I am moving and I need to rent out my condo. I have never been a landlord before and I'm not sure the best way to get started. Should I just use the forms I find online? Do I need to meet with an attorney? The websites I have found through Google seem less than reliable, I am hoping you might have some good resources or first steps.
Thank you!
99% of the cases I see happen because somebody thought it would save money to write their own rental agreement. If there is one universal truth, you would save yourself an untold amount of stress and grief by talking, face to face, with a local landlord tenant attorney BEFORE you become a landlord. Not a real estate agent, or a banker, or a mortgage person, but a local licensed attorney. It may cost you something, but in the long run it could save you many thousands of dollars.
Elizabeth Powell
You should make yourself familiar with the landlord /Tenant act -- which means read the whole thing and if you are renting in Seattle you need to be familiar with Seattle's code as well. You should develop a lease that is particular to your situation. Using "canned" leases can accomplish the goal, but they are not designed to fit individual nuances that may arise in the leasehold.
I would suggest an attorney. There are certain requirements in Seattle that you must notify the tenant about. If you fail to notify the tenant about certain requirements, they may be able to 1) break any lease, 2) sue you for a small sum of money plus court fees and costs.
Finally, an attorney will set you up with a proper lease, the proper forms to ensure compliance with all codes, and will explain the nature of a tenancy and what you can and should expect.\
Hope that helps
Ryan J. Weatherstone
Weatherstone Law
www.weatherstonelaw.com
Serving King Pierce Snohomish
Agree with Weatherstone and Ms. Powell. Also a landlord side lawyer can advise you with respect to the additional requirements of the City of Seattle. If Mr. Weatherstone does landlord side I am sure he can help. If not try Don Allen, who basically trained all of us on both sides. (206)241-8787 If Don does not do Mom and Pop landlords other good landlord guys are Tacoma's Matt McLain (253) 460-6667 and Shoreline's Howard Marcus (206) 368-5622. I am all tenant side. Ms. Powell I don't know about exactly other than she is always correct.
