Owner FAQs

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

Our hours of operation are 9 am-5 pm 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

Real Property Associates is a locally owned and managed property management company, and we have been managing Puget Sound properties for 35 years. We currently manage around 4,700 doors in the Puget Sound area. 

Our main book of business is in Seattle, WA, and we manage homes and properties throughout the city in neighborhoods such as Ballard, Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill, the Central District, Green Lake, Greenwood, Lake City, Madrona, Magnolia, Maple Leaf, North Seattle, Roosevelt, Ravenna, Queen Anne, University District, Wallingford, West Seattle, Wedgewood, and many more. We also manage properties throughout the Puget Sound, in cities such as Auburn, Bellevue, Bothell, Burien, Des Moines, Everett, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kenmore, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Lake Stevens, Lynnwood, Marysville, Mercer Island, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, