CURRENT - January 2026

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From dated to dazzling, we will make your property move-in ready with our expert renovations. Start with a free, no-obligation walk-through to craft a tenant-focused upgrade—covering everything from plumbing to fixtures. Our proven systems, skilled teams, and high-quality construction materials ensure a long-lasting, modern transformation that attracts quality tenants for years, boosting property value. Your project will finish on time and on budget.

INTERNATIONAL TENANT SCREENING: Tips, Tools, & Best Practices

Are you an owner, property manager or leasing agent struggling to screen international renters? As the world becomes more connected, it's increasingly common for leasing professionals to receive interest in their properties from renters who don’t have a United States credit history. However, many challenges come with assessing the creditworthiness and background of prospective tenants from other countries. The process can seem overwhelming, from language barriers to difficulty obtaining financial and employment records.

In this article, we will walk you through the exact process to follow to screen international renters effectively. We'll show you the tools and services available to assist you and provide tips on how to screen reliably so you can feel confident with your approval. Get ready to confidently and efficiently screen international tenants for your properties!

What are International Tenant Screening Services?

International tenant screening services offer background checks and credit reports for potential renters that are new to the U.S. and do not have a U.S. credit history. These services can help leasing professionals assess potential tenants' creditworthiness and financial stability.

The screening process generally involves checking the individual's employment and credit history, legal record, and rental history. International tenant screening services can help reduce the risk of fraud and minimize the risk of legal liability for leasing professionals.

Why Use International Tenant Screening Services?

It’s important to screen all potential tenants, regardless of where they lived previously. International screening services provide comprehensive background

checks, credit checks, and other reports that help ensure that the applicant is likely to be a reliable renter. These services help housing providers make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes when renting properties. Using a reliable screening service will help you determine if an applicant is likely to be a reliable renter, even if they don’t have U.S. credit history.

How to Do International Tenant Screening

The screening process for international applicants or people who are new to the U.S. isn’t dramatically different than screening U.S.-based applicants. The main difference is that international applicants typically don’t have a U.S. rental or credit history. However, you can work around these challenges with the right processes and tools in place.

The steps for doing international tenant screening include:

1. Ask the applicant to complete an online rental application

2. Verify the applicant’s identification using their passport or other documentation

3. Conduct a credit check through an international credit reporting agency

4. Verify the applicant’s employment and income by contacting their employer

5. Obtain references and verify rental history by contacting previous landlords

6. Review all application information, documentation, and verifications to determine whether the applicant is qualified

Keep in mind that these prospective tenants have basic protections under Federal Fair Housing law under the protected class, “National Origin.” Washington state and many local laws expand on these protections and prohibit denial based on the absence of a social security number.

 Continued on page 12

CONTACT US

Administrative Director

Chloe Moser: cmoser@RHAwa.org

Board Administrator

Jim Nell: jnell@RHAwa.org

Creative Director

Sisi Mereness: (206) 905-0605

Deputy Director

Melissa Canfield: (206) 905-0615

Engagement Coordinator

Daniel Bannon: (206) 905-0609

Engagement Coordinator

Daniel Klemme: (206) 905-0611

Marketing & Sales Associate

Luke Brown: (206) 905-0610

Member Programs Director

Denise Myers: (206) 905-0614

Public Affairs Manager

Corey Hjalseth: (206) 905-0603

Support Services Administrator

Val Kushi: (206) 283-0816

Support Services Specialist (Resource Desk)

Sue Lewis: RHAwa.org/supportcenter

Support Services Specialist (Eastern WA Desk)

Steve Wareham: (509) 535-1018

CONNECT WITH US

 Facebook: Like us at facebook.com/RHAofWA

 Instagram: Follow us at @RHAofWA

 LinkedIn: Follow us at linkedin.com/company/ rental-housing-association-of-washington

 Twitter: Follow us at @RHAofWA

 YouTube: Watch us at youtube.com/@RHAofWA

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

COUNCIL OF REGENTS

Christopher Benis

Submit

Educational articles featured in Current must be between 500 and 1500 words, include an author bio, professional headshot and contact information. High-resolution (300 dpi) graphics and photos should be sent separately. Deadlines are generally 30 days before the issue date, which is the first of each month. The editors reserve the right to edit, revise, or reject any submitted material. Submit to publications@RHAwa.org.

Advertise For

information (rates, production specifications, and deadlines), contact Luke Brown: lbrown@RHAwa.org.

COUNSEL

RHAWA

JANUARY CALENDAR

All class sessions are presented ONLINE only unless otherwise specified.

For all ONLINE classes, 30-day access to a recording of the session is included. Upgrade your membership to include a premium dues package. The Weekly ONLINE Session Package includes 12-months' access to live weekly ONLINE educational sessions for $250/person/year. The ON provides full access to over one hundred recorded educational sessions for $120/person/year.

PLEASE NOTE: Our event sales are subject to WA State tax as of October 1. To cover this cost, the price of Individual class prices will increase to $35 for members. Non-member pricing will increase to $220 for law topics and $70 for all other topics.

NEW YEAR'S HOLIDAY – OFFICE CLOSED ALL DAY

When: Thursday, January 1

2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION KICK OFF

When: Wednesday, January 7 | 6pm

Cost: Free

Join us for our first event in the new year to kick off the beginning of the 2026 Legislative Session! You will hear from top policymakers and industry leaders on what to expect out of this year's legislative session. Association staff will discuss RHAWA's five highest legislative priorities, how the priorities were developed, and what we’re expecting for the upcoming session. Don’t miss this dive into the issues that matter to housing providers across Washington.

PLANNING FOR RENTAL PROPERTY RETIREMENT

When: Thursday, January 8 | 2-3pm

Cost: $35 Members | $70 Guests

This class guides Washington rental property owners through the key tax considerations that arise when retiring from active property ownership and management. We’ll cover capital gains, depreciation recapture, 1031 exchange limitations, selling versus transferring property, estate and inheritance issues, record-keeping requirements, and timelines to expect. Participants will learn how retirement decisions—whether selling, gifting, or keeping properties as passive investments—affect state and federal taxes. Designed for independent housing providers, this session offers clear explanations, practical scenarios, and resources to support confident planning.

LINK MEETINGS

Casual member meetings with topical discussions. No fee, simply order and pay for food at restaurant venues. January topic is Legislative Session:

• St. Andrews Pub, Seattle | Thursday, January 8, 6-8pm

• *Check Website*, Tukwila | Tuesday, January 13, 6:30-8pm

• Birch, Vancouver | Tuesday, January 13, 6-7:30pm (New!)

• Bob’s Burgers, Everett | Thursday, January 15, 6:30-8pm

• Ben Dew, Tacoma | Thursday, January 15, 6-7:30pm

• Dave & Buster’s, Bellevue | Tuesday, January 20, 6-8pm

• ONLINE Meeting | Tuesday, January 27, 6-7pm

*Meeting time and subject may change. Please check the calendar at RHAwa.org/events.

CLEAN BUILDINGS PERFORMANCE STANDARD FOR MULTIFAMILY BUILDINGS

When: Thursday, January 15 | 2-3pm

Cost: $35 Members | $70 Freemium Subscribers

In March 2022, the Clean Buildings expansion bill was signed into law, which included Tier 2 covered buildings and multifamily buildings over 20,000 square feet. Members of the Clean Buildings staff from the Department of Commerce will walk through the requirements of meeting compliance with the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS), the tools and resources available, along with some of the funding opportunities that building owners can leverage.

MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY – OFFICE CLOSED ALL DAY

When: Monday, January 19

REFRESH & REPAINT: A GUIDE TO DIY RENTAL PAINTING

When: Thursday, January 22 | 3-4pm

Cost: $35 Members | $70 Freemium Subscribers

This online class is for the hands-on property owner who wants to develop their skills to achieve clean and professional results on DIY painting projects, both inside and out. Tim Puckett of Rodda Paint will review essential prep techniques, surface cleaning, patching, caulking, priming, and choosing long-lasting interior and exterior paints. He’ll cover cutting in, rolling efficiently, painting trim and doors, addressing common wear-and-tear, and selecting colors that appeal to renters. You’ll also learn when DIY makes sense and when to bring in a pro. Designed for beginners and long-time property owners alike, this course will help you improve curb appeal, speed up turnovers, and reduce maintenance costs with budget-friendly painting projects.

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO NAVIGATING SUBSIDIZED HOUSING

When: Thursday, January 29 | 12-1pm

Cost: $35 Members | $70 Guests

This presentation will inform rental housing providers on best practices relating to enforcing tenant duties in the context of subsidized housing. Attorney Eric Steven will discuss various affordable tenancies and special program requirements related to the enforcement of tenant duties.

MASTER YOUR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SKILLS

PROPERTY MANAGER SERIES

Our dynamic 12-part series, designed for property managers (but also great for owners) goes live online weekly starting on Thursday, February 26th, from 12-1pm. Join any single live virtual class for just $35, or go all-in for the entire series at an unbeatable $210. We’ve got cool ticket options for our guests too! Let’s turn your property management challenges into triumphs! View details and register at: RHAwa.org/events.

Register for entire series by February 25th to save 50%.

For questions about the series or RHAWA’s Rental Housing Academy, please contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org.

Introducing RHAWA Atlas

Over the last several years, RHAWA has implemented a few different off-the-shelf applications for digital signing of our legal forms. For various reasons, each of those options became unavailable. Now, taking things into our own hands, we are working with a developer to create a custom application designed with our core membership in mind.

Our approach is to start simply. The application allows you to select forms and compile into a lease signing package (lease and addenda) is custom designed for our members, while the underlying digital signature functionality is a time-tested and reliable application, SignNow – launched in 2011 with more than 28 million users worldwide. Documents signed via SignNow are legally valid and enforceable in court under eSignature laws like the ESIGN Act. SignNow ensures signatures are tamper-evident and provides a detailed audit trail for non-repudiation.

The development process for RHAWA Atlas began in October, and we completed our phase 1 launch in December 2025. If you are interested in learning more about this product, please visit RHAwa.org/atlas or look for access to the new digital leasing tool on your Member Access menu or Member Compass page.

ADDITIONAL ATLAS MODULES PLANNED FOR FUTURE

Over the upcoming months and years, we plan to add modules and features to Atlas. Future modules might include an integration with Intellirent, a rent pay feature, repair requests and other tenant communications, bookkeeping features, etc. We are working with a group of member stakeholders as we develop and test each iteration of this application. If you would like to be part of this testing group, please contact me at dmyers@RHAwa.org.

USING ATLAS FOR DIGITALLY SIGNING RHAWA FORMS

1. RHAWA Atlas will become the hub for navigating

in mind.

2. At first, all your Legal Form Packets will be listed, filterable and sortable by various factors. Current status and next action is listed for each packet.

3. Create New to start a new forms packet, selecting or adding a property, then selecting or adding all signing parties.

4. Now build your packet. Select a Category to help you find the appropriate form based on what you want to do, or search for a specific form. Use the

Jurisdiction selector to identify any forms required in the city or county where the property is located.

5. After filling in all the details, download completed forms to print and manually sign or pay a nominal fee to send for digital signature. This fee covers costs charged to RHAWA for each packet sent for signing.

6. Enter and manage details on your properties, residents, payment methods and your personal/business information under the Account menu.

Start using Atlas today! Reach out to us at office@ RHAwa.org with any questions, feedback or suggestions for future expansion.

Denise Myers | Member Programs Director | 
your rental business as we continue to build out this custom application designed with Washington’s independent rental owners

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Note: Solution will be in the next issue of the CURRENT.

Assistance Animal Accommodations: Fair Housing Complaints Still a Huge Risk in Washington

Myers | Member Programs Director |

Accommodation of assistance animals has been a trigger for heated conversation among housing providers for years. Any property owner that has survived particularly expensive damage caused by a tenant’s animal is prone to feel abused by the requirement to accommodate them, especially without charging extra deposits or fees. The desire to find a-workaround is strong, so when we hear inklings in the news that things might be changing, we might be enticed to stretch the boundaries with our policies.

Members have been asking about recent news potentially affecting how assistance animals are to be accommodated.

• June 2024: SCOTUS Ruling overturned the 1988 Chevron Doctrine which allowed administrative departments (like HUD) to issue guidance for interpreting laws. This reversal places the responsibility back on the courts.

• July 2025: Henderson v. Five Properties, LLC a Louisiana District Court ruled that a landlord could charge pet fees for an assistance animal if the fees were reasonable and the tenant could afford paying them without undue burden.

• September 2025: Notice of Withdrawal of FHEO Guidance Documents.

justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2010/12/14/joint_statement_ra.pdf

Although these recent developments impact, or potentially impact, federal law, Washington has its own fair housing laws under RCW 49.60, Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD), as do many cities in Washington State, which are often more protective of tenants than federal requirements. Washington entities that investigate fair housing complaints may potentially treat the WLAD and local laws as more protective than the federal Fair Housing Act. Following are a few examples of such local laws:

• SMC 14.080.020 defines a service animal as "an animal that does work for, performs tasks for, or provides medically necessary support for the benefit of an individual with a disability" and defines a disability as "a sensory, mental, or physical impairment that" either exists or is believed to exist.

