All Forum Posts by: Allen Clark

Hello all!

We have been renting medium term furnished places for five years in the Seattle area and have generally done well advertising on Craigslist. It seems that Craigslist is getting extra scammy now and the reputation is going down in the Seattle area. 

I am wondering where other people advertise furnished short term rentals? Our leases are two month minimum and usually run 2-8 months. 

I rent short term furnished rentals. Typically tenants stay between 3-6 months. Since the units are furnished I sometimes hold the place for a couple weeks to accommodate their desired move in date. If I have some days to fill then I'll Airbnb it to bring in a bit of cash. 

I have one open for Feb 10 now and I signed a guy for Feb 18. That's just fine. I had MANY people asking if it'll be available in May or June. I simple reply that I require 30 days notice so I should no better closer to their dates. I would never hold a place for that long. 

I just called my regular insurance company and asked if they covered rental houses. Then I reviewed the coverage and decided if I was ok with the terms/price. 

The laws vary by state as well as city. For example the rules in Seattle are more restrictive than Washington State overall. When you're a landlord it's your responsibility to know and comply with the law. 

I did this in Seattle and chose to do it legally (I'm like that). This meant I needed plans, permits, inspections, etc. Lots of paperwork to do it right. I'm also an amateur and not a real estate pr so there was loads of lessons learned. I am very happy with the result and it feels good to have two fully separated units. 

The zoning is important but I knew I had the right zoning prior to buying the place. 

With all the building in Seattle I was wondering if rental prices are coming down. I rent short term (3 month min) furnished places within walking distance to downtown and for the first time in 2 years I am having trouble renting a place. 

This is a very nice place in a great part of town available Jan 1 which is not a bad time of year as many move to Seattle to begin the New Year. I figure it's just about price so I have been dropping it. 

Have others been seeing the same? I post on craigslist and Zillow which have been very good for me in Seattle. Any other places to post for furnished apartments that you know about?

I rent short term furnished rentals for a premium very close to downtown Seattle. Usually 3-6 months. I had a prospective tenant meet my criteria and she wanted the place for 5 weeks. I typically don't rent for that short of a term but I suggested a higher price and she agreed. However in all my dealings with her things felt off. My gut was screaming that she will not be good tenant. 

We got through the five weeks with a few bumps and I was mostly right. I am very happy to be rid of her. 

When applying objective criteria how do you listen to your gut as well?

The advice is clear. I use a very standard lease for WA state. I have emailed it to my lawyer to make sure that I can follow the advice given here. 

Regardless, I have told her that I need first month's rent paid in full before she gets keys to move in. 

Thanks all!

In my lease it does not say that I am allowed to bar her entry without payment. The lease states that rent is due September 4th and is late Sept. 9th.

I rent short term furnished accommodations within walking distance to downtown Seattle. 

There is a lady moving in on Sept 4th and we have a signed lease. The lease states that rent is due on 9/4 and is deemed late as of 9/9. From there penalties start accruing. Eviction process is clear in the lease. 

She qualified for the rental so I rented it to her. I just have a bad feeling. She paid the security deposit in cash so I have that. She just sent me an email telling me she probably won't have the rent for me on the 4th since the bank is closed and she does not trust Venmo. My reply was simply that it is her responsibility to get me the rent on time and she should read section 2 of the lease so she knows what will happen if she is late. 

I've been doing this for a couple years but this is the first tenant that I have a bad feeling about. Any tips as I head into this?