Author Archives: Coldwell Banker Bain Property Management

A new Washington State law went into effect September 30, 2018, making it illegal for landlords in Washington State to discriminate against tenants and would-be tenants based on their source of income. Source of income includes: Federal, state, and local … Continue reading →

A tenant may terminate a lease if the tenant or a member of the tenant’s household is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking and the tenant or household member has obtained a protection order or has reported … Continue reading →

Regulations which restrict* certain breeds of dogs don’t apply if proper documentation has been provided that an animal is an assistance animal.  These *restrictions apply to pets. A service or comfort animal is not a pet.  However, assistance animals cannot … Continue reading →

The city of Tacoma, Washington is considering a Just Cause Eviction Ordinance similar to Seattle’s.  The drafted provisions include: 60-day notice requirement for rent increases 60-day notice requirements for termination of tenancy Relocation assistance ordinance which requires owners to host … Continue reading →

According to Realtor.com’s July 2018 renting vs. buying report*, home prices rose more than three times faster than rents.  The monthly cost of owning a home rose 14% last year while the cost of renting rose by 4%.  According to … Continue reading →

Marital status is a protected class in Washington State.  Marital status includes being single, married, separated, engaged, widowed and divorced.  In the City of Seattle and in King County marital status includes cohabitating. This means that landlords must treat roommates … Continue reading →

Freddie Mac has a new program that will offer lower cost financing to investors of apartments who agree to cap rent increases for the life of the loan. The goal is to create rent control by keeping units in private … Continue reading →

The City of Seattle contracted with the UW to study the impact of recent changes in rental ordinances. The Seattle Rental Housing Study (SRHS) was published in July 2018.  Tenants surveyed expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the ordinances while … Continue reading →

The tenants in a lease cannot be changed without the signatures of all parties to the lease.  This is important when roommates share a rental and one wants to move out before the other.  Unless all roommates, any co-signers, and … Continue reading →

What you need to ask for if you represent someone buying a property with a tenant in place?  The following should be requested as part of the buyer’s due diligence: Lease and any addendums – the property is subject to … Continue reading →