A client of ours recently requested help in getting an existing tenant re-leased since there were going to be some changes as to who was living there and such. One of 3 tenants was moving out so deposit funds were going to be changed around and then a new walk-thru would need to be done. Plus, a dog had been okay’d to stay onsite now too so a pet addendum would be necessary in the new lease terms, along with a change in lease fee.
Be sure to have these items in your leasing packages. Want to get the most comprehensive list of items for you, the landlord? Go to Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound http://www.rha-ps.com and check their site for information. Get a very reasonably priced membership and get access to credit and background checks as well as pre-made lease forms made for this area. Your membership will ensure that you’ll get up to date info in their monthly newsletter… that is, as long as you read it.
Items that are necessary for Seattle landlords:
Mold brochure.
Lead based paint disclosure pamphlet and form (if building is 1978 & older).
Walk-through move-in checklist. (we recommend photos be taken of items to help support move-out checklist.) In Seattle, if you didn’t do a move-in checklist at the beginning of the tenancy, then you cannot withhold funds from the deposit for damage later.