Proper Rent

Seattle passed new inspection laws in 2012 which subjected Seattle landlords and tenants to new rules around property inspections. This mandatory program cycles through the city’s entire rental stock every 10 years, checking units in all rental buildings at random.

The program updates have not been well-received by many tenants and landlords. Tenants argue the inspections are an invasion of privacy as inspectors don't need to provide any advanced notice and need no warrant to enter a rental unit.

In December a new lawsuit was filed by landlords and tenants that argues this law is unconstitutional and an invasion of privacy. Those who oppose the law are not against inspections, but they believe the current program is too extreme and should be updated to allow tenants the ability to refuse entry and request government inspectors as needed.

Homeowners should continue to register their units with the city and expect the inspections to occur for the foreseeable future. We'll continue to update our blog with updates to the law as it progresses. Contact Proper Rent if you have questions on how to register and stay in compliance with the city.

Seattle Rents- What's the deal?

What is going on with Seattle Rents? Are they still increasing? Are they flat? Are they declining?

Many reports in the past few months have been published about the housing market. Most of the reports center around the supply of housing finally catching up to and exceeding demand.

Our blog has more information and links to some recent market reports. The bottom line is rents are increasing, but Property Owners can do a few simple things to keep their places rented, or rent vacant units fast. Check out our blog for more information: www.properrent.com/blog

Are you aware of the minimum safety requirements for rental property locks and door in Seattle?

More than 25 years ago the City of Seattle implemented minimum security requirements for locks and doors necessary for all rental properties. However, many landlords and tenants are not familiar with these requirements.

There are five security requirements for locks and doors to be aware of.

1) Locks must be changed between tenants.
2) There must be an installation of door viewers.
3) Deadbolts must be installed and operational on appropriate exterior doors.
4) There must be latching devices on windows.
5) Sliding patio doors require proper security devices.

Check our our blog https://www.properrent.com/blog for more information of these security requirements and let us know if you have questions or need guidance on staying current with rental regulations.

Rental Home Purchases in Seattle - 25% Cheaper in Winter!
Thinking of buying a rental property? The best time to get in the market is Winter. According to Business Insider, Seattle Rental Homes are 25% cheaper in the winter. In fact, across the US, rental homes are an average of 6.6% less per square foot for the same rental property during the winter as they are during the spring and summer.

While buying a rental property in Seattle at a 25% discount sounds attractive, other areas can have an even bigger discount. Seattle ranks #9 on the list of best places for purchasing in the Winter. Want to know who is number 1? Check our blog: www.properrent.com/blog