FAQs

Posted by bayside

  1.  How much rent can I get for my home?

    This is a complex answer.   It involves analyzing the market, condition of the residence, the location, the size, the season, amenities, and more.  This is why a professional property manager is important.

    Request a Rental Property Analysis Today!

  2. How long will it take to fill my vacancy?

    The answer depends on a number of things from the condition of the home, location, rental price, and time of year.

  3. What do I do about the utilities?

    Please leave all water, sewer, gas and electrical utilities on. In Sumas and Blaine, water and electricity are combined.  Different communities have different power sources.  Ask us if you are unsure.  The tenant is required to place appropriate utilities in their name the day they move in, and they will all revert back into your name if the property is ever vacant, or you move back to your rental property.

  4. Who is responsible for maintaining the yard?

    We can require the tenant to mow the yard per the lease agreement.  Maintenance, including trimming bushes, trees and shrubs, along with weeding, fertilizing and edging, is an owner expense/responsibility.

  5. How often does a Windermere Property Manager visit your property?

    We drive by your home several times a year and provide an annual interior inspection. We visit the property if there are complaints or our maintenance team reports a problem. If there are issues that need to be addressed we will take photos and advise you of maintenance needs.

  6. What is the “reserve deposit” for?

    This is held in our trust account for incidental repairs.  It is a legal reserve to make unforeseen repairs.  You will be notified of the repair (via an emailed work order) so it is not a surprise to you when you get your monthly statement.

  7. How are work orders handled, and how do I pay them?

    Tenants submit maintenance requests to us. We then send the work order to the vendor, the tenant, and to you.  This ensures that everyone is on the same page.  Windermere then pays the vendor invoice utilizing owner proceeds.

  8. What about pets?

    Because 84% of Whatcom County residents own a pet, we recommend listing pets as “negotiable” on the listing.  This allows you the option of accepting their animal(s) or not, so you don’t miss out on any prospective tenants.  We can charge pet rent and pet fees.  Legal companion/service animals are exempt from all pet fees and designation as a “pet”.

  9. Should I leave the washer & dryer?

    Washers and dryers are a desirable amenity – just remember if they break, as an owner you need to repair or replace them.  This goes for any appliance provided in the rental.

  10. Are the tenants required to carry renters insurance?

    We do recommend all tenants to carry renter’s insurance, and we require the home owner to have a policy.  Notify your insurance agent that your home will be a rental property.

  11. How/when will the property owner get paid?

    We transmit the rent via electronic deposit by the 25th of every month.

  12. How much is the tenant damage deposit?

    The deposit is close to one month’s rent.

  13. What happens if the tenant damages the home?

    We compare all inspections to the move-in condition report and make any necessary repairs.  If there are needed repairs or cleaning during the tenancy, we will discuss appropriate action with the property owner.  If the damage is discovered at move-out we deduct the charges from the tenant’s security deposit.