• Nonbinding material (no citations) on the SOCR website:

hum.wa.gov/fair-housing/disability-housing

• The Washington Law Against Discrimination narrowly defines service animals, but explicitly excludes this narrow scope from fair housing rules. RCW 49.60.040(25). This is generally treated as meaning that accommodations which are larger in scope are still reasonable in the housing context. See RCW 49.60.222(2) (b) where granting an accommodation and using a trained animal are different accommodations.

By handling all accommodation requests, including those for assistance animals, according to the following guidelines found in the RHAWA Support Center, you may reduce the chances of facing an expensive and time-consuming fair housing complaint.

Reasonable Accommodations in Rental Housing

A fair housing complaint can result in thousands of dollars in fines, attorney fees, and other costs.

If the disability or need for the accommodation is not obvious, the housing provider can request a letter from their licensed care provider (doctor, therapist, clergy, etc.) stating that the tenant is disabled and needs the specific animal or other accommodation due to their disability. The housing provider can request specific documentation for each animal or other accommodation requested, but only if the need is not obvious.

If a request results in an unreasonable financial or administrative burden or would change the nature of the housing provider’s business, they must work with the tenant to find a reasonable alternative solution. If at any time a tenant requests an accommodation and it becomes challenging to find a mutually acceptable solution, consider consulting an attorney before denying the request.

The housing provider should think of the assistance animal as an extension of the tenant, like a wheelchair. Therefore, it follows that:

hud.gov/sites/dfiles/Main/documents/ Notice-of-Withdrawal-of-Guidance-Documents.pdf

• For guidance not withdrawn, see Joint Statement of The Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Justice Reasonable Accommodations Under the Fair Housing Act, May 17, 2004.

seattle.gov/rentinginseattle/housing-providers/moving-a-tenant-in/ pets-vs-service-animals

• Washington Human Rights Commission guidance on assistance animals.

Under the Fair Housing Act and Washington State law, residential tenants with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodations or modifications. Common disability accommodation requests include assistance animals, additional occupants for caregiving, reserved parking, or transfers. Modification requests include permission to install wheelchair ramps, handrails and other physical changes to the rental property. These types of modifications are generally done at the tenant's expense.

Failure to process requests appropriately is the cause for over 50% of all fair housing complaints, and most of these are regarding assistance animals.

• They are prohibited from applying any fees or special policies, with one exception. It is OK to require that the animal is in compliance with local laws, including any license/vaccination requirements.

• If the animal disturbs other tenants, makes a mess, or damages property, they may serve notice to the tenant to comply with rules or vacate.

• The tenant may be held liable for any damage the animal does to property or persons.

In a multifamily building, other tenants may complain about the presence of an animal in a no-pets building. It is acceptable to explain that the animal's presence is due to a disability accommodation under the fair housing act,

Denise

Tacoma Having Buyer’s Remorse?

I wrote last month about some possible changes that would be forthcoming in the City of Tacoma. Well, now post-election and with a better picture of what the council and mayor’s office will look like for the next couple of years, we can dive a little deeper.

to December-March to align with Seattle moratorium dates

• Specifies exceptions to the eviction ban, especially with relation to drug charges and destruction of property

• Deferring to the state law on rental increase notice timeline and requirements (90 days)

timeline for filing an eviction, even with property destruction and drug use, and you have the iceberg that is sinking the ship.

housing providers ever take a chance on a tenant with a lower credit score or someone who maybe doesn’t meet the minimum income requested? The short answer is, they can’t.

With Ander Ibsen being elected to the mayor’s office, John Hines will still retain his seat on council for another two years. With key re-elections of Sarah Rumbaugh, Joe Bushnell, and Sandesh Sadalge-in addition to Kristina Walker remaining on council, the votes needed to alter the most onerous rental housing laws in the state may be in place.

• Possible complete exemption for housing providers who have an interest in less than 4 properties

Now, the city council held a work group session on Tuesday, November 18, where some possible revisions to these proposals were discussed. The main items at issue seemed to be the changes to notice periods and exactly WHO would qualify for an exemption from these policies in general.

For those who haven’t been following, the Tacoma City Council is considering some substantive changes to the rental housing policies put into place by the Measure 1 ballot initiative in November of 2023. Per law, the city council is not permitted to make any changes to a ballot measure within two years of passage, and we have now reached that point. I covered some of the proposed changes last month, but for those who may have missed that information, here it is again:

• Raise late fee cap from $10 to $75 or possibly 1.5%

• Change dates on the wintertime eviction ban from November-April

Now, I want to give voice to the elephant in the room to start. The main reason this legislative change is coming forward is due to the non-profit and low-income housing groups. These groups are on a metaphorical Titanic that is starting to tip its stern straight up in the air before the unsinkable ship of dreams disappears beneath the surface of the North Atlantic.

According to a May 2025 report from the Tacoma Housing Authority, between May 2024 and May 2025, they experienced approximately $325,000 in unpaid rent. Now, let me elaborate on this a bit more, that $325,000 is the amount the tenants owe. Tacoma Housing Authority works on vouchers and Section 8 subsidies; thus, the residents are responsible for 30% of whatever the AMI-controlled rent might be for that unit. That $325,000 is the unpaid tenant amount. You read that correctly. $325,000 in unpaid rent on a 30% rent burden.

Now, couple all of this with the wintertime and school year eviction bans as well as the extremely cumbersome

Now I do need to take a quick second to gloat slightly. When Measure 1 was on the ballot, RHAWA, the Washington State Association of Realtors, and many other housing groups warned that Measure 1 would lead to less housing, more headaches for housing providers and tenants, and safety issues. Now we don’t love to say, “we told you so”, but in this particular case….. “We told you so”. You can scream and shout and make any sort of slogan that you want, but the math has to be math, and the housing needs to be safe and available, and rental housing has taken a large downturn since the passage of Measure 1.

RHAWA members have simply sold, OR they have increased the scrutiny in their screening criteria to ensure they have good tenants with good credit scores who will pay rent on time. They can no longer take a chance on someone with an average or below average credit score, that previously there would have been a possibility of working something out. This is no longer an economic or feasible option for small rental housing providers. A fallout from this is Tacoma Housing Authority is finding it extremely difficult to recruit and lock down single-family homes for their subsidized housing. Why could that be? The exact increased scrutiny I mentioned above.

It's worth mentioning that Tacoma Housing Authority, along with other non-profit housing groups in Tacoma, has a mission to provide housing to the most in need and vulnerable residents of Tacoma. If they are unable to stay fiscally in the black even with the government subsidized aspects of rent, how in the world can small rental

Ok, now, how should RHAWA maybe think about all of this? Well, with a grain of salt. This is what RHAWA Executive Director Sean Flynn told KOMO News in November:

“I commend Tacoma's leadership on trying to make the changes they are making, but they are nibbling around the edges. Housing requires folks to pay the bill, and when they don't do that, the whole system starts to fall down, and that's what you're seeing in Tacoma."

In more of a direct mention toward affordable housing, Flynn also said: “Folks who were depending on that rental income to make their business go, to provide housing, which is their mission, aren't getting the rental income. Folks have sold their rental units, reducing the supply of available housing in the city. Larger ownership groups have decided not to do business in Tacoma at all, and that's put added strain on the low-income and subsidized housing providers."

Tacoma City Council held a hearing for the first reading of this ordinance on December 2nd, and RHAWA, as well as housing providers, property managers, and low-income housing groups, spoke out in favor of these changes. Again, we would love to see these changes go further in 2026, but that’s for another day.

We will keep all RHAWA members updated on if and when the Tacoma City Council moves forward with this proposal, and what final form the legislation takes, and whether changes to the legislation can serve as the ship Carpathia coming to save survivors from the Titanic lifeboats.

International Tenant Screening: Tips, Tools, & Best Practices

How to Screen Tenants Without a Social Security Number

Screening tenants without a U.S. social security number (SSN) can be a bit more challenging than screening tenants with an SSN. However, it is not impossible. Some options include:

• Use a government-issued ID such as a passport, ID card, or driver's license to confirm identity

• Obtain credit reports from international bureaus or their home country

• Use alternative credit scoring services that take into account the prospective tenant's payment history on bills like utilities and rent

Tools Make International Tenant Screening Easier

International tenant screening is easier today than ever before. With software and services built specifically for international screening, you can remove unnecessary friction from the screening process and collect all the information you need.

Intellirent integrates with Nova Credit, a consumer credit bureau specializing in international residents. This integration will allow you to screen international tenants using your standard process.

The prospective renter submits an application online, and our software goes to work checking identity, validating

supporting documentation, and verifying employment and residential history. There are no additional fees or hassles for agents.

7 Tips for Effective International Tenant Screening

While international tenant screening is 100% possible, it does require a little extra attention and consideration. These tips will help you avoid frustrating surprises and setbacks, and facilitate a seamless screening process.

1. Communicate Proactively

Be upfront and transparent with the prospective tenant. Explain your rental policies, criteria, and screening process. Address any concerns they may have.

2. Consider Cultural Differences

Keep in mind that people who were raised in another culture may be accustomed to different communication styles and preferences. Stay patient and respectful as you navigate cultural differences.

3. Check for Fraudulent Activity

Verify the applicant’s identity, international addresses, and background information. Use Intellirent to validate documentation to ensure there hasn’t been tampering.

4. Use a Translation Service

If the applicant’s documents or

employment information are in a foreign language, use a translation service like Gengo or Google Translate to help you understand the information. Note: Do not use these tools to provide translated legal documents like leases and notices to your prospects or tenants. Legal documents should only be translated by professional legal translation services. Best practice… leave translations up to the prospect or tenant.

5. Ask for a Guarantor

If the applicant has no rental history in the U.S., consider asking for a guarantor who will co-sign the lease. A guarantor, or cosigner, takes on the responsibility of ensuring the rent will be paid consistently. This reduces the risk for the property owner.

6. Meet Face-to-Face

Schedule an in-person showing with the applicant to get to know them and gauge their character. This can also help you verify their identity and ensure that the information they have provided is accurate.

7. Stay Up-to-Date with International Laws

Stay informed about international laws and regulations regarding tenant screening. Make sure to comply with all laws and regulations when

screening international tenants. Take advantage of RHAWA’s education and support center articles to stay up to date.

Leverage the Most Reliable International Tenant Screening Service

Utilizing an international tenant screening service allows you to reliably screen tenants who don’t have a U.S. rental history without worrying about getting the right information. By following a robust screening process and leveraging the right tools, you can feel confident that you’re making an informed decision. RHAWA’s new screening partner Intellirent has Leasing Tools that integrate natively with Nova Credit, providing a seamless screening process for international applicants. With a comprehensive screening process, user-friendly interface, and reliable data, Intellirent makes international tenant screening faster, easier, and more reliable.

If you’d like to see how Intellirent can serve your international tenant screening needs, schedule a product tour. We’ll walk you through the exact process that you’ll follow to confidently screen any prospective tenant. Start screening international tenants today with Intellirent!

Assistance Animal Accommodations:

Fair Housing Complaints Still a Huge Risk in Washington

but do not share any details about the tenant or their disability.

Processing Accommodation Requests

When processing an accommodation or modification request from a tenant with a disability, the housing provider can take steps to confirm that A) there is a disability-related need; and B) the request is reasonable. Throughout this process, always treat the person with respect. Remember, a complaint can be filed and investigated based on their perception alone.

TEST A: Is there a disability-related need that would be met by the requested accommodation?

1. Is the disability and need for accommodation apparent/obvious or already known?

If NO, continue to next step. If YES, skip to Test 2.

2. Can they provide a letter from a care provider?

Letter from qualified third party must state they have a disability; and they have a disability-related need for the specific accommodation requested. (Do not ask about the nature of the disability.)

If NO, you may deny the request. If YES, continue to Test 2.

TEST B: The Request Must Be “Reasonable”

1. Do any of the following grounds for denial exist?

a. It would impose significant, undue financial and administrative burden.

b. It would fundamentally alter the nature of the housing provider’s services.

c. It would pose a direct threat to health or safety of others.

d. It would cause substantial physical damage to the property.

If NO, you must grant the request. If YES continue to next step.

2. Is there an alternative reasonable accommodation that would meet the requesters disability-related needs?

Following an interactive (documented) process, work with the requester to determine if there is an alternative accommodation that would effectively address their disability-related needs.

If you are unable to agree on a reasonable solution, consult with your attorney.

A few final thoughts if you’re worrying about catastrophic animal damage. First, most experienced housing providers recognize that residents will do almost anything to keep a loved pet in their homes, including talking to their doctor about anxiety and depression and getting a note. Having a “pets welcome” policy with some extra fees or deposits, and a few clear, well-enforced rules often puts the owner in a better position to protect property from damages while keeping the doors open for the 70% of renters who have pets. Second, using damage resistant materials in your rentals is key… the next time you replace carpet, consider upgrading to luxury plank vinyl, cover flat paint with washable gloss finishes, and always make easy-maintenance landscaping choices. Finally, and most importantly, do annual mid-term inspections to catch and correct damaging behaviors on your property before they lead to disastrous results.

Formal legal advice and review is recommended prior to selection and use of this information. RHAWA does not represent your selection or execution of this information as appropriate for your specific circumstance. The material contained and represented herein, although obtained from reliable sources, is not considered legal advice or to be used as a substitution for legal counsel.

Industry in Motion

Submissions are compiled and printed, depending on space available. RHAWA does not guarantee submissions will be included.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Interested in Submitting Your Announcement?

We welcome information about industry job postings, new employee and location information, and more. If you have questions, or would like to submit an item for consideration, email publications@RHAwa.org.

Submit your 'Industry in Motion' news to: publications@RHAwa.org

EDUCATION + RESOURCES

How State Laws Are

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

As we head into the 2026 legislative session kicking off on January 12, take a moment to refresh your knowledge on the lawmaking process in Washington. For a deeper dive and interesting insider tidbits, watch the RHAWA ONDEMAND class “How State Laws are Made” led by RHAWA lobbyist, Chester Baldwin. The class is free for all current RHAWA members… just select Free Member Education from the Member Access menu at rhawa.org. The following summary is provided on the Washington State Legislature website under “Learn and Participate.”

STEPS IN THE LAWMAKING PROCESS

A bill may go through committee meetings, debates, changes, and votes. If both the House of Representatives and Senate pass it, the Governor decides whether to sign it into law. Below are the most common steps a bill will follow.

decide which committee to refer a bill to. This usually relates to the bill's subject.

Budget-Related Bills

Bills that affect the state budget must also go to a fiscal committee for review.

2. Assigned to a Committee

A committee reviews the bill and holds meetings to discuss it. It may:

• Pass the bill with or without changes

• Create and pass a new version of the bill

• Reject the bill

• Take no action

Public Meetings

Committees often hold meetings to discuss bills. These are usually open to the public to attend and give their comments. Learn how to testify at a committee meeting.

First Rules Committee Review

In this first step, the rules committee reviews the bill and decides whether or not to move it to the next step. This is called Rules Review in the House and Rules White in the Senate (the report that lists the bills in this step in the Senate is printed on white paper).

Second Rules Committee Review

In this second step, the rules committee decides whether to schedule the bill for a second reading in the House or Senate. This is called Rules Consideration in the House and Rules Green in the Senate (the report is printed on green paper). Bills sometimes skip this step and go to the calendar for second reading.

Bills Scheduled for Readings

To find out which bills are scheduled for readings, view the links below:

• House floor activity

• Senate floor activity

Budget-Related Bills

If the bill has a major effect on the state budget, the rules committee may ask a fiscal committee to review

4. Debates

leg.wa.gov/learn-and-participate/howa-bill-becomes-a-law/

1. Introduced

A legislator may introduce a bill in either the House of Representatives or Senate. After a member files a bill, it gets a number.

Filing a Bill Before Session

Members can file bills in the month before session begins. This is called "prefiling." Prefiled bills are officially introduced the first day of the session.

First Reading of a Bill

Normally, a bill is read the first time by title only in open session of the chamber. This is called the first reading.

Assigning a Bill to a Committee Leaders in the House or Senate will

leg.wa.gov/bills-meetings-and-session/ session/how-to-testify-at-a-committeemeeting/

Committee Report

If the committee passes a bill, they will make a report and send it to be read in the House or Senate. The bill then goes to the rules committee. To see a list of bills reported out of House or Senate committees each day, go to standing committee reports.

3. Rule committee review

A rules committee chooses which bills the entire House or Senate should vote on.

When a rules committee receives a bill, it can either:

• Schedule it for a second reading in the House or Senate

• Take no action

Next, members of the House or Senate will debate and vote on bills in up to two separate sessions. These are called the second and third readings.

Second Reading: Debates & Changes

At the second reading, members will debate the bill and may vote to change it. If they vote to approve the bill, they’ll schedule a third reading for it.

Third Reading: Final Vote

At the third reading, members will take a final vote on the bill. If the bill passes, it goes to the other house. To see how members voted on a specific bill, view our roll calls on a bill page.

5. Next Chamber

After passing one house, the bill goes through the same steps in the other house. If the other house makes changes to the bill, the first house must approve them.

Settling Disagreements Between the House and Senate

If the House and Senate disagree on changes to a bill, one of them can ask for a conference committee. At a conference committee, members from each house meet and try to come to an agreement.

If they agree on what to do, the conference committee will make a report. Both houses must vote to approve the conference committee report for the bill to pass the Legislature.

6. Governor's Decision

After the bill passes both the House and Senate, the Legislature sends it to the Governor.

Visit our bill-to-law cross reference page for a list of bills that went to the Governor.

What the Governor Can Do

The Governor makes the final decision on whether a bill should become a law. They may either:

• Sign the bill into law

• Veto all or part of the bill

About Vetoes

A veto is when the Governor rejects an entire bill or certain sections of it. Unless the Legislature overrides a veto, some or all parts of the bill won't become law.

If two-thirds of the members of both houses vote to override a veto, the entire bill will become a law without the Governor's signature.

Deadlines for the Governor

A bill will become law without the Governor’s signature if they do not sign or veto it within a certain period of time. There are two different deadlines, depending on when a bill is delivered to the Governor:

• Bills delivered more than 5 days before the Legislature adjourns have 5 days to be acted on, not counting Sundays

• Bills delivered within 5 days of the Legislature adjourning have 20 days to be acted on, not counting Sundays.

MEMBER ENGAGEMENT

FROM Volunteers TO Decision-Makers: How RHAWA Members Shape Washington’s Rental Housing Future

Ever wondered who really calls the shots in Washington’s rental housing landscape? They aren’t bureaucrats or politicians—they’re landlords, property managers, and small investors who started as volunteers. The Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA) isn’t just another advocacy group; it’s a ladder where showing up can mean rewriting policy, defending rights, or even steering the organization itself. Whether you’re crunching numbers in Budget & Finance, sparring over legislation, or teaching the next generation of housing providers, RHAWA’s committees and leadership roles turn grassroots passion into tangible power. Ready to move from the sidelines to the table? Here’s how—and who’s already doing it.

serve on a

Committee

Join a committee and directly influence how we support Washington's independent housing providers. Your expertise + our collaboration = stronger advocacy. Ready to contribute? Email me at mcanfield@ RHAwa.org to find your perfect fit.

Budget & Finance

Frequency: Meets online in even months

Chair: Neil Wilson

Staff Liaison: Chloe Moser

Provides guidance to Board of Directors in support of financial planning, approval of annual budget, safeguarding assets, recommends financial policies, anticipates financial matters for Board’s consideration, and provides regular and accurate financial statements.

Legal Defense Fund (LDF)

Frequency: Meets online as needed

Co-Chairs: Chris Benis & William Shadbolt

Staff Liaison: Daniel Klemme

Reviews and recommends to the Board of Directors legal positions in which RHAWA may choose to become involved.

Legislative Issues

Frequency: Meets online monthly

Co-Chairs: Larry Crites & Christopher Cutting

Staff Liaison: Daniel Bannon

Ensures RHAWA actively promotes the interests of the rental housing industry to state, county and local legislative bodies. Makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding legislative policy.

Member Programs

Frequency: Meets online quarterly

Chair: Chris Benis

Staff Liaison: Denise Myers

Develops educational offerings for “best practices” for managing members’ rental properties, forms, support center articles, etc.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Frequency: Meets online 6x/year

Co-Chairs: Larry Crites & William Shadbolt

Staff Liaison: Corey Hjalseth

Exists to help elect responsible candidates who will work collaboratively with RHAWA and the rental industry when issues arise. Without pro-rental housing candidates in office, your rights as a housing provider will be threatened with endless regulation.

share your

Knowledge

Teach & Inspire

Lead engaging classes with our ready-made materials and flexible schedule. Bring your passion and expertise—we handle the rest. Learn more in our Instructor Handbook at RHAwa.org/academy. Contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org to learn more.

Shape Industry Curriculum

Help craft cutting-edge curriculum using your industry knowledge. Get credited for your contributions. Contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org to learn more.

Write Articles for CURRENT

Write for CURRENT, Washington’s top rental housing journal. Cover trends, legislation, or insider tips. For more information about article requirements, please visit RHAwa.org/current-newspaper, or email Sisi Mereness at smereness@RHAwa.org.

COMMAND THE ROOM OR AIRWAVES

your stage, your

Got a voice that demands to be heard? Whether you thrive electrifying a live crowd or captivating listeners through compelling conversation, RHAWA has two electrifying ways to amplify your influence:

LINK Meeting Facilitator

Step into the spotlight as the architect of dynamic monthly networking discussions. We’ll arm you with expert-curated guides on rental industry challenges— your job? Spark conversations, draw wisdom from the room, or handpick local pros to drop knowledge. No boring lectures here—just real talk among peers. Contact Daniel Bannon at dbannon@RHAwa.org to learn more.

Housing Matters Podcast Guest

Your unfiltered take on housing policy, horror stories, or hard-won expertise belongs on Washington’s goto industry mic. Legislators tune in. Competitors lean in. Will your perspective shift the narrative? Pitch your boldest ideas—we want controversy, solutions, and stories that leave listeners rewinding to hear you again. Contact Corey Hjalseth at chjalseth@RHAwa. org with your ideas.

Melissa Canfield | Deputy Director |  mcanfield@RHAwa.org |  (206) 905-0615
Melissa Canfield

Ever wondered who really shapes policy at RHAWA? The answer might surprise you—because they started exactly where you are now. Meet the insiders who went from stuffing envelopes to steering the ship. These aren't just board members— they're proof that showing up matters.

Directors board of

The Board of Directors, acting collectively, is the governing body of the Association. All corporate powers shall be exercised by or under the Board’s authority, and the Board is responsible for the supervision, control, and direction of the Association. The Board of Directors includes representatives of companies that own or manage rental housing.

2026 Leadership – How Ordinary Volunteers

Neil Wilson, CPA, RHAWA Board of Directors Treasurer

Neil Wilson is an independent rental property owner and former CPA who lives in Gig Harbor with his wife Susan. Together, the couple operates 6 rental units on two adjacent lots and works hard to create a safe, happy, and healthy environment for themselves and their tenants, who are also their neighbors. His rental journey began with an aging, 1912 duplex. He has expanded his current portfolio to include a managerial partnership in two local mobile home parks.

Sean Flynn, Owner, Flynn and Associates and RHAWA Board of Directors President

Sean Flynn owns Flynn & Associates, PLLC, a firm specializing in real estate, trust and estate litigation, planning, and transactions. As team captain, he coordinates litigation and transactional work, acting as the team's grand strategist—thriving when plans succeed. Sean earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Washington, an MBA in Finance from Clark University, and a J.D. from Seattle University School of Law, where he founded the Real Estate Law Student Association and delivered the commencement address. Beyond his legal practice, he serves as the Executive Director for RHAWA and on the boards of the Rental Housing Association of Washington (RHAWA), the Washington Business Properties Association (WBPA), and the Partnership for Affordable Housing (PAH).

Christopher Cutting, Founder, Cutting Law Office PC and RHAWA Board of Directors Vice President

Christopher Cutting, founder of Cutting Law Office PC, specializes in landlord-tenant law with over a decade of experience. A former clerk for Judge Marywave Van Deren, he actively advocates for housing providers as Vice President of RHAWA and Co-Chair of their Legislative Committee (Volunteer of the Year 2017/2020). He's testified before state/city legislatures and educates through legal seminars, including WA Real Estate clock hours, and is published in WSBA's Real Property Deskbook and WA Lawyer's Practice Manual.

Larry Crites, RHAWA Board of Directors Secretary

Larry Crites, a Seattle real estate broker since 1986 and rental property owner since 1987, has invested in single-family homes, duplexes, and small apartments. An RHAWA member since 2001, he's active on the Legislative Issues Committee, Political Action Committee, and serves as Board Secretary.

William Shadbolt, RHAWA Board of Directors Past President

William Shadbolt, a licensed real estate broker, began investing in rentals in 1993, focusing on bank-owned properties since 2010. Specializing in South Seattle and Renton (up to Broadview), he manages Section 8 tenants through King County and Seattle Housing Authorities. A co-owner of Broad Reach Management (BRMSeattle.com), he actively participates in RHAWA, co-chairing its Legal Defense Fund and Political Action Committee while serving on the Legislative Issues Committee and Housing Connector's Board.

Regents council of

The Council of Regents is a standing committee whose purpose shall be to assist and advise the Board of Directors with respect to matters of strategic importance to the Association. The Council of Regents does not have any of the management authority of the Board. Regents include representatives of companies that own or manage rental housing.

Elaine Armstrong is an experienced real estate broker with decades in residential and commercial markets. As a former Board of Director with the Clark County Rental Association (CCRA), Elaine has a strong Clark County network and enjoys working with both longtime and new clients. Elaine volunteers with SHARE House, non-profits, and CASA, and as a CCRA board member, she supports industry collaboration.

