Unlock the Potential of Short-Term Rentals in Seattle
In the bustling city of Seattle, property owners have been capitalizing on the burgeoning trend in short-term rentals Seattle. Utilizing platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to maximize the potential of their real estate investments. The alluring higher rental rates and the flexibility of shorter leasing periods have made this an increasingly attractive endeavor. However, as with any business venture, there are unique challenges to consider and prepare for.
A Cautionary Tale: Handling Extended Stays
Imagine a scenario where a conscientious landlord decided to rent their property via an online platform to a short-term tenant. Initially, everything seemed to be proceeding smoothly, but complications arose when the tenant requested an extension of their stay. The landlord, operating in good faith, granted the request.
However, this decision turned troublesome when the tenant paid for the extended stay with a voided check. Subsequently, the landlord attempted to evict the tenant. The tenant resisted, leading to police involvement, theft, property damage, and, understandably, the ire of neighbors.
Unfortunately, neither the platform nor the local authorities were willing to intervene. Why? Because the landlord had already altered the lease agreement to a month-to-month arrangement without receiving payment due to the bad check. This led to a series of legal actions, including issuing a three-day notice, filing a complaint for unlawful detainer, and waiting several weeks for the court to hear the matter. Ultimately, the landlord was forced to evict the tenant for failure to pay rent. Regrettably, the property sustained significant damage, and personal belongings were lost.
In light of this and similar instances we’ve encountered while assisting homeowners in temporarily renting their properties, we offer the following insights and recommendations:
Understanding the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act before starting your Short-Term Rentals in Seattle
Firstly, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with Washington’s Residential Landlord-Tenant Act. Surprisingly, homeowners cannot change locks on a vacation renter, as they might with a hotel guest. This restriction prevents landlords from engaging in self-help eviction practices, which violate Washington’s landlord-tenant laws. At the same time, there is an exception for hotels under RCW 59.18.040(3). And this applies exclusively to structures with three or more rooms available for rent, which many individual houses do not fall under.
Also, landlords who use their properties as vacation rentals must be well-versed in the applicable Fair Housing rules, anti-discrimination legislation, and ADA standards. A responsible landlord must understand and adhere to these requirements and limitations.
Don’t Solely Rely on the Platform
One of the most critical lessons is to rely on something other than the rental platform to resolve issues. In cases where a tenant causes harm to the property or refuses to leave, the platform that facilitated the rental arrangement may not provide the necessary support or compensation. Consequently, it is essential to diligently vet potential tenants before allowing them to occupy your home, much like the process you would follow for a long-term tenant.
Furthermore, reviewing your homeowner’s insurance coverage is prudent to ascertain whether you are adequately protected against any harm caused by transient visitors or tenants. Taking these security measures proactively before welcoming a guest into your home can be the key to avoiding potential complications.
Drafting Your Own Regulations and Lease
Successful short-term rentals require cooperation and transparency between both landlords and tenants. While most arrangements proceed smoothly, the costs of evicting a problematic renter can outweigh the benefits of numerous successful vacation rental experiences.
Therefore, it is advisable to draft a well-structured short-term lease that outlines the landlord’s expectations and the duration of the rental period. If any occupant remains on the property after the lease period has expired, they are instantly deemed unlawfully occupying the property by the law.
The Seattle Just Reason Eviction Ordinance does not extend to tenants who have agreed to vacate but have yet to do so. Thus, getting a difficult vacation tenant to sign a contract explicitly stating the duration of their stay can expedite the eviction process, saving time and money.
Securing Timely Payments
In simple terms, if a tenant is unable or unwilling to pay the entire rent for the entire lease term upfront, a landlord shouldn’t permit them to move in. This rule should not be subject to exceptions. While it may take longer to evict a tenant from the property than to wait for payment, waiting until the tenant can deliver a cashier’s check or money order before allowing them to occupy the premises is preferable.
Strict Adherence to Lease Terms
If a tenant desires to extend their stay beyond the original lease period, landlords should require them to sign a new lease or lease addendum stating the new end date. Furthermore, landlords should insist on payment for the additional time upfront. With a new lease or proper documentation, landlords should permit the renter to stay on the property for a while. This could inadvertently transform them into month-to-month tenants, leading to complications down the road. Evicting a renter in such a situation without proper justification could prove costly in terms of legal fees and time spent.
While some of these precautions may appear excessive or overly cautious, it is crucial to remember that attorneys frequently encounter horror stories and worst-case scenarios. Consequently, landlords should consider the potential risks before allowing tenants to occupy their property. Prudent and thorough planning before signing a short-term lease can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering long-term issues.
Expert Legal Guidance with Short-term Rentals Seattle Your Path to Resolution and Peace of Mind
If you encounter any of these issues with your property, seek legal assistance from an experienced SuperHost x SuperLawyer promptly. A short-term rental lawyer with expertise in leases, evictions, tenant conflicts, or any other landlord-tenant issue can provide effective solutions. Your peace of mind is invaluable.