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

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

Renter Competition is Stiff: Come Prepared With Renter Application Packet

These days Seattle rentals are few and far between, and in our competitive rental market bringing your checkbook ready to cash in the deposit no longer puts you on the top of the applicant stack. In other popular cities like San Francisco renters arriving at showings can expect a long line of other applicants already waiting at the door, so if you’re looking to be one step ahead of the game, putting together a renter application packet could be be your ticket to a new rental.

Downtown Seattle Rental: $4,500/Month

Get the following documents prepared before your rental showing:

• A copy of your ID: either a driver’s license or passport

• Proof of employment: A pay stub will suffice, but if you can get a letter from your employer confirming your employment that would be beneficial.

• Pay stub: Several landlords have minimum salary requirements, so having at least 3 of your most recent pay stubs is important.

• A bank statement: Having a bank statement available that indicates you are financially stable and capable of paying rent could be the difference between you and someone less prepared.

• References: Have a list of references, past landlords, past neighbors and business partners is a great way to enphasize that you are a responsible tenant.

• Rental Application, and fee: This is most important if you’re able to request the application prior to the showing. Some property management websites have these available for prospective tenants, and also having a check handy for the application fee will indicate your preparedness.

Make sure that you double check all of the application requirements prior to your showing if available, and don’t forget to bring your checkbook along with your completed renter application packet. Good luck on your rental hunt! If you’re interested in Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today!

Bellevue Rental Home: $3,200/Month

This completely modernized and renovated home in the Woodridge neighborhood in Bellevue is now available for rent! Excellent schools in the area grades K-12, conveniently located near shopping district and close to 409 and I-90 highways. downtown Bellevue is a mere 5 minutes from home, and also an easy commute to downtown Seattle. This home has 4 beds, 2 remodeled baths, an updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and ample storage and closet space.This single level home sits on a large lot, with a play area in the backyard, and the best secret: ask about future opportunity to purchase. For more information on Bellevue or Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

	Status:	For Rent
	Bed/Baths:	4,2
	Price:	$3,200

A Light In the Midst of a Goverment Shutdown

While we’re in the throws of a government shutdown, it’s a perfect time to shed some light on the things the government is powering up, such as the muncipally-owned Seattle City Light delivering cheap and green energy solutions to Seattle’s residential residents. Seattle City Light actually has one of the lowest residential rates compared to the top 25 largest cities in the nation, and delivers electricity while staying completely carbon neutral. Of the 100 largest utilities in the country, Seattle City Light has the 4th cheapest electric rates as well, and two of the three companies that are less expensive than Seattle (Iowa and Indiana) burn a significant amount of coal to make electricity. If your rental is powered by Seattle City Light, be thankful we have some of the cheapest cleaned power across the nation. Hooray! If you’re interested in Seattle Rentals, contact your residential agent today.