Owner FAQs

We are located at 7500 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115, USA.

Our hours of operation are 9am-5pm PST, Monday through Friday. Our office is by appointment only; please make an appointment with your property manager. With an appointment, we can guarantee that your property manager will be available to answer questions or meet with you. 

Our main office line is  (206) 523-0300

For any questions concerning your owner’s statement, please contact your property manager directly. Visit our website for more. 

We can absolutely help you purchase a property and expand your portfolio or sell your property when the time comes. We also have an extensive network of trusted partners, including experienced real estate agents who can guide you through the purchase process. We're happy to connect you with a qualified agent who understands the local market and can help you find your dream home. Let us know if you'd like us to facilitate an introduction. Remember, a smooth transition starts with the right team by your side, and Real Property Associates is here to support your real estate journey every step of the way.

Eager to get your property under expert care? Real Property Associates can start managing it quickly! Contact us today for a free consultation, and we'll assess your specific needs. Typically, once a contract is signed, we can begin marketing right away. Your property could be online within 24 hours! We'll handle everything seamlessly, from marketing and tenant screening to rent collection and maintenance, so you can relax knowing your investment is in good hands. Let's discuss your property and get started.

We encourage any and all questions to make sure you have confidence in choosing Real Property Associates as your property management partner. Here are some questions we recommend asking before choosing a property manager:

• General Services:

  • What services are included in your basic management package, and what are the additional fees for optional services?

  • Do you specialize in managing properties similar to mine (e.g., single-family homes, apartments, commercial)?

• • What is your experience level in the local market?

  • What licenses does your company hold?

• Marketing & Leasing:

• • How do you market vacant properties?

  • What is your average time to rent a similar property?

  • Do you offer tenant screening and background checks?

  • How do you handle tenant relations and communication?

• Maintenance & Inspections:

  • How do you handle emergency maintenance?

  • Do you have a 24/7 emergency maintenance line?

• • What is your response time for non-emergency repairs?

  • Do you have pre-approved vendors for repairs and maintenance?

  • How often do you conduct routine property inspections?

• Financial Management:

• • What is your process for rent collection and late fees?

  • How do you handle tenant disputes regarding rent?

  • Do you provide detailed financial reports and statements?

  • Are you licensed to hold security deposits in your state?

• Communication & Transparency:

• • How often do you communicate with owners about their properties?

  • Do you offer an online portal for owners to access information and documents?

  • Are you available to answer questions and address concerns promptly?

  • What is your process for handling complaints and feedback?

With our appropriate recommendation for rent, our goal is to rent out your property within 21 days.

We do not recommend renting a home fully furnished. We find that it limits your application pool for long-term tenants. Not only does it mean that your property may sit vacant longer, but it may also mean that your items are not protected, especially if you have high-end or heirloom items.

We do recommend accepting pets in your rental. Allowing pets offers a larger applicant pool and increased rents. It will also decrease the risk of unauthorized pets or animals in your unit. If you're unsure about pets in your rental, we can help. Let's discuss your property and make the best decision together.

Real Property Associates manages residential and commercial properties in Greater Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and Tacoma. We currently manage over 4,500 units, including:

• Residential:

  • Single-family homes

  • Multifamily buildings (apartments, condos, townhomes)

• Commercial:

  • Office space

  • Retail space

  • Industrial space

However, we primarily serve small to mid-size investors and homeowners. If you have a single-family home, multi-unit building (up to around 50 units), or small commercial space (up to around 5,000 square feet), we are likely a good fit.

If you need clarification on whether your property fits our portfolio, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation. We're happy to discuss your specific needs and see if we can be a good match.

We don't recommend it. Managing a property yourself can be overwhelming, and hiring Real Property Associates as your property management partner offers several benefits. 

• Legal Expertise
  Renter-Landlord laws are rapidly changing—not just in Seattle, but throughout the state of Washington. Government funding and educational awareness of developing regulations trend heavily towards favoring residents—not investors. At Real Property Associates, we continue to stay in step with the latest legislation to make sure our owners are protected and their interests represented.

• THE EXPERIENCE YOU NEED
  As a company with over 30 years of management under our belts, Real Property Associates has seen a lot—and if we haven’t seen it before, we’ll help to figure it out! With a highly-experienced property management team, we work together to share information to serve our clients and help resolve the challenges that arise for rental property owners.

• EXCEPTIONAL MAINTENANCE
  Exclusive to our owners only, we offer quick, responsive maintenance services to keep resident satisfaction at its peak—and keep your portfolio profitable. Initially developed to help our owners avoid costly minimum service charges, the maintenance we offer is second to none! Our well-stocked service team addresses your rental maintenance needs in a timely manner.

• 24-HOUR AVAILABILITY
  At Real Property Associates, our maintenance team also acts as a 24-hour emergency hotline for every resident we serve. In the event of a major emergency, our renters can live comfortably knowing they have someone to call.

• PEACE OF MIND
  Step away from the hassle of property management and turn it over to the Seattle professionals who treat your property as if it were our own. Many of our property managers are small-scale landlords themselves! Our inside perspective on management helps us to make educated, fair, and financially efficient choices to help maximize returns for our owners.

Real Property Associates is a licensed Real Estate brokerage firm in the State of Washington. All property managers are licensed Real Estate Brokers.

The security deposit is held in a trust account by Real Property Associates. The security deposit will be reconciled at the end of a tenancy, some of which may be returned to the tenant; otherwise, it will be used to pay for services related to the move-out and returning the unit to the same condition the unit was in at the beginning of the tenancy, minus reasonable wear and tear.

You can schedule a free consultation to discuss your property and goals. We'll handle everything from marketing and tenant screening to rent collection and maintenance. Our experienced team will maximize your rental income and ensure your investment thrives. Visit our website or call us to get started.

It is not recommended to market the property while owners are still occupying the property. 

Yes, owners should have landlord insurance.  Landlord insurance protects you from property damage, liability, and lost rent for additional peace of mind and financial protection. If you do not have landlord insurance, we suggest consulting with an insurance professional.  

It is required for owners to carry and pay for: (i) public and premises liability insurance in an amount of no less than $1,000,000 and (ii) property damage insurance adequate to protect the interests of the Owner and Broker. 

If you wish to allow pets at your property, tenants will be required to pay a refundable pet deposit.   Tenants are required to keep their pets under control at all times. It is understood that pet waste will be promptly disposed of and that food bowls will be kept inside. At move-out, if necessary, all floors will be professionally cleaned, and the unit will be professionally fumigated and deodorized.

Your Real Property Associates Owner Statement summarizes your property's monthly income and expenses. It details rental income, management fees, maintenance, and other costs, leading to your net operating income and owner distribution: access detailed breakdowns and reports through our Owner Portal. For personalized explanations, our team is happy to help! 

In your owners, portal, click on the email address in the top right-hand corner, and then click the drop-down menu for Settings, then click “Bank Account Settings.”

From this page, you will be able to update or change their Routing Number, Account Number, and Account Type. When completed, check off the box to agree to the terms and click “Save Changes.” The account must be a US bank account. 

To best protect you from potential fraud threats, eCheck transactions within the first 30 days to newly added or updated owner bank accounts will settle in 3-5 business days. The 30-day period starts from the first eCheck sent after the change or addition.

 Your owner disbursement will be processed along with your owner statement by the 10th of the month (unless the 10th falls on a weekend or holiday). 

Your Owner Packet will include your owner statement and a 12-month cash flow. If you wish to discuss your owner's packet or if additional reports are desired, please contact your property manager and we may be able to help. 

Once your owner’s statement is processed, you will be notified via email that your owner’s packet is available on your online portal. It will include your owner statement, cash flow, and any invoices. It will also be accessible on your owner’s portal. 

Our comprehensive marketing strategy helps ensure your property gets leased as quickly and efficiently as possible. We place your ad on a variety of websites, from HomeFinder, Rentable, to Trulia, Zillow, and many more. Visit our website for more information on our marketing services.

Our move-in process ensures a smooth transition for tenants and owners. We handle everything from property prep and tenant screening to lease signing and move-in day logistics. Relax, knowing your property is in good hands with our dedicated team. Contact us today for a personalized breakdown!

Our maintenance process prioritizes tenant satisfaction and long-term value for your property. We conduct regular inspections, promptly address requests, and employ skilled repair technicians. Enjoy transparent communication and access to reports and invoices through our Owner Portal. Let us handle the maintenance so you can focus on other things. Contact Real Property Associates today for a hassle-free experience.

Real Property Associates prioritizes your peace of mind. While we handle all maintenance concerns, knowing true emergencies ensures fast action and minimizes damage. Tenants are to immediately submit maintenance for safety hazards like gas leaks, major leaks, or unlivable conditions. Non-emergencies like dripping faucets or cosmetic repairs can wait. When unsure, err on caution and contact our 24/7 team. Visit our website or call for a complete list and details.

Real Property Associates prioritizes your peace of mind during emergencies. Call us 24/7 for safety hazards, unlivable conditions, or potential property damage. Our trained staff quickly assesses the situation and dispatches certified technicians to minimize damage and ensure your safety. Clear communication keeps you informed throughout the process. Don't hesitate to call if unsure – we're here to help, day or night. Visit our website or contact us for a complete emergency list and details.

Real Property Associates operates a 24/7 maintenance emergency line. If called, our maintenance department will quickly assess the situation. If required, the maintenance technician or vendor will be dispatched to quickly remedy the issue. 

Worried about surprise repair costs? Real Property Associates prioritizes transparency and control. We clearly define "large repairs" and require written approval before exceeding a set threshold. Detailed estimates, 24/7 access to records, and regular communication keep you informed. We focus on preventative maintenance to minimize significant repairs, saving you money in the long run. Our experienced team and commitment to ethical practices ensure quality work at competitive prices. Additionally, we will temporarily address the issue in an emergency until we can secure approval and funding for the full repair. Contact us for transparent and responsible property management.

Real Property Associates will coordinate maintenance and repair to the property.  Owners are notified if a repair, alteration, or improvement costs more than their maintenance minimum. Generally, the maintenance is anywhere from $300-500 for a single-family home. In the case of emergencies, however, we will have to act according to state and local laws and triage the situation as necessary.

We make lease renewal as easy as possible. Real Property Associates keeps you informed with early communication and market analysis, then works collaboratively to find a fair rate for you and your tenant. We handle all the paperwork and prioritize tenant satisfaction for your investment.  Contact us for a personalized breakdown and experience a smooth, stress-free lease renewal process.

For our move-out process, tenants provide notice, and then we conduct a detailed inspection and handle security deposits, rent, and utilities. We manage cleaning, repairs, and keep you informed throughout. Need help with professional cleaning, junk removal, or tenant communication? We've got you covered. Contact us today for a smooth, stress-free move-out experience.

First, we will conduct a move-out report and compare the damage to the move-in report. The property will be professionally cleaned and the property returned to its original state, and then we will begin showings to find a new tenant. We will then go through the process of marketing, showing, and placing new tenants in the unit. 

Tenants will be gently reminded of delinquencies as permitted by local laws on the 3rd and 5th of the month. Late fees will be applied if not paid by the 6th of the month. If necessary, we will proceed with legal notices such as pay or vacate notices.