investing in states with strong renter protection?

[Chen Su]

Are there any fellow Washington state investors/landlords here or others who are investing in states with strong renter protections? What kind of legal protections or advice do you recommend? I saw many news about landlords going bankrupt due to the new eviction policy. I would love to know if there is any local landlord groups to learn on this topics.

What areas/states have really balance approach that protects both sides? 

Thank you!

[John Barrett]

@Chen Su Tenant screening is super important as @Sherief Elbassuoni has mentioned.  Additionally, you can join the local landlord association and use updated and approved documentation (lease agreements, movein-moveout checklists, notices etc).  In Washington you can look up both RHAWA and WLA.  Both landlord associations are good and provide a lot of resources and guidance for landlords.

Landlord tenant laws are different between cities, so you can target cities (other than Seattle) that have more reasonable rules.  In general, using a good screening criteria, clear documentation and open communication with your tenants and you will do just fine.  While you can always run into issues with tenants I have found the vast majority are good people just looking for a clean, safe place to live.

Best of luck,

John