Cory Brewer, Vice President of Residential Operations, Windermere Property Management/Lori Gill & Associates (WPM/LGA)

Cory Brewer leads 60+ Leasing & Property Management professionals across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties. He oversees operations for diverse property types (single-family, multi-family, commercial) while coordinating multi-office synergy. With a real estate sales/brokerage background, Cory also spearheads recruitment for the market-leading firm.

Volunteers Became the Decision-Makers

Barbara Carson has been a dedicated housing provider since 1994 and has actively contributed to the rental industry through her leadership roles. Since 2019, she served as the Membership Chairperson for the Clark County Rental Association (CCRA), demonstrating her commitment to fostering professional relationships and supporting industry standards.

Steve Corker, Executive Vice President, Futurepast, Inc.

Steve Corker holds a BA in political science from Stanford University. He was a partner at Coons, Corker & Associates from 1978 to 1999 and taught marketing and public relations at Gonzaga University from 1981 to 2016. Steve has served on the Spokane City Council and various boards, including as former Board President of the Landlord Association of the Inland Northwest (LLA) before its 2024 merger with RHAWA. He is currently the Executive Vice President of Futurepast, Inc., a consulting group focused on low-carbon transitions.

Chris Dobler, Partner & Vice President, Dobler Management Company, Inc.

Dobler Management Company, Inc., is a multifamily property management firm in Pierce County with over 5,500 rentals. She holds a Business Finance degree from Central Washington University and has been a licensed real estate agent since 1986. Fluent in Spanish, Chris has over 25 years of experience in property management, specializing in Human Resources, Marketing, and legal matters. She is a Certified Property Manager from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and has received multiple industry awards for her professional and community contributions.

Jason Dolloph, Commercial Property Manager, Black Realty Management

Jason holds a business degree (1995) and a CPM® designation. Specializing in shopping centers, office buildings, and facilities management, he previously managed mixed-use properties in Seattle for a decade before relocating to Spokane. Jason serves on the RHAWA’s Council of Regents.

Devin Easterlin, Co-Founder & Principal, Sterling Johnston Real Estate and SJA Property Management

Devin Easterlin graduated from college with degrees in Philosophy, Pre-Law, and Business, and then attended law school, where he specialized in real estate transactional law. Devin is currently a licensed real estate agent and a licensed attorney and has worked in the property management industry for over ten years. Devin grew up in Kirkland and has lived in the Seattle area for over twenty-five years. Devin is a partner at SJA Property Management.

Chris Gurdjian, Principal, 11 Capital

Chris Gurdjian is a principal with 11 Capital. His primary responsibilities include acquisitions, underwriting, and disposition strategy. Chris has a unique background in lending and development that spans more than 20 years.

Kaitlyn Jackson, Vice President of Risk and Litigation Management, Devco Residential Group

Kaitlyn Jackson specializes in real estate litigation, contract negotiation, and corporate law. With 8+ years of experience, she leads legal strategies focused on compliance and risk. Licensed in WA State and federal courts, she’s a certified real estate instructor and expert in landlord-tenant law. Previously at Williams Kastner and Dimension Law Group, she advises property managers and corporations. A Super Lawyers Rising Star (2021–2025) and RHAWA Volunteer of the Year (2021), she holds a J.D. from Seattle University and serves on RHAWA’s Council of Regents.

Cathy Jeney, Partner, Paragon Real Estate Advisors

Cathy Jeney is a top-producing commercial broker with over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate transactions. Her strong work ethic, thoroughness, and commitment ensure clients achieve their real estate goals smoothly. Cathy’s negotiation skills, market knowledge, and professionalism have earned her a stellar reputation and repeat business. Her track record reflects her dedication to the industry and the relationships built while helping clients.

Constance Jensen Nelson is passionate about real estate and holds Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designations, showcasing her expertise in residential and commercial property management. With a master’s in accounting, she combines financial knowledge with practical experience to ensure properties thrive and yield strong returns.

Synthia Melton, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Dimension Law Group PLLC

Synthia Melton specializes in Business Law, Commercial/Residential Real Estate, and landlord-tenant disputes. She represents real estate investors, small businesses, and serves as general counsel for mid-size companies in Washington. She received her Juris Doctorate from Seattle University School of Law and her bachelor’s degree in law and diversity from Western Washington University. Before joining DLG, she worked as a litigation attorney for several Washington law firms, gaining valuable courtroom experience in State and Federal Courts. Synthia is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, South Asian Bar Association, and King County Bar Association. She is also admitted to the United States District Court for the Western and Eastern District of Washington.

2026 Leadership – How Ordinary Volunteers Became the Decision-Makers

Mark Mullally, Property Manager, Mullally Development Company

Mark Mullally is a Seattle native and 3rd generation member of properties managed by Mullally Development Company. He has over 20 years of experience managing multifamily property in both Seattle and Phoenix.

Audrey Riddle, Housing Director, Goodman Real Estate

Audrey has been with GRE for six years and has over a decade of expertise in the affordable multifamily sector. She has played a pivotal role in the development of the IMPACT program, aligning with GRE’s objectives to effect meaningful change in the communities they serve.

As the Housing Director, Audrey actively collaborates with several leading organizations dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and is a passionate advocate for housing creation for the betterment of the community. Audrey holds a BA in Psychology from Seattle Pacific University (SPU) with a minor in Leadership Studies.

Kristi Tripple, Vice President for Community Development, Rowley Properties, Inc.

Kristi Tripple began her career working for the community and technical college system with an emphasis on workforce and economic development. In 2005, she changed careers to property development/ governmental affairs with Rowley Properties, Inc. Believing it is important to be actively engaged, Kristi volunteers for the City of Issaquah’s Economic Vitality Commission. Prior, she served on the Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce slate of offices for six years and was Board chair in 2011. She is a native of Washington and graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior.

Legal Counsel

Chris Benis, Attorney, First Avenue Law Group

Chris Benis attended the University of Washington, during which time he received a B.A. in Political Science (Magna Cum Laude), a Master of Urban Planning, and a law degree. After two years of law practice, he started his firm, which he led for 28 years before First Avenue Law Group. He represents property management firms, individual real estate investors, real estate brokerages, industry trade associations, design professionals, and construction companies. He advises his clients on practical and understandable solutions to their legal needs and concerns.

Lobbyist

Chester Baldwin, Principal, Lobby Washington

Chester Baldwin is a lobbyist and attorney at Baldwin Legal Group, PLLC, advocating for clients before the Legislature and government agencies. With degrees in healthcare, finance, business IT, and law, he leverages his expertise and legislative relationships to advance client interests, draft bills, and testify. He holds honors degrees from UW (Finance, Business IT, Environmental Health) and Seattle University School of Law (JD).

Behind the Scenes with RHAWA: The People who Make it Happen

Ever wondered who’s pulling the strings to keep RHAWA running like a well-oiled machine? Meet the powerhouse team—each one a master of their craft, turning chaos into order and ideas into action. This isn’t just a team—it’s your advantage. Get to know the faces behind the mission.

Melissa Canfield, Deputy Director –The strategic backbone, steering the ship with sharp vision.

Daniel Bannon, Engagement Coordinator – The connector, bridging gaps and sparking collaboration.

Luke Brown, Marketing & Sales Associate – The storyteller, crafting messages that stick.

Corey Hjalseth, External Affairs –The diplomat, navigating outside networks with finesse.

Daniel Klemme, Government Affairs – The policy whisperer, making sure your voice gets heard.

Val Kushi, Member Services Administrator – The unsung hero, keeping everything ticking.

Sue Lewis, Member Services Specialist – The problem-solver, smoothing out wrinkles before you feel them.

Sisi Mereness, Creative Director – The visionary, turning ideas into eye-catching reality.

Chloe Moser, Administrative Director – The commander of details, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Denise Myers, Member Programs Director – The innovator, designing what’s next for you.

Steve Wareham, Member Services Specialist – Your go-to, always ready with answers.

VENDOR LISTINGS

We encourage you to consider the vendors found within these listings for your rental business needs. When seeking competitive bids, be sure to mention your RHAWA membership as many offer member discounts. RHAWA does not specifically endorse any business listed herein. References are always recommended. If you would like to submit a customer testimonial for our records, please submit to publications@RHAwa.org. Please note that changes made to a vendor member profile will not be reflected in the CURRENT Vendor Listings unless the change is also sent to publications@RHAwa.org.

ATTORNEYS

Brink & Sadler (253) 582-4700 | brinkandsadler.com

Hutchinson & Walter, PLLC (425) 455-1620 | hutchcpa.com

White Clover Properties (425) 230-6000 | whiteclover.org

Envirotest | Mold, Air Quality Analysis, Inspections

Donald B. Kronenberg (206) 877-3191 seattlemoldandairquality.com

Greenwood Hardware (206)783-2900 | ghw@greenwoodhardware.com greenwoodhardware.com

Home Warranty Inc (877) 977-4949 | homewarrantyinc.com eyoung@homewarrantyinc.com

ATTORNEYS

Armitage & Thompson PLLC

Jessica Thompson (509) 252-5048 | jat@law-wa.com

Jessica Thompson | Attorney at Law (509) 252-5048 | jat@law-wa.com

Astuno & Associates APC (888) 231-3004 | jj@astuno.com

Bradley Kraus (503) 255-8795 | Kraus@warrenallen.com

Cam Mcgillivray Attorney At Law (509) 262-4617 | ccMcgillivray@yahoo.com

Carroll, Biddle, & Bilanko, PLLC (206) 818-9962 | bcarroll@cbblegal.com

Christopher T. Benis, Attorney at Law First Avenue Law Group, PLLC Vendor of the Year 2006 (206) 447-1900 | firstavenuelaw.com

Clifton Law PLLC (360) 298-3123 | cliftonlawpllc.com

Demco Law Firm, P.S. (206) 203-6000 | demcolaw.com

Dimension Law Group PLLC

Synthia Melton (206) 973-3500 | dimensionlaw.com

Eller Law Firm PLLC (206) 801-1188 | accessevictions.com

Eric Steven Law (509) 688-4416 | ericstevenlaw.com

Flynn and Associates, PLLC

Sean Flynn (206) 330-0608 | theflynnfirm.com

GR Law Group (509) 456-0400 | grlawspokane.com

Gourley Law Group / The Exchange Connection (360) 568-5065 | gourleylawgroup.com

Holmquist & Gardiner, PLLC (206) 438-9083 | lawhg.net

Jack W. Hanemann, P.S. (360) 357-3501 | Cody@hbjlaw.com | hbjlaw.com

Jeffery Bennett (503) 255-8795 | bennett@warrenallen.com

Ledger Square Law (253) 327-1701 | ledgersquarelaw.com

Loeffler Law Group, PLLC (206) 443-8678 | loefflerlawgroup.com

LT Services (206) 241-1550 | ltservices.net

Micheal D Mclaughlin, Attorney at Law (253) 686-9786

Paper Pushers Process Service (206) 779-0721 | paperpushers@gmail.com paperpushersprocess.com

Peterson Law, PLLC (206) 586-2009 | brynpetersonlaw.com

bryn.peterson@brynpetersonlaw.com

Steven Schneider Law Firm (509) 838-4458 | stevenschneiderlaw.com

Steven

1312 N Monroe Street, Suite 253 Spokane, Washington 99201

o: (509) 838-4458

e: SS@StevenSchneiderLaw.com w: StevenSchneiderLaw.com

Whipple Law Group, PLLC (509) 869-3223 | whiplaw@gmail.com whiplawgroup.com

Williams Kastner - Hohnstein (206) 628-2767 | williamskastner.com jhohnstein@williamskastner.com

BANKS

CMG Home Loans

Eric Aasness (206) 915-3742 | eaasness@cmghomeloans.com

Eastside Funding (425) 873-8873 | eastsidefunding.com

Luther Burbank Savings Bank (425) 739-0023 | lutherburbanksavings.com

Pacific Crest Savings Bank

Scott Gibson (425) 670-9600 | (800) 335-4126 | paccrest.com

Union Bank

Brandon Bemis | (206) 715-0877 | unionbank.com

WAFD Bank (206) 777-8213 | wafd.com tim.marymee@wafd.com

BATHTUB & SHOWER RENOVATION

Brothers Flooring & Design (509) 489-3494 | brothersflooringnw.com

Miracle Method (425) 251-3745 | miraclemethod.com/seattle dbiddle@miraclemethod.com

BLIND CLEANING + REPAIR

Shine a Blind On-Site Ultrasonic Mini-Blind Cleaning + Repair (425) 771-7799 | shineablind.net

BOATING + WATERCRAFT

Northwest Inboards (206) 618-0785 | darrenjlamont@gmail.com nwinboards.com

BUILDING INSPECTORS

Cimarron III, LLC (425) 232-4209 | rchuffy3@gmail.com

Straight Street Building / Home Inspection

John Leon Gonzalez (206) 999-1234 | hi@homeinspect.ws

BUILDING REPAIR | REMODEL

+1 Construction (206) 313-6587 | plusoneconstruction.com

ABC Cleaning (253) 432-1748 | abcservices0723@gmail.com

Bellan Group, LLC

Susan Bellan (206) 383-0102 | bellan.com

Construction Expeditors, LLC (206) 595-8852 | (877) 644-1700 constructionexpeditors.com

Downey & Sons Property Care (206) 832-6204 erin.garcia@downeyandsonspc.com

FINNMARK Property Services (206) 418-8056 alvinr@finnmarkps.com finnmarkps.com/about/ Maintco (425) 822-5505 | maintcogc.com

Masonry Restoration Consulting (425) 344-3893 masonryrestorationconsulting.com

Next Level Property Maintenance (206) 922-8119 | nxtlevelpm.com

RKC Construction, Inc.

Kyle Caulk | (206) 595-3565 | cajames.com

T.E. Kelly Company, LLC

Tim Kelly | (206) 240-1950

The Wall Doctor, Inc.

Gary Borracchini (425) 822-8121 | thewalldoctor.com

UpKeep Solutions (206)486-5576 | info@upkeepsolutions.com upkeepsolutions.com CARBON MONOXIDE + SMOKE DETECTION

Envirotest | Mold & Air Quality Analysis

Donald B. Kronenberg (206) 877-3191 | seattlemoldandairquality.com

Brothers Flooring & Design (509) 489-3494

|

Masonry Restoration Consulting (425) 344-3893 masonryrestorationconsulting.com

ABC Cleaning (253) 432-1748 | abcservices0723@gmail.com Big Haul (425) 949-9791 | bighaul.com | jeff@bighaul.com Bio Decon Solutions (360) 393-5660 | scott@biodeconsolutions.com

Lund's Carpet Cleaning benlund1957@gmail.com (509) 922-6153 | carpetcleaningspokane.com Ready Removal (425) 446-1992 | readyremoval.net Readyremovalco@gmail.com

Vacancy Services (253) 778-6373 | service@vacancyservices.com vacancyservices.com

Valta Homes (360) 207-4685 | valtahomes.com contact@valtahomes.com

Capstone Commercial Real Estate Advisors John Downing (206) 324-9427 | capstonerea.com

CBRE - PNW Multifamily | Private Capital Group (206) 292-1600 | cbre.com

(425) 633-3330

CONSTRUCTION + DEMOLITION

RKC Construction, Inc. Kyle Caulk | (206) 595-3565 | cajames.com

CONSULTING

RDH Building Science (206) 462-5726 | marndt@rdh.com | rdh.com

Straight Street Small Business/Home Consultation Services

HUD 203K Consultant ID# S0838

Renovate your property with a HUD 203k Consultant John Leon Gonzalez | (206) 999-1234 | iNspect.ws

CONTRACTORS

+1 Construction (206) 313-6587 | plusoneconstruction.com

A&A Electric (206) 212-1888 | anaelectric.com

Bellan Group, LLC

Susan Bellan (206) 383-0102 | bellan.com

Bravo Roofing, Inc.

GoldStar Vendor + Vendor of the Year | 2014

John Paust, Estimator: (206) 948-5280 (253) 335-4825 | (360) 886-2193 bravoroofs.com

Construction Expeditors, LLC (206) 595-8852 | constructionexpeditors.com

Danika Plumbing LLC

Frank Gaborik (425) 335-3515 | danikaplumbing.com

Diamond Roofers, LLP

Flat & Low Slope (253) 220-8316 | shannonh@diamondroofers.com diamondroofers.com

ER Flooring (360) 402-9566 | erflooring.com

Homestead Construction (509) 926-0755 | homesteadconstructioninc.com

Homestead Construction

Andrea Malone | (509) 926-0755

andrea@homesteadconstructioninc.com homesteadconstructioninc.com

Jac Of All Trades (208) 500-8937 | jac@thejacofalltrades.com

Leading Charge

Samantha@northwestpartnersllc.com northwestpartnersllc.com/leading-charge-loadmanagement-system

Maintco (425) 822-5505 | maintcogc.com

Masonry Restoration Consulting (425) 344-3893 masonryrestorationconsulting.com

Pioneer Masonry Restoration Co. (206) 782-4331 pioneermasonry.com

Reinhart Electric & Service (425) 251-5201 reinhartelectric.net

T.E. Kelly Company LLC Tim Kelly | (206) 240-1950

Pacific Crest Real Estate (206) 812-9155 pacificcrestre.com

Goodwill Industries Spokane (509) 592-1934

Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating Inc.

Vendor of the Year | 2020 (425) 775-6464 | (800) 972-7000 dayandnite.net

The Drain Specialists

Sewer & Septic Lines, Sinks, Bathtubs & Toilets (509) 467-5555 | ktwinston@me.com

Zoom Drain (206) 531-0885 | zoomdrain.com

The Chimney Specialists, Inc. | Dryer Vent Only Seattle: (206) 782-0151 | (888) 979-3377 So. King Co: (253) 833-0144 | (888) 979-3377 Pierce Co: (253) 475-0399 | (888) 979-3377 thechimneyspecialists.com DRYWALL

The Wall Doctor, Inc. Gary Borracchini (425) 822-8121 | thewalldoctor.com EDUCATION – REAL ESTATE

Rental Housing Association of Washington Denise Myers (206) 283-0816 | RHAwa.org

ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE + REPAIR

A&A Electric (206) 212-1888 | anaelectric.com

Fast Water Heater Company (866) 554-2448 | fastwaterheater.com

Lifetime Heating (425) 200-4999 lifetimeheating.com clintw@lifetimeheating.com

Reinhart Electric & Service (425) 251-5201 | reinhartelectric.net

ENERGY CONSERVATION + WEATHERIZATION

Energy Benchmarking Services

Michael Jones | (206) 245-8737 EnergyBenchmarkingServices.com

SRC Windows & Doors (253) 565-2488 | srcwindows.com

ENGINEERING

RDH Building Science (206) 462-5726 marndt@rdh.com | rdh.com

ESTATE PLANNING

Dimension Law Group PLLC Synthia Melton (206) 973-3500 | dimensionlaw.com

Flynn and Associates, PLLC

Sean Flynn (206) 330-0608 | theflynnfirm.com

Olympic Estate Group, LLC

G.A. “Jeri” Schuhmann (206) 799-0544 | jerischuhmann1@gmail.com

Carroll, Biddle, & Bilanko,

Eller Law Firm PLLC (206) 801-1188 | accessevictions.com

LT Services, Inc. (206) 241-1550 | ltservices.net

Loeffler Law Group, PLLC (206) 443-8678 | loefflerlawgroup.com

Paper Pushers Process Service (206) 779-0721 | paperpushers@gmail.com paperpushersprocess.com

1031 Capital Solutions (800) 445-5908 | 1031capitalsolutions.com

Gourley Law Group / The Exchange Connection (360) 568-5065 | gourleylawgroup.com

Real Estate Transition Solutions (206) 502-4862 | info@re-transition.com re-transition.com/rhawa

Realty Group

Burnett, CCIM (206) 931-6036 | soundrealtygroup.com

1031 (425) 247-3307 | velocity1031.com

FORMS + LEASES

Rental Housing Association of Washington (206) 283-0816 | RHAwa.org

GARBAGE + RECYCLE

E-Cycle Washington (360) 407-7020 | ecyclewa.org

GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES

Tacoma Housing Authority (253) 281-7674 | tacomahousing.net

GUTTER CLEAN + INSTALLATION

Axis Roof and Gutter, Inc. (360) 653-ROOF(7663) | axisroofandgutter.com

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Next Level Property Maintenance (206) 922-8119 | nxtlevelpm.com

Spokane Handyman Services

Jack Jessop: (509) 413-6806

jack@spokanehandymanservices.com

TQ Handyman LLC

Trevor Rose (206) 222-5129 | tqhandyman.com

UpKeep Solutions (206)486-5576 info@upkeepsolutions.com upkeepsolutions.com

Valencias Handyman (509) 346-3694 | Javiervv065@icloud.com

HARDWARE STORE

Greenwood Hardware (206)783-2900 | ghw@greenwoodhardware.com greenwoodhardware.com

HAZARDOUS WASTE

Bio Clean, Inc.

rtoles@biocleanwa.com (425) 754-9369 | biocleanwa.com

Bio Decon Solutions (360) 393-5660 | scott@biodeconsolutions.com

Disaster Response (208) 661-9890 | bwichman@teamdr.com teamdr.com

Restora Services (425) 761-2136 | info@restoraservices.com restoraservices.com

SERVPRO of Central & NE Seattle (206) 687-3580 | servprocentralseattle.com nick@servprocentralseattle.com

HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC)

Fast Water Heater Company (866) 554-2448 | fastwaterheater.com

Fischer Heating and Air (206) 783-1190 | fischerheating.com

Lifetime Heating (425) 200-4999 | lifetimeheating.com clintw@lifetimeheating.com

HOME INSPECTIONS

Seattle Rental Inspection Services (RRIO) (206) 854-0390

seattlerentalinspectionservices.com

Taurus Home Inspections

Lisa Lotus | WA State Home Inspector #2261 (206) 676-0023 | taurushomeinspections.com

Tacoma Housing Authority (253) 281-7674 | tacomahousing.net

INSURANCE

Associated Agents Group INC. (509) 309-3067 | AAGI.us

benjamin_reuland@your-policy.com

Brent Ward State Farm Insurance (425) 488-9100 | (888) 532-1875 brentwardagency.com

CalRose Insurance

calroseinsurance@calroseins.com (425) 252-5188 | calroseins.com

Country Financial Financial, Insurance & Life Insurance Services

john.kapelac@countryfinancial.com (509) 228-9125

Home Warranty Inc (877) 977-4949 | homewarrantyinc.com

eyoung@homewarrantyinc.com

Leavitt Group Northwest

Michael Hufschmid (253) 929-4643 | leavitt.com

Madison Avenue Insurance Group Inc (206) 805-6244 | stacey@madisonaveins.com madisonaveins.com

INVESTMENT + FINANCIAL SERVICES

CBRE - PNW Multifamily | Private Capital Group (206) 292-1600 | cbre.com

LAND DEVELOPMENT | ZONING

Allied Property Experts (206) 717-5777 | apex-re.com

LANDSCAPING

Echo Yard Maintenance (206) 909-6873

MTS Tree & Landscape (425) 369-8733 | mattstreeservice-llc.com becca@nwmts.com

LENDERS, MORTGAGE CAPITAL

ACRAnet Lender, Mortgage & Screening Cole Hockett | (509) 324-1350 | acranet.com

Lender, Mortgage & Screening

Cole Hockett | (509) 324-1350 cole.hockett@acranet.com

CrossCountry Mortgage LLC (206) 650-4041 | keane@keaneloans.com

CMG Home Loans

Eric Aasness (206) 915-3742 | eaasness@cmghomeloans.com cmghomeloans.com/mysite/eric-aasness

CPK Mortgage, Inc. (831) 682-5647 | cpkmortgage.com

CV Lending (415) 923-8069 | cvlending.com

Darco Inc (206) 322-9495 | darcoapts.com

Extant Realty

Rachel Vinson (509) 251-2871 | rachel@extantrealty.com

Flynn Family Lending (833) 359-6648 | nghi@flynnfamilylending.com flynnfamilylending.com

GoodRoots Companies, Inc (480) 710-6074 | goodroots.io

Kidder Mathews

Dylan Simon: (206) 414-8575

Jerrid Anderson: (206) 499-8191 DylanSimon.com

Luther Burbank Savings Bank (425) 739-0023 lutherburbanksavings.com

Paragon Real Estate Advisors, Inc.

Vendor of the Year | 2016 (206) 623-8880 | (800) 643-9871 paragonrea.com

Peak Mortgage Partners

Dave Eden (206) 660-3014 | peakmp.com

Ruston Investors, LLC (206) 713-5245 | deluxebargrill@comcast.net

Sound Realty Group

Charles Burnett, CCIM (206) 931-6036 | soundrealtygroup.com

Velocity 1031

Exchange - 1031 Real Estate (425) 247-3307 | velocity1031.com

JUNK REMOVAL

Big Haul (425) 949-9791 | bighaul.com | jeff@bighaul.com

Ready Removal (425) 446-1992 | readyremoval.net

Readyremovalco@gmail.com

Vacancy Services (253) 778-6373 | vacancyservices.comservice@vacancyservices.com

Eastside Funding (425) 873-8873 | eastsidefunding.com

Flynn Family Lending (833) 359-6648 | nghi@flynnfamilylending.com flynnfamilylending.com

Kidder Matthews Simon and Anderson Team (206) 747-4725 | dylansimon.com

Luther Burbank Savings Bank (425) 739-0023 lutherburbanksavings.com

Pacific Crest Savings Bank

Todd M. Hull | Scott Gibson (425) 670-9624 | (800) 335-4126 pacificcrestbank.com

Peak Mortgage Partners Dave Eden | (206) 660-3014 | peakmp.com

WAFD Bank (206) 777-8213 | wafd.com tim.marymee@wafd.com

LOCKSMITH

Downtown Locksmith (206) 571-1847 Lockanddroad.com

MAINTENANCE

Downey & Sons Property Care (206) 832-6204 erin.garcia@downeyandsonspc.com

Real Property Management Today (253) 426-1730 | rpmtoday.com

White Clover Properties (425) 230-6000 | whiteclover.org

MASONRY SERVICES

Brooklynn Masonry Bryan Funk (253)722-7904 Bryan@brooklynnmasonry.net

Maintenance Man Unlimited Seattle LLC (206) 517-8000 | mmuwa.com | info@mmuwa.com

Masonry Restoration Consulting (425) 344-3893 masonryrestorationconsulting.com

MASONRY SERVICES

Pioneer Masonry Restoration Co. (206) 782-4331 | pioneermasonry.com

MOLD INSPECTIONS

Disaster Response (208) 661-9890 | bwichman@teamdr.com teamdr.com

Envirotest

Mold, Air Quality Analysis, Inspections

Donald B. Kronenberg (206) 877-3191 | seattlemoldandairquality.com

Maintenance Man Unlimited Seattle LLC (206) 517-8000 | mmuwa.com | info@mmuwa.com

PAINTING | PAINT

Downey & Sons Property Care (206) 832-6204

erin.garcia@downeyandsonspc.com

Extreme Steam Carpet Cleaning (425) 330-9328 | extremesteamcc.com

FINNMARK Property Services (206) 418-8056 | alvinr@finnmarkps.com finnmarkps.com/about/

RODDA PAINT

Tim Puckett | tpuckett@roddapaint.com (509) 868-3552 | roddapaint.com

Sherwin Williams (425) 495-4124 | alison.m.antoku@sherwin.com sherwin.com

UpKeep Solutions (206)486-5576 | info@upkeepsolutions.com upkeepsolutions.com

PLUMBING

365 Plumbing (253)478-9298 | 365plumbingseattle.com

Danika Plumbing LLC Frank Gaborik

frank.g@danikaplumbing.com (425) 335-3515 | danikaplumbing.com

Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating Inc.

Vendor of the Year | 2020 (425) 775-6464 | (800) 972-7000 dayandnite.net

Downey & Sons Property Care (206) 832-6204

erin.garcia@downeyandsonspc.com

Lifetime Heating (425) 200-4999 | lifetimeheating.com clintw@lifetimeheating.com

The Drain Specialists

Sewer & Septic Lines, Sinks, Bathtubs & Toilets (509) 467-5555 | ktwinston@me.com PRINTING

Pacific Publishing Co. (206) 461-1322 | pacificpublishingcompany.com

Paper

(206) 779-0721 | paperpushers@gmail.com paperpushersprocess.com

Mike Larson | (253) 582-6111 800) 995-6111 | haroldallen.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Bell-Anderson & Assoc., LLC, AMO (253)852-8195 | bell-anderson.net

Brink Property Management

Dean Foggitt | (425) 458-4848 | brinkpm.com

Capstone Commercial Real Estate Advisors

John Downing (206) 324-9427 | capstonerea.com

Cornell & Associates Inc (206) 329-0085 | cornellandassociates.com

Dave Poletti & Associates (206) 286-1100 | davepoletti.com

Ddb Management (360)207-4083 ddbmgmt@gmail.com

ddb.management

Dobler Management Company Inc. (253) 475-2405 | doblermanagement.com

Emerald Door Property Management (206) 992-7334 | emeralddoor.com

Foundation Group, LLC (206) 324-7622 | foundationgroupre.com

Icon Real Estate Services Inc.

Jeremiah Roberson (425) 633-3330 | iconre.org

Jean Vel Dyke Properties, LLC (206) 725-3103 | veldyke.com

Jevons Property Management

Enrique Jevons (206) 880-7935 | jevonsproperties.com

Krishna Realty (425) 209-0055 | krishna-realty.com

Longley Property Management Inc.

Venita Longley | (206) 937-3522 | longleypm.com

Madrona Real Estate Services, LLC

Bradford Augustine (206) 538-2950 | MadronaRealEstate.com

Maple Leaf Management LLC

Michelle Bannister (206) 850-8095 | mapleleafmgt.com

Nathaly Burnett Property Management (253) 732-9535 | beyondseattle.com

Next Brick Property Management (425) 372-7582

North Pacific Property Management

Joshua Fant | (206) 781-0186 | (800) 332-1032

northpacificpropertymanagement.com

Pacific Crest Real Estate (206) 812-9155 | pacificcrestre.com

Park 52 Property Management

Paul Jakeman | (253) 473-5200 | park52.com

People’s Real Estate, Inc.

Lisa Brannon | (425) 442-9941 | peoplespm.com

Prime Metropolis Properties, Inc (425) 688-3003 | pmp1988.com

Prospector Property Management (206) 508-6366

prospectorpropertymanagement.com

Real Estate Investment Services (REIS)

Lakewood: (253) 207-5871

Seattle: (206) 319-5981 | REISinvest.com

Real Property Management Today (253) 426-1730 | rpmtoday.com

Renters Marketplace

Larry Cutting (425) 277-1500 | rentersmarketplace.com

Ruston Investors, LLC (206) 713-5245 | deluxebargrill@comcast.net

Seattle's Property Management (206) 856-6000

seattlespropertymanagement.com

Seattle Rental Group (206) 315-4628 | seattlerentalgroup.com

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

SJA Property Management (425) 658-1920 | sjapropertymanagement.com

TQ Handyman LLC

Trevor Rose: (206) 222-5129

trevor@tqhandyman.com

Urban Settlements (509) 944-0979 | urbansettlements.com

bgwynn@urbansettlements.com

Viaclarity Inc (206) 853-1568 | divalerie1259@outlook.com

Weber & Associates Property Management (425) 745-5838

Westlake Associates richk@westlakeassociates.com (206) 505-9400 | westlakeassociates.com

White Clover Properties (425) 230-6000 | whiteclover.org

Windermere Property Management / JMW Group (206) 621-2037 | windermere-pm.com

Windermere Property Management / WPM South, LLC

Ed Verdi (253) 638-9811 | wpmsouth.com

WPI Real Estate Services, Inc. (206) 522-8172 | wpirealestate.com

Aptly (141) 556-8033 | getaptly.com

Intellirent

Screening Services | myintellirent.com (844) 755-4059 | info@myintellirent.com

Allied Property Experts (206) 717-5777 | apex-re.com

Capstone Commercial Real Estate Advisors

John Downing (206) 324-9427 | capstonerea.com

Cornell & Associates Inc (206) 329-0085 cornellandassociates.com

Dave Poletti & Associates (206) 286-1100 | davepoletti.com

DVF Legacy Investments (206) 650-6113 | pugetsoundinvesting.com

Darco Inc (206) 322-9495 | darcoapts.com

Foundation Group, LLC (206) 324-7622 | foundationgroupre.com

GoodRoots Companies, Inc (480) 710-6074 | goodroots.io

Jean Vel Dyke Properties, LLC (206) 725-3103 | veldyke.com

Kidder Mathews

Dylan Simon (206) 414-8575

Jerrid Anderson (206) 499-8191 | DylanSimon.com

Krishna Realty (425) 209-0055 | krishna-realty.com

Lee & Associates Multifamily Team Candice Chevaillier | (206) 284-1000 | lee-nw.com

Madrona Real Estate

Bradford Augustine (206) 538-2950 MadronaRealEstate.com

McCue & Associates, Inc (425) 748-9902 | scott@mccueproperty.com

Next Brick Property Management (425) 372-7582

North Pacific Property Management (206) 781-0186 | (800) 332-1032 northpacificpropertymanagement.com

REAL ESTATE BROKERS

Paragon Real Estate Advisors, Inc.

Vendor of the Year | 2016 | paragonrea.com (206) 623-8880 | (800) 643-9871

Park 52 Property Management

Paul Jakeman | (253) 473-5200 | park52.com

People’s Real Estate, Inc. (425) 442-9941 | peoplespm.com

Prime Metropolis Properties, Inc (425) 688-3003 | pmp1988.com

Real Estate Investment Services (REIS) Lakewood: (253) 207-5871 Seattle: (206) 319-5981 | REISinvest.com

SJA Property Management (425) 658-1920 | sjapropertymanagement.com

Sound Reatly Group Charles Burnett, CCIM (206) 931-6036 | soundmultifamily.com

Westlake Associates richk@westlakeassociates.com (206) 505-9400 | westlakeassociates.com

Windermere - Nadine Woodward (509) 251-9900 | nadinew@windermere.com windermere.com/directory/agents/nadinewoodward

Windermere Real Estate Commercial Therasa Alston | (206) 650-4777

WPI Real Estate Services, Inc. (206) 522-8172 x105 | wpirealestate.com

RECREATION

Northwest Inboards (206) 618-0785 | darrenjlamont@gmail.com nwinboards.com

RECYCLING

E-Cycle Washington (360) 407-7020 | ecyclewa.org

RETIREMENT PLANNING

Olympic Estate Group, LLC

G.A. “Jeri” Schuhmann (206) 799-0544 | jerischuhmann1@gmail.com

Williams Kastner - Hohnstein (206) 628-2767 | williamskastner.com jhohnstein@williamskastner.com

ROOFING SERVICES

Axis Roof and Gutter, Inc. (360) 653-ROOF(7663) | axisroofandgutter.com

Bravo Roofing, Inc.

GoldStar Vendor + Vendor of the Year | 2014 John Paust, Estimator: (206) 948-5280 (253) 335-4825 | (360) 886-2193 john@bravoroofs.com | bravoroofs.com

Diamond Roofers, LLP

Flat & Low Slope (253) 220-8316 | shannonh@diamondroofers.com

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

LOCAL RENTAL HOUSING REGULATION WATCH: January 2026

The RHAWA Government Affairs Team consistently watches for updates to local housing policy. We track changes proposed by both local city councils state level lawmakers, as well as ballot initiatives that have recently passed. In 2025, a ballot initiative passed in the city of Bellingham, which imposed some restrictions on local housing providers. ——

BELLINGHAM

Initiative 25-03, recently passed by Bellingham voters, creates a new section of the municipal code establishing protections for tenants who engage in organizing, advocacy, information-sharing, or other legally protected activities. The measure prohibits landlords from interfering with or retaliating against tenants who participate in such activities, which include tenantunion organizing, distributing information, posting signs, hosting meetings, conducting voter-registration efforts, filing complaints about housing or legal violations, and other forms of free speech, assembly, and association. The ordinance also bars landlords from requiring tenants to sign nondisclosure agreements related to lease terms or rental offers, and it prohibits lease language that forces tenants to waive their right to sue or participate in class-action litigation. Any such clauses are declared void and unenforceable once the ordinance takes effect.

The initiative imposes several affirmative duties on housing providers. Landlords must post a new tenantrights notice, supplied by the city, in a conspicuous location within each rental property. Retaliation against tenants becomes a key area of concern: actions such as nonrenewal, eviction, fee increases, refusal to perform

maintenance, threats, or harassment may be presumed retaliatory if they occur within 210 days after a tenant exercises a protected right. Landlords could face private lawsuits from tenants or tenant organizations, as well as civil infractions enforced by the city. Because these protections serve as an affirmative defense in eviction and unlawful-detainer actions, landlords initiating enforcement or termination procedures will face a higher burden to show the action was taken for legitimate, non-retaliatory reasons.

For housing providers, the initiative’s passage brings legal, operational, and financial implications. Non-RHAWA leases may need to be revised to remove NDA provisions, confidentiality clauses related to tenancy or lease offers, and any language limiting a tenant’s ability to pursue legal claims or organize with others. Property management staff will need training to understand what constitutes a protected activity and how to handle tenant requests involving access to common areas or distribution of materials.

Landlords should expect an increased compliance burden as well as potential liability from missteps, because both tenants and the city are empowered to enforce the new protections. Financial exposure may increase due to legal defense costs, fines, or damages, and some landlords may experience shifts in operations if they previously relied on restrictive lease language or practices that could now be considered retaliatory.

Given the substantial voter support behind the measure and the city’s upcoming implementation steps, landlords should prepare early. This includes updating lease templates, planning where tenant-rights posters will be displayed, establishing internal policies for staff, and potentially consulting legal counsel about risk exposure. The initiative

represents a meaningful shift in landlord-tenant dynamics within Bellingham, aligning with a national trend of expanding tenant-organizing protections. Housing providers who proactively comply and adjust their practices will be better positioned to avoid disputes, legal challenges, and enforcement actions once the ordinance becomes enforceable.

——

SPOKANE

On December 1st, 2025, the Spokane City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting algorithmic rent price-fixing and expanding retaliation provisions within Chapter 10.57 of the municipal code. The measure passed 5–2, with Councilmembers Michael Cathcart and Jonathan Bingle voting no, illustrating ongoing policy divisions around rental housing in Eastern Washington. Modeled conceptually on Seattle’s and King County’s versions, the ordinance positions Spokane among the jurisdictions now asserting local authority over data-driven pricing tools in rental markets.

The law bans rental housing providers from contracting with or exchanging value for algorithmic platforms that use non-public competitor information to influence rent levels, occupancy rates, or lease terms. Service providers are similarly barred from coordinating price recommendations for more than one operator. Violations may result in civil penalties of up to $5,000 per dwelling unit, and the City retains discretionary authority to suspend or revoke a business license for up to five years for violations — a shift from earlier drafts that included mandatory revocation.

