Carbon Monoxide Detectors Now Required For All Rentals

Following a trend in recent years of carbon-monoxide-related deaths stemming from the use of grills and propane heaters indoors, carbon monoxide detectors are now required for all rental properties. The rule took effect January 1, 2013. The Washington State Building Code Council requires a detector on each level of the residence and outside each sleeping area.
While the state landlord-tenant laws do not specify tenant responsibilities for maintaining carbon monoxide detectors, most standard leases assign responsibilities in a similar fashion to those governing smoke detectors. Property owners are required to install the detectors, while tenants are responsible for their maintenance, and are subject to a fine of up to $200 for non-compliance.
Some buildings already have dual smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, but the Seattle Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Division recommends testing these at least once a month, especially if they are frequently disabled due to smoke while cooking.
For more information on Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Bellevue Rental Home: $2,950

Apple Valley on the Eastside is the site of this charmingly remodeled home, now available for rent! This home features high ceilings ,hardwood floors, and an abundance of natural light! A den is off the large living room and the dining room opens to the gourmet kitchen. This home was recently remodeled by an architect with much care for comfortable living. The master suite has ample closet space and a beautiful bath. The other bedrooms are nice in size and all on the same floor. The back yard is completely fenced, and there is a 1 car garage attached. For more information on this or other Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

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

Capitol Hill Craftsman For Rent: $3,950

This lovely Craftsman on north Capitol Hill street is now available for rent! This two story home with a basemen, has been remodeled in keeping with the charm of the turn of the century. The kitchen is a state of the art , with an island for sitting and talking with the cook, gas stove , and the kitchen overlooks the back yard that features a wonderful Play set outside. Hardwood floors throughout the first and second floor, and lower level has a family room and an additional bedroom. If you’re interested in this or other Seattle rentals contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	4//2
Price:	$3,950

Madison Park Condo Rental: $2,400

This gorgeous 2 bedroom end unit near Madison Park Beach and Park is now available for rent. This condo sits right above the lake, and features many large windows and a spacious deck. Features include views of Lake Washington, mountains, and the Park, with two bedrooms and one and a half baths. The unit is in close proximity to restaurants, shops, and a bus line to downtown, and has a washer and dryer in the unit. There is also one parking stall in a secured garage. For more information on this unit or other Seattle Rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	2/1.5
Price:	$2,400

Belltown Condo Rental: $3,300

This beautifully appointed 2 bedroom condominium in the desirable Belltown neighborhood is available for rent. This large 2 bed 2 bath unit in the Bellora Condominium features hardwood flooring, a beautiful open kitchen and an open living area perfect for entertaining. The unit has a ton of huge windows, giving an abundance of natural light, and there is a sizable fireplace that can be seen from both the living room, and the master bedroom. The master has a luxurious 5 piece bath, and there is also a den, and one secured parking space. If you’re interested in this listing or other Seattle rentals, contact your local real estate agent today.

Status:	For Rent
Bed/Bath:	2//2
Price:	$3,300

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.