Did you know...

Co-habi-what ?!?

CBBain PM — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:12:44 +0000

That marital status is a protected class in Washington State? Marital status includes being single single, married, separated, engaged, widowed and divorced. In the City of Seattle and unincorporated King County marital status includes cohabitating.

Good faith efforts may come up short.

CBBain PM — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:21:35 +0000

That if a tenant breaks a lease the landlord is required to make a good faith effort to re-rent the property? The courts usually interpret requirement as meaning that the property must be marketed for rent for the same terms – such as rent and deposits – as the vacating tenant had. If the landlord decides to sell the property instead of renting it again, s/he has not complied with this requirement and probably cannot charge the tenant for lost rent.

ADU & you!

CBBain PM — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:19:12 +0000

That an owner-occupied property with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) may be considered a duplex if sold to an investor who rents both units? Typically is it easier to get zoning permission for an owner-occupied property with an ADU than for a duplex. If a rental property is found to be in violation of local codes due to the ADU, a landlord could be required to pay relocation costs for the displaced tenant.

Cold weather tips!

CBBain PM — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:02:59 +0000

That frozen pipes can occur even in occupied properties? Here are some tips for prevention:

Locate the main water shut off before a broken pipe occurs.
Disconnect all hoses; if the water freezes in the hose, it can break the spigot.
Most new spigots have a shut off valve inside the house or garage; shut off any spigots with this feature.
Put spigot covers on all outside faucets.
Make sure that there is some heat on in the house at all times, including when no one is home.
Keep the garage door closed so any heat will be kept inside.
If the temperature drops below 20° during the day, let water trickle in all the faucets.
In periods of extreme cold, leave cupboard doors open under sinks on exterior walls so the heat will get to the pipes.

Deposits & Fees; now I see!

CBBain PM — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:03:13 +0000

That anything referred to in a lease as a deposit must be fully refundable. Any monies that are not refundable must be referred to as a non-refundable fee (such as a cleaning fee, pet fee, etc). If a deposit or fee is charged:

the rental agreement must be in writing and it must say what each deposit is for and what must be done in order to get the money back,
a receipt must be given for funds paid,
a written inspection report must be completed, signed by both parties and a copy given to the tenant, and
all deposits must be held in a Washington state trust account.

“Foreclosure Notices”; what you need to know…

CBBain PM — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:59:37 +0000

That there are both federal and state laws which protect tenants in the case of a foreclosure? State law requires the successor owner to give tenants a 60 day notice to vacate after transfer of title. The federal law requires a 90 day notice to a tenant on a month-to-month lease. If the new owner of the property wants to personally occupy the rental property, the new owner can give a tenant a 90 day notice to vacate. In all other instances the terms of the lease remain binding. The federal law is currently scheduled to expire on December 31, 2014; the state law does not have an expiration date.

The lease must be arms length, must be “bona fide” and the rent must not be significantly lower than current market value.

Hot tub may lead to hot water!

CBBain PM — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:21:09 +0000

There have been at least three million dollar lawsuits regarding hot tubs in rentals on the astside? Even if the landlord/listing agent/property manager is found innocent, thousands of dollars can be spent mounting a defense. Owners with features such as hot tubs, pools, ponds, streams, etc. should be advised to consult an insurance agent and/or attorney regarding adequate liability insurance.

You’ve got that “uneasy” feeling; now it’s gone, gone, gone…

CBBain PM — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:01:23 +0000

To meet fair housing standards, landlords must consistently apply the same screening criteria to all? The King County Office of Civil Rights explains that landlords must develop a, “consistent and sound screening policy that measures a potential resident’s willingness and
ability to pay rent.” This policy must include quantifiable, pre-determined criteria, which usually includes the following:

Credit
Previous Tenancies (or mortgage history)
Income to Housing Cost Ratio
Criminal Background & Identification Checks

Pre-determined criteria –that means in writing – before the listing is marketed!!

Don’t judge me…

CBBain PM — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:23:45 +0000

That Fair Housing testing can occur at the local, state or federal level? An undercover investigation conducted by the city of Seattle, through the Office of Civil Rights, found more
than 50% of properties tested showed evidence of illegal housing discrimination. Testers found that blacks were quoted higher rents than whites and in 36% of properties tested, “inconsistencies that create barriers for people with disabilities” were found. These included refusing to accommodate service animals and not providing parking areas with spots designated for people with disabilities. Charges are being filed against six owners who most clearly violated anti-discrimination laws.

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/132295238.html

Tenant “Hokie-Pokie”: Put the right one in, take the right one out…

CBBain PM — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 15:59:03 +0000

That the tenants in a lease cannot be changed with out the signatures of all parties to the lease?

This is important when roommates rent together and one wants to move out before the other. Unless all roommates, any co-signers, and the landlord agree in writing otherwise, the tenant vacating remains responsible for all terms under the lease, including for rent and for any damage done to the property. The vacating tenant will remain responsible until either all of the original tenants vacate or a written amendment is signed by all. This is true even if the original agreement has expired and the tenancy has converted to month-to-month agreement.

That’s what it’s all a-bout!