The ordinance also broadens Spokane’s anti-retaliation framework, specifying that housing providers may not intimidate or penalize tenants,

employees, or advocates for raising concerns tied to alleged algorithmic pricing practices. A private right of action allows prevailing parties to recover attorneys’ fees, damages, and injunctive relief, underscoring the litigation exposure for operators. For rental housing providers, Spokane’s ordinance introduces notable compliance considerations. Operators accustomed to automated pricing systems must review whether their platforms fall within Spokane’s definition of “coordinating services.” Internal policies and documentation practices will matter more in defending business decisions, particularly when rent increases, non-renewals, or screening criteria could be characterized as retaliatory or connected to algorithmic influences. The ordinance’s encouragement of employee and contractor reporting further heightens internal governance complexity — a subtle but meaningful expansion beyond Seattle and King County.

As with the Seattle and King County ordinances, RHAWA participated in the stakeholder process, raising practical concerns and encouraging changes to avoid unintended harm to Spokane’s rental housing market. While we oppose any form of price-fixing or collusive practices, we also recognize the value of innovation, data tools, and software that help housing providers operate efficiently and improve affordability for tenants. Our feedback focused on striking that balance — discouraging harmful conduct without chilling legitimate technological advancement that benefits both providers and residents. Several key provisions were refined during the process, including shifting from automatic to discretionary licensing penalties and clarifying acceptable software use, resulting in a final version that is more workable for Spokane’s rental housing sector.

RHAWA Advocacy Team | advocacy@RHAwa.org

Rental Maintenance and Tenants

The state laws and city statutes vary greatly regarding many landlord/tenant issues, depending on the location of the property. However, from what I’ve seen when it comes to tenants being involved with maintenance issues, I think there are some basic generalities that apply and can be considered.

Landlords and property managers can’t control how their tenants live, but they do have a right to expect and require proper, safe, and sanitary care and use of their property. I think that it’s wise to spell out anything and everything that the Landlord wants done by the Tenant in the Lease, even if it’s basic and common. Then, should there be occasion to address something, hopefully, very little would be left unclear or assumed. Some of the areas and specifics can include…

Proper Appliance Use and Quick Reporting of Problems

Stoves, microwaves, washer/dryers, etc., will not serve well nor last if they are abused or neglected and become overloaded with filth. Furnace filter replacements, repairs, and maintenance are normally handled by the landlord (unless agreed otherwise in the lease), but the tenants need to use appliances per the manufacturer's guidelines and are responsible for keeping them clean and functionally accessible. They need to keep the utility areas around them clean and free of clutter and clear of flammable items like paints and solvents, etc.

And, of course when something stops working or breaks the landlord needs to be notified, but also if any water/ drips are seen anywhere strange or if any appliances start to sound ‘strange’ or ‘different’ than what they normally do, the tenant is responsible to report it as soon as possible; the procedure for which having been addressed and covered in the lease.

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These are provided by the landlord, and regardless of who maintains them per the lease, it’s usually good that the landlord makes sure the batteries are kept up-to-date. However, if either is sounding false alarms often, the tenant needs to take responsibility to report it right away for replacement. Otherwise, the units will often be disabled by someone and leaving occupants unprotected.

Waste Disposal

Landlords normally need to provide proper and sufficient containers for waste disposal, and the removal service cost responsibilities should be addressed in the lease. However, if the tenant lets things like hazardous materials, garbage, rags, and miscellaneous debris accumulate and pile up, it can quickly become unsanitary, unsafe, and cause many more problems with fire hazards, pests, sicknesses, and complaints from neighbors.

Mold Prevention

The whole arena of Mold Remediation is an issue that each landlord must address as required for their specific situation, but it is also true that molds and mildew simply will not accumulate in areas that are kept clean, dry, well-ventilated, and uncluttered. Poor hygiene practices, piles of damp/dirty clothes in corners and closets, leaking pipes or fixtures that are left unreported and dripping, are almost certain to give birth to molds and mildew taking up residence, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Tenants are responsible for keeping floors and walls, and fixtures clean and must always to provide adequate ventilation for all areas that tend to build moisture, like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.

Pest Control

Of course, the landlord must ensure

that a rental is pest-free before anyone moves in, but as with mold, once they take residence, they are responsible to make sure it stays that way as much as they possibly can by how they live. Pests and infestations are attracted and enhanced by poor hygiene and filthy living practices, and only the tenant can keep their homes clean and uncluttered from debris, waste, trash and garbage.

Landscaping and Exterior

With single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes, Landlords can often get good help with maintaining the exterior of the property by having the Tenant take care of replacing porch lights, mowing, watering, weeding, and snow removal; the specifics are covered clearly in the lease. Also, it’s good if those tenants can be responsible for getting or keeping the exterior ready for winter by basics like disconnecting all garden hoses and storing patio furniture, etc.

General Day-to-Day Cleaning

Although it isn’t often seen in Leases, I have found it helpful to include a paragraph that clearly states that, upon taking occupancy, the tenant agrees to keep all floors, carpets, walls, and windows in good and sound condition, and to clean them regularly as needed. Normally, the landlord does not rent a unit unless it’s been cleaned, and it’s therefore appropriate to document an expectation that your property be cared for and cleaned regularly, not just when the tenant leaves. In the lease, I think it good to specify that ‘normal wear and tear’ is indeed normal and acceptable, and that items like the windows and carpets must be cleaned at least once a year.

Access for Inspections, Repairs, and Maintenance by Landlord

Finally, the tenant needs to be responsive and provide access by the landlord

and/or their Agent so that he can perform necessary work like filter replacement, service inspections, maintenance and general inspection of the property to make sure that if any damage caused by the tenant or their guests, and that they have been reported and/ or repaired properly. As a plumbing and HVAC company, we have found it particularly helpful when landlords include a provision in the lease for a walk-through inspection every 6 months. Those inspections do a quick but thorough checklist on many items that need ‘watching’(especially for absentee owners), and can ‘head off’ major damage/repairs on things like caulking around plumbing fixtures and valves, soft floors in bathrooms, and can report any obvious abuse and damage like broken doors, holes in walls, broken windows, etc.

When it comes to property maintenance there are rules and responsibilities, and then there is common sense. Hopefully, the suggestions we’ve made will help ensure the ongoing good condition of your rental property.

Bruce Davis, Sr. is a Licensed Journeyman Plumber, Licensed Electrician, HVAC/R Electrical Administrator, HVAC/R ,and Certified WA State C.E.U. Instructor. Day and Nite Plumbing and Heating, Inc has been in Lynnwood serving Snohomish and N. King County for over 68-years, and Bruce Sr. has been President and working at this family-owned business for 36-years. Bruce can be contacted at: Email: Bruce@dayandnite.net. Day and Nite Plumbing and Heating Inc. 16614 13 Ave. W., Lynnwood, WA 98037, (800) 972-7000.

Bruce Davis, Sr. | Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating, Inc. | 2020 RHAWA Vendor Member of the Year
Bruce Davis, Sr.

GET INVOLVED:

Legislative Session begins on January 12, 2026 and your RHAWA Government Affairs team is ready to get you involved. Your involvement in our advocacy efforts is beneficial to both you and all housing providers in Washington State; make a difference with us this year and participate in our advocacy efforts. You have likely already seen our road map for this years Legislative Session, but it is crucial that we continue to provide you with all the information you need to participate with us in this years session. Next month we will provide you with a recap of our kickoff event and information on all pre-filed bills relevant to housing providers.

Communications

PRE-HEARING BRIEFING ROOMS

GA Staff and lobbyists will be available to consult with you two hours before any critical hearings in the Virtual Briefing Room throughout the session. They can assist you with signing up for your remote committee testimony and help you prepare your speaking points prior to your appointment.

WEEKLY ONLINE MEET-UP

January 12 – March 12, 2026

Hop into our 11 AM Monday morning meet-up to learn what the most

pressing bills are for the week. You will receive an event reminder with a join link prior to each meet-up.

Legislative Session Begins January 12 and our first weekly meet up with coincide with the start of Legislative Session.

CALLS TO ACTION

Watch your inbox for hearing announcements, upcoming events, and Calls to Action! Content from this coalition is developed and approved by our leadership advocacy team. All Calls to Action and advocacy updates will include a way to submit written testimony or a link that will grant you easy access to the sign-up process.

ADVOCACY CENTER

The Advocacy Center is your go-to resource to make sure you're ready to participate in our advocacy efforts. This page is continually updated with our most up-to-date campaigns. The Advocacy Center allows you to message lawmakers with ease, providing summaries, talking points, and pre-written messages for every bill we will engage with. Please keep in mind that adding your personal story to these pre-written messages is the most effective way to communicate with your lawmakers. It was mentioned earlier that one member's testimony is worth ten of our lobbyists, this concept applies to the Advocacy Center messages as well. The

Advocacy Center also provides you with resources to find your lawmakers and keep up with every bill is currently tracking in real time.

2026 Legislative Session Road Map

LEGISLATIVE SESSION KICKOFF

January 7, 2026 at 6 PM (Online Only)

Join the RHAWA government affairs (GA) team and lobbyist, Chester Baldwin, to discuss the upcoming legislative session with lawmakers who work hard to support us on the hill. You can help drive the solutions to our challenges by advocating for policies that build a healthy housing economy for all, so don't miss this opportunity to learn how to get involved. Make your voice heard and join us in defending your rights as a housing provider. Join us on January 7, 2026, from 6-7:30 pm for our 2026 Legislative Session Kickoff. You can register for this event NOW on our website: RHAwa.org/events/

Please note: Registering for the kickoff event will automatically register you for all other Legislative Session events.

LEGISLATIVE DAY ON THE HILL

February 4, 2026

We are welcoming our membership to come down to Olympia once again and meet with their lawmakers at the RHAWA Legislative Day on the Hill. Once you register on our website, our Government Affairs team will identify your lawmakers and set up a day of conversation and engagement for you to participate in Olympia in person.

Make sure your information in your member profile is fully up to date which allows the government affairs team to accurately identify your relevant lawmakers for both your voting district and the districts where you own rental properties. This is an incredible opportunity to meet face-to-face with lawmakers who decide policy in your district.

This opportunity may seem intimidating, but you need not worry. Our team will prepare information and handouts to allow you to communicate effectively and make an impact in each and every one of your meetings.

LEGISLATIVE SESSION RECAP

Estimated: Last week of March

This event will discuss the 2026 Legislative Session from start to finish. We

Daniel Bannon Daniel Bannon | Grassroots Organizer |  dbannon@RHAwa.org
905-0609

2026

LEGISLATIVE SES SION

will be going over our hardest fights, biggest opportunities, and key takeaways. Don't miss this opportunity to peek behind the curtain and figure out not just what happened, but why it happened. Learn what messaging is effective and how we can bolster our grassroots advocacy efforts. We will also be talking about what comes next, and how to prepare for the upcoming elections.

RHAWA Legislative Priorities

If you have involved yourself in RHAWA’s recent events such as ENGAGE 25 or have kept up to date on our recent issues of CURRENT then you may already be familiar with our legislative priorities for the 2026 Legislative Session. RHAWA Government Affairs and leadership team worked hard to develop these priorities and communicate with lawmakers in order to present a proactive and well-planned approach in this upcoming legislative session. We look forward to seeing you in Olympia and in our virtual briefing rooms already familiar with our goals and strategies for this year's Legislative Session.

SERVICE OF NOTICE FIX (RELATED TO HB 1003)

Overly complex service-of-notice rules continue to confuse tenants and housing providers alike. Not to mention the exorbitant costs association with new certified mail requirements. A technical correction to HB 1003 will improve how notices are delivered and verified, reducing disputes and legal costs for both sides.

PREVENTING FURTHER RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO RENT CONTROL

Some legislators are expected to reintroduce proposals to further limit rental rate adjustments by lowering allowable caps and removing inflation indexing. While these efforts are framed as tenant protection, they risk reducing housing supply and discouraging maintenance and reinvestment. RHAWA will continue to strongly oppose any legislation that penalizes responsible housing providers for inflation and rising costs beyond their control.

TENANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Rental assistance provided to struggling families fosters a strong partnership between tenants, housing providers, and the State of Washington.

• Short-term rental assistance for seniors, fixed-income, low-income, veterans, and others facing acute economic stress and/or facing potential eviction situations.

• Prevents evictions, preserves affordable housing, ensures family stability, and has helped prevent homelessness.

• Provides short-term gap funding for the difference between what the tenant owes and what they can afford to pay.

PREDATORY RENT INCREASES

Bad actors can sometimes raise rent or collect fees in a way that is sudden, drastic, and is intended to force a tenant out. This often occurs when a low-rent building is sold or needs major rehabilitation because it’s at the end of its useful life. Establishing rules can help stabilize housing.

HARMONIZATION ACT

Washington state needs a consistent set of rules for all Washington cities across the state. This will alleviate confusion, create confidence and compliance, and foster a more harmonized rental housing market landscape for both tenants and housing providers.

