distressing for many Americans – whether you can become a homeowner. For many mortgage lenders, the minimum credit score required to approve a home loan is 640, and until now, on-time rent payments have not been a factor in determining your score. For many long-time renters who have accumulated a perfect track record of on-time payments, that omission has been a lost opportunity to give their credit a boost.
But now, Experian and TransUnion, two of the major national credit scoring bureaus, have begun using rental payment data in their credit-scoring criteria in partnership with a website called RentTrack. The site aims to help renters build credit by allowing them to pay their rent online, and by allowing landlords to report their tenants’ payment records to the bureaus. According to this report, almost 20 percent of renters saw their credit scores increase by 10 points after just a month of their landlord reporting payments. While it costs $1.95 per month for renters to use the site to pay online, they can also use it to track their credit progress, and many landlords will cover the cost.
For someone who hasn’t had much opportunity to build credit, this is a great way to practice good habits by making sure your rent is paid on time while simultaneously raising your credit score and opening the door to a future mortgage and home purchase. For more information on renting in Seattle, contact your local real estate agent today.

Average Rent in Seattle Nearing $1,300/Month

*Synced From Seattle Luxury Rentals Blog
After rising by 6.8 percent in the first quarter of this year, the average rent for an apartment in the Seattle area is continuing to rise as the year progresses, and the average now stands at $1,284 per month, according to a report in The Seattle Times. Since this statistic includes not just the city of Seattle but the surrounding cities, as well, there is quite a bit of variation in the average price when broken down by city, and even by neighborhood. The average in West Bellevue tops the list at $1,912 per month, while the average in SeaTac is more than $1,000 cheaper at $901 per month. In the city of Seattle alone, the average is $1,445. There is also a significant difference in rental costs depending on when the unit was built. For units built after 2010, the average is $1,754, whereas the average for a building built in the 1970′s is $1,019.
Among Seattle neighborhoods, rents in Ballard have gone up by the highest percentage, having risen 12.3 percent over the quarter to $1,628. For a neighborhood that has historically been home to mostly single-family homes, the apartment-building boom is significantly changing the residential face of the neighborhood, and while rents are high, Ballard also posted the city’s highest vacancy rate of 8.6 percent in the second quarter. There are many units still under construction, and when they are complete apartment inventory will have quadrupled over the past six years. To go along with that, vacancy rates are expected to rise to 18 percent.
If you are interested in renting in the Seattle area, contact your local real estate agent today.

New Data Shows Half of Seattle Renters Live Solo

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rental Blog
According to the most recent census data reported by The Seattle Times, Seattle’s population of renters is living up to the city’s reputation for introverted residents. 51 percent of the city’s rent-paying tenants live alone, which is a surprising statistic considering that the average rent in Seattle is now $1,480, up 21 percent from five years ago. Only Atlanta has a larger percentage of solo renters, and most other cities toward the top of the list (Cincinnati, St. Louis and Pittsburgh) have average rents significantly lower than Seattle’s.

But despite the significant rental costs, it appears Seattleites are willing to pay more in order to not have to share their space. No sinks full of your roommate’s dishes (just your own), no fighting over the parking space, and no sharing any of that precious square footage. Single-occupancy units are clustered more heavily in certain areas of the city, including downtown, where three out of every four units is occupied by a single person, and other densely populated neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill, Eastlake, and Fremont.
Though the rate of solo renters is high comparable to other cities, the percentage has dropped from 56 percent in 2009, so it appears renters may be starting to feel the squeeze of rising rents. For more information about renting in Seattle, contact your local real estate agent today.

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

Seattle Rentals Real Estate Recap: May 2014

*Synced from the Seattle Luxury Rental Blog
King County rental activity dropped in May from April with 262 leased properties, according to stats from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.  This number is down from the same time last year with 354 leased properties in King County.  Currently, there are 287 available rentals on the NWMLS, with 56 in neighborhoods within 7 miles of the downtown core.  The current highest asking price is $8500/mo for a 2 brd/2.b bath condo.
For more information about Seattle rentals, please contact me at anytime.

New Ordinance Aims To Establish Standards For Rentals

As many renters can attest, conditions in rental units can vary widely among properties, and getting repairs done can sometimes turn into a lengthy process, depending on the responsiveness of your landlord. The City of Seattle’s recently instituted Rental Registration & Inspection Ordinance is aiming to alleviate some of the worst conditions in rental properties in the city, after learning through the 2009 American Housing Survey that 10 percent of rental housing in the Seattle area has “moderate to severe” physical problems.
The ordinance will require all rental property owners to register their properties and hire either a City or private inspector to ensure their property is meeting minimum standards in areas such as smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, making sure broken or leaking windows, walls, and roofs are repaired, and making sure each unit does not have insects or rodents. The city has begun accepting registrations for properties, and registration will continue through 2016. Properties will be inspected at least once every 10 years thereafter.
According to The Seattle Times, owners are not required to register some types of rental properties, including units owned or managed by the government or a housing authority; housing associated with nursing homes and hospitals; transitional housing; housing associated with a religious order; or short term rentals such as vacation rentals and hotel rooms. The city is hoping this program will preserve quality of life in neighborhoods by educating all parties involved in renting units – landlords, renters and inspectors – to ensure everyone is on the same page in terms of what maintenance standards should be met.
For more information about Seattle rentals contact your local real estate agent today.

2,400 Micro-Apartments Planned For Seattle

*Synced from Seattle Luxury Rental Blog
Apodments, or micro-apartments have been trending in Seattle’s rental realm over the past year, with 700 units built in the city limits thus far. These mico units have appealed to the carless city dwellers who can fit the majority of their belongings in a 100-185 sf space. According to the Seattle Pi, that is roughly the size of a city parking space.
An estimated 2,400 additional units are in the works for the city of Seattle, in different stages of planning and permitting. The growing popularity of these units has caused a debate over whether these units are opening up opportunities for more affordable housing, or if they’re causing a surplus of tenants to migrate into already crowded neighborhoods. Seattle micro-units generally range from 100-185 sf, cost around $660/month, and usually a private bathroom, but many do not have kitchens or full kitchens. For more information on Seattle rentals, visit your local real estate agent today.

Seattle Rentals Real Estate Recap

*Synced from the Seattle Luxury Rental Blog

King County rental activity dipped in April, compared to March with 306 leased properties, according to stats from the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.  However, this number ticked up from the same time last year, which was 295 leased properties in King County.  The market continues to stay strong, with 68 available properties within 6 miles of the downtown core with high price tags-the highest asking rent priced at $12,000 for a 2 br/2 bath penthouse in Belltown.

Rents continue to increase as the Seattle vacancy rates remain at a low 3.6%, according to an article from Seattle Rental Group.  This is up just .07% from the same time last year. For more information about Seattle rentals, contact me at anytime.