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The first step in the renting process is to view a rental property. All properties are shown by a representative of Watson Management Co., Inc. Showings may be scheduled between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Appointments to view a property may be made by calling the office at (509) 325-2127. All scheduled appointments require a confirmation call at least one hour before the scheduled time to confirm the appointment.
An application to rent is required of all persons age 18 or older and emancipated minors, that will reside at the dwelling. There is an application processing fee of $30.00 per applicant. Applicant/guarantors are required to pay a $30.00 application processing fee. Applicant's) must also provide a copy of picture identification and a Social Security card.
Upon delivering completed application's) to our office and payment of the application processing fee, the property will be reserved for you while the application is being processed. This usually takes one business day. Once accepted the applicants are required to pay a Holding Fee equal to the amount of the deposit. This holds the property for up to seven (7) days before the rental contract will begin.
All applications are accepted, conditionally accepted or denied based on their own strength and are not compared to other applications.
The following are MINIMUM requirements for renting a property: 1. Combined verifiable monthly income of applicants) must equal or exceed three (3) times the monthly rent. (an exception may apply for HUD Section 8 voucher holders.)
2... Applicant's) must have an acceptable credit history.
3. Applicant's) must have acceptable rental references with current and previous landlord's). Relatives are not acceptable references.
4. Applicant's) must pass a civil background check looking for collections, bankruptcies and/or evictions.
5. Applicant's) must have clean criminal history for a minimum of ten (10) years (in some cases longer.)
6. Some weaknesses in the above may (at landlord's option) may be overcome by paying an additional Security, Cleaning & Damage Deposit equal to one month's rent that may be applied to the last month of tenancy's rent. In some cases an applicant/guarantor will be required. Applicant/guarantor's must have excellent credit and own real property in Spokane County, Washington.
Although no firm rule exists, occupancy is recommended at no more than two (2) occupants per legal bedroom. Areas of a dwelling not meeting local building and fire code requirements as bedrooms are not to be used or considered as bedrooms.
Most units do not accept pets. By that we mean primarily dogs, cats, rodents and reptiles. You must specify any type of pet you have on your Application To Rent. When pets are allowed the rent is increased by $20.00 per month, an additional Security, Cleaning & Damage Deposit is required and the Tenant must sign a Pet Addendum (a copy is available for viewing at our office). When a pet is allowed at a unit, the rent will be increased by $20.00 per month.
All rental contracts are for a period of one year unless otherwise specified on our For Rent Listings. A copy of our rental contract is available for viewing at our office during our normal business hours. Occupancy will not be granted to any unit until a Rental Contract has been fully executed by all parties and initial sums due have been paid in full.
A Property Condition Checklist is prepared by Watson Management in advance of your signing the Rental Contract. Additionally, we videotape each unit immediately before and after each tenancy. To further protect all parties, we allow the new tenant seven (7) days to provide a list of any items they believe are missing from our checklist.
The Washington Residential Landlord Tenant Act (RLTA) is contained in Chapter 59.18 Revised Code of Washington (RCW). This act provides a basis for both tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities when renting residential property. Here is a link to the RLTA: Residential Landlord Tenant Act
Watson Management Company, Inc., and its staff support and comply with both the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Reasonable Accommodations
Persons with disabilities as defined by the Federal Fair Housing Act may request Reasonable Accommodations in accordance with that act. Requests for accommodations must be made in writing and documentation of disability may be required.