• Benefits to tenants and housing providers by providing certainty and consistency regarding their legal obligations.

TENANT SAFETY ACT

Currently, families are being forced to live next door to abusive and sometimes dangerous tenants. before eviction, regardless of their behavior.

• Streamlines the process of evicting residents engaged in dangerous activity.

• Protects tenants who report dangerous or illegal activity.

• Creates an expedited process for dangerous and unruly tenants.

• Collaborates with law enforcement for swift removal of dangerous residents.

• Prevents manipulation or intentional delays of the system.

STAY ALERT AND VIGILANT

Developments during legislative session can happen rapidly with very little warning. Make sure you are keeping up to date with RHAWA’s calls to action to engage when we need you. Join our weekly briefing rooms to stay ahead of the curve and read all of our calls to action carefully.

Anyone can get involved! Even if you only have a limited amount of time you can devote to engaging in this year’s legislative session, you can message your lawmakers in just a few clicks. As always, feel free to reach out to RHAWA’s Government Affairs team if you have any questions about involvement or are looking for advice on how to make the most of your efforts.

Thank you for preparing for this year’s legislative session, we will see you in Olympia.

If you have operated rental housing in Washington State for more than five years, you have felt the shift.

The issue isn’t only that laws have changed—it’s the cadence. What used to be generational reforms are now seasonal. Every legislative session in Olympia, every city council meeting from Seattle to Spokane, and every local housing committee brings a new wave of notices, forms, registries, and restrictions.

Sit down with a small housing provider today, and the conversation rarely focuses on maintenance or capital planning. It’s dominated by compliance anxiety. Did I use the right font size on the disclosure? Is this jurisdiction currently under an eviction moratorium? Does the new screening ordinance apply to my duplex in the county or just the city?

Most providers look at this churning sea of red tape and ask: "Why do they hate us?"

It is a natural emotional reaction, but it is the wrong question. The people writing these laws don't necessarily hate you. They are simply part of a socioeconomic mechanism that has spun out of control.

To understand why Washington produces far more regulations than homes, we have to look beyond politics and examine structure. We have to talk about a concept called "Elite Overproduction."

The Mechanism of Elite Overproduction

The term "Elite Overproduction" was popularized by complexity scientist and historian Peter Turchin. While it sounds like a manufacturing term, it describes a social phenomenon.

In any society, there is a demand for "elites"—people in positions of power, influence, administration, and policy-making. We need attorneys, legislators, non-profit directors, and

regulatory experts to run a complex civilization.

However, Turchin argues that societies often reach a point where they produce far more credentialed, ambitious, potential elites than there are positions for them to fill. We are churning out Juris Doctors, Masters in Public Policy, and Political Science graduates at a record rate.

But here is the catch: The number of seats in the State Senate hasn’t changed. The number of mayorships is static. The number of high-level executive roles in government is finite.

With a surplus of credentialed aspirants competing for a finite number of power centers, competition intensifies. How does an aspiring policymaker stand out? How does a mid-level nonprofit staffer prove value to donors? How does a council aide show they’re ready for the next step?

Not by preserving the status quo. No résumé is built on "The current laws are sufficient." Advancement requires action.

And in housing policy, “action” almost always means regulation.

This is the core of elite overproduction: an oversupply of professionals whose careers depend on identifying problems and legislating solutions, whether or not new rules are actually needed.

The Washington Laboratory Washington State, especially the Puget Sound region, has become a textbook example of elite overproduction in housing policy. Over the past twenty years, the number of actors involved in rental housing has exploded:

• Expanded city council staffs with policy analysts

Daniel Klemme
Daniel Klemme | Membership Development & Government Affairs |  dklemme@RHAwa.org |  (206) 905-0611

• A proliferation of housing-focused nonprofits and advocacy groups

• Legal aid organizations with growing public funding

• Regional coalitions, task forces, and oversight boards

Each of these entities is staffed by credentialed actors whose career trajectory depends on producing visible policy activity. Budgets, grants, and political relevance all hinge on output. In a factory, output is a widget. In the policy world, output is a rule.

If a tenant advocacy group stops proposing new protections, its urgency and funding fade. If a legislator goes through a session without sponsoring a bill, they appear ineffective.

The result is a policy arms race. To remain relevant, elites push increasingly granular and complex regulations. It is no longer enough to enforce fair housing laws; now we regulate the precise order in which applications are processed. It is not enough to have eviction protocols; we dictate which seasons evictions may occur.

This competition creates a conveyor belt of regulation. The market is not reacting to widespread rental housing provider misconduct; it is absorbing the output of a bloated policy industry.

The Currency of Regulation

For housing providers, the steady stream of rules feels like an assault. But for the policy class, regulation functions as a currency.

This is why so many policies prioritize process over outcome. When a city council passes a Just Cause ordinance or caps move-in fees, they issue a press release and claim a win. The ink on the page becomes the achievement. Whether the policy produces a single new unit or inflates rents by restricting supply is a secondary concern measured years later, if at all. In this environment, simplicity is the enemy. A simple rule, such as “If you do not pay rent, you must move out,” does not require a task force or a legal clinic to interpret.

A complex rule, however, creates job security. Consider Seattle’s First-in-

Time ordinance or the RRIO program. These systems require:

1. City staff to administer them

2. Attorneys to interpret them

3. Advocacy groups to monitor them

4. Trainers to teach compliance

Complexity becomes self-perpetuating. The more convoluted the regulatory landscape, the more “experts” are needed to navigate it, reinforcing the very ecosystem that created the complexity in the first place.

WHAT MEMBERS ARE SEEING: The Regulatory Fog

For RHAWA members, this structural dynamic shows up as a very real and expensive problem. The regulatory fog has grown so thick that visibility is almost zero. It appears in three major ways:

1. Fragmentation of Rules

State law once handled the fundamentals while cities focused on zoning. Now every jurisdiction is a policy fiefdom. Auburn, Burien, Kenmore, Tacoma, Seattle, Spokane, and Bellingham all have diverging rules on notice periods, late fees, and screening criteria. This fragmentation reflects elite competition, as local leaders try to put their own stamp on policy rather than adopting uniform standards.

2. A Shift from “Bad Actor” Laws to Universal Mandates

Earlier regulations targeted misconduct, such as shutting off heat. New laws pre-emptively govern business operations for everyone: bans on criminal background checks, mandatory lease renewals, caps on de-

posits regardless of credit risk. The underlying assumption is that the private sector cannot be trusted to manage housing without administrative oversight.

3. Administrative Burden as a Feature

The paperwork load—voter registration packets, required font sizes, mandatory information sheets—is not accidental. It creates friction. That friction makes small-scale rental ownership less appealing, conveniently aligning with the goals of policy actors who view housing primarily as a public right rather than a private investment.

THE CONSEQUENCES:

More Rules, No Homes

The tragedy of elite overproduction in housing is that it produces the opposite of its stated goals. Policymakers talk about “stability” and “affordability,” but the result is market constriction.

Increasing the regulatory tax, the cost of compliance, legal risk, and administrative time, changes the economics of the business. For large developers and REITs, this is manageable. They have compliance departments and legal teams. In many cases, they even welcome complex rules because those rules create a moat that keeps smaller competitors out.

For the mom-and-pop provider, the teacher with a duplex or the retiree with a four plex, this environment is toxic. They operate on thin margins and limited time. When a simple non-renewal requires a lawyer and months of lead time, the risk outweighs the reward.

Regulatory chaos also drives away capital. Developers and investors look at Washington and see a market where property rights shift and contracts can be rewritten retroactively. Capital is liquid. It flows to where it is treated best. Increasingly, that means Texas, Florida, the Sunbelt, and Idaho.

The irony is stark. In the rush to “fix” housing, the policy class is choking off supply that makes housing affordable. The system now incentivizes producing regulations, not producing homes.

CONCLUSION:

A Structural Problem Requires a Structural Shift

Understanding elite overproduction is clarifying. It shows housing providers that the chaos they face isn’t personal or accidental—it is the predictable output of a system functioning exactly as designed.

As long as success is measured by the number of bills passed, task forces launched, and restrictions enacted, the machine will keep producing rules. Activity will continue to be rewarded over outcomes.

The solution is a change in metrics. We must stop rewarding the input—regulation—and start rewarding the output: keys in hands and homes built.

For RHAWA members, attorneys, and industry leaders, this means shifting our advocacy. We cannot fight every ordinance one at a time; we must expose the cumulative cost of complexity and hold policymakers accountable for the operational reality they create, not the intentions they advertise.

Washington needs fewer architects of regulation and more builders of housing. Policymakers need a pause on new “good ideas” until the market can absorb the ones already imposed.

Until incentives are realigned with the economics of housing, we will remain stuck in the same cycle: a surplus of rules, a shortage of homes, and a system that grows louder, busier, and less effective every year.

PUGET SOUND MULTIFAMILY SALES

REBOUND IN Q3 2025: What Rising Sales

Mean for Owners Under Washington’s

Rent-Control Rules

After a prolonged period of hesitation among Puget Sound buyers, multifamily sales volume increased notably in Q3 2025, building on the momentum seen in Q2. The Puget Sound region recorded $1.5 billion in Q2 multifamily sales, rising to $1.8 billion in Q3. This upward trend signals that the market is regaining stability. Even with higher interest rates and buyers tightening their underwriting standards, more transactions are being completed. This increase in activity reflects a meaningful shift: capital is returning to the market, and investors are once again expressing confidence in the region’s long-term fundamentals.

Now, why does this rise in sales volume matter? The pickup in Q3 is much more than a seasonal bump; it reflects deeper shifts. Cap Rates are beginning to stabilize, allowing buyers and sellers to align on value. Exchange buyers and private capital, who sat out much of early 2025, are re-engaging, and sellers who delayed listing earlier in the year are now entering the market with renewed confidence.

The Reality of Washington State's Rent-Control Rules

While Q3 delivered strong momentum, Washington State's new rent-control legislation has fundamentally changed how owners must financially plan for their future. Historically, owners had the ability to push rents more aggressively, or a buyer could bring operations to market levels relatively quickly. Under the new rent-control legislation (HB 1217), annual increases are now capped at 9.683% for 2025. Multifamily investors and commercial lenders have been forced to take a more conservative approach when assessing the risk of these properties. For multifamily property owners, this means that having rents below 10% of market rates directly correlates to a loss in property value.

To maximize the value of the property, owners must start planning their rent increases 12-36 months prior to listing the property for sale due to the rent increase notice period and annual rent increase caps. If an owner elects to sell their property with well-below market rents (+10%), they will leave money on the table. All of this can be avoided with proper planning.

How Our Team Helps Owners Succeed in this New Landscape

On the Platt-Urquhart-Douglas team at Paragon, our services and expertise go beyond just a listing. We have re-engineered our approach to brokerage with a multi-year roadmap tailored to your property, your timeline, and your investment goals. We model what your building is worth today, and what it could be worth in 12 – 36 months with proper positioning and planning. Our team is here to help you navigate both the momentum in today’s

market and the realities of new regulations so you can make the most informed, profitable decisions for your property. Give us a call if you’d like to strategize what the next 12-36 months look like for your investment property.

If you would like to know more about 1031 exchanges, want to know the market value of your investment property or would like a referral to a tax, legal or 1031 exchange professional, please feel free to reach out to anyone on their team. Brian Platt at Brian@ParagonREA.com (206) 251-8483, Michael Urquhart at Michael@ ParagonREA.com (425) 999-6650, Ben Douglas at Ben@ParagonREA.com (206) 658-7247, or Rowan Davis at Rowan@ParagonREA.com (206) 406-9105.

Dear RHAWA Members;

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Here at Rodda Paint, we are offering all members up to a 35% discount on all Rodda-manufactured paints. As well as, additional discounts will be offered on supplies, such as caulking, plastic, rollers, brushes, and more. The price bracket alone will beat our competitor's price on all similar products GUARANTEED! Don’t hesitate to reach out and be sure to mention the account name or number to get the discount.

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We are very proud to be a family owned and operated company. John, Barry and Jill have been serving RHA Members for over 22 years. Our focus is to solve customers’ roof problems and concerns with a reliable, high-quality roof system. Our dedicated crews take pride in their craftsmanship and treat our customers roofs as if it were our own.

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Learn more about EGH and how you can help at eghseattle.org. Thank you.

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Smart Housing Providers Don’t Guess. They Train

ONLY AT RHAWA ACADEMY

RHAWA Academy offers the only housing education in Washington that’s built by experts, for housing providers—lighting the path to compliance. Your membership unlocks FREE courses on local laws, tenant screening, leasing tools, and more. And when you’re ready to go deeper, we’ve got live sessions, certificates, and a full ONDEMAND course library to back you up.

Because knowing the rules isn’t a luxury — it’s how smart housing providers stay in business.

Operating rental housing in Washington without the right knowledge is risky, costly, and potentially devastating. One missed law. One wrong form. That’s all it takes. GET TRAINED. STAY COMPLIANT. OPERATE WITH CONFIDENCE. Only at RHAWA Academy.

For questions about the Academy, please contact Denise Myers at dmyers@RHAwa.org Formal

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