The do’s and don’ts of navigating the Bellingham rental market
By Erasmus Baxter
1. Choose your roommates carefully
The first thing to think about when renting a house is who you want to live with. This can have a huge impact on everything from your G.P.A. to your future life path. Your friend may be a lot of fun to party with on Friday night, but do you really want to be the one cleaning up their vomit on a school night? If your roommates want to establish your house as a vegan co-op and run it on principles of reciprocity you’re a lot more likely to become politically involved than if they want to add an aftermarket stripper pole to your kitchen.
On a more serious note, if your roommates don’t pay their rent or utilities you’re the one whose credit will be affected and you might also be evicted. A lease is a legally binding document that can have serious implications. Make sure that you’re living with people you can get along with, but also who you can trust with your financial future.
2. Read the Lease
I know the lease is very boring and might go on for several pages, but it’s a legally binding document that you are signing. You don’t want to be surprised by additional fees or odd regulations. Once you’ve signed it, you’re locked in for around a year.
That being said, just because something’s in the lease doesn’t make it legal. There are limits on what fees landlords are allowed to charge you, and what terms and conditions they can set. If in doubt, take your lease to the AS Legal Information Center in Viking Union 517. The Legal Information Center specializes in tenant issues and are a great resource. If something is wrong or illegal in your lease you can ask the landlord to change it. Make sure you get any commitments from them in writing before signing.
3. Do a walkthrough
There’s two parts to this: When you’re looking at a house, schedule a walkthrough with the real estate agent. Even if you are already planning on renting the house, and you’ve been there a hundred times because your cousin lives there, it gives you a chance to meet the landlord. Being friendly with the landlord and putting a face to your name can boost your chances of actually getting the house in Bellingham’s uber competitive housing madness that breaks loose every spring. In addition, it gives you an opportunity to note any defects with the house. If you point them out to the landlord during the walkthrough sometimes you can get them to promise them to fix them. Get these commitments in writing before you sign the lease! Also, ask about insulation and what the utilities are like.
Secondly, before you take occupancy, do a walkthrough with the landlord or property manager. Document any damage or disrepair to the house. If possible, have the landlord sign a list of the damages. This may be crucial for getting your damage deposit back and avoiding having to pay additional money for things you didn’t break. In addition, take photos of all damages or defects. If there’s a lot, take video of each room. Some friends of mine had a long and bitter argument about a burn mark on their carpet before they discovered, thanks to a photo they had taken, that it was there when they moved in. Also, make sure your house is registered with the City of Bellingham rental inspection program.
4. Talk to the old residents
If at all possible try and talk to the old residents. They just spent a year living in the house so they’ll know all about it. Ask them about utility costs, how cold the house gets in winter, what the landlords are like. Ask them if there’s anything you should know. We learned that our house used to have rats, and that there was a mysterious hole behind one of the cabinets that we totally missed. We also learned that we didn’t have a dishwasher. I once interviewed a girl who’s house was uninsulated and freezing cold during the winter. It seemed fine when they were looking at it in spring, but if they’d asked the old residents they might have known.
5. Document Everything
This goes with the other items, but document everything. Especially when interacting with your landlord. Take photos of the house, have them sign written agreements and keep track of all interactions with them. If you are going to notify them about an issue with the house the best way to do it is through email. That way you have proof that you contacted them, and if they don’t respond to multiple requests you have proof that you tried. If you call them about an issue, write down when and who you talked to. If they don’t come for a move in walkthrough send them an email with a list of all the issues with the house. My roommate’s mom is a real estate agent and she made sure we did that once we moved in. It’s a way of covering your back, and if things get really bad you have evidence to take to an attorney.
6. Take No Guff
Most student rentals are managed by large property management companies like Landmark or Painless properties. They are used to dealing with students who feel vulnerable and don’t know their rights. Bellingham’s constricted rental market provides a huge advantage for landlords over renters. Rental companies make their money by providing as little services and maintenance as possible. Small landlords can be just as bad.
However, tenants actually have a fair number of rights under the law. Basic things like heat, hot water and locking doors must be provided and fixed promptly when broken. Landlords must give you notice before entering your home, and must refund your security deposit if nothing is broken. Many landlords either ignore or are unaware of the law. Familiarize yourself with your rights. If something seems fishy look it up. If you’re having issues, visit the AS Legal Information Center.
There’s also a free tenants rights clinic at the courthouse downtown from 12:30 – 3:30 on Fridays where you can talk to lawyer. They’re very helpful, and helped some friends of mine go to small claims court to get their damage deposit back. The worst that can happen is that your lease isn’t renewed and you have to find a different place to live next year, but is it really worth being miserable to avoid that? Stand up for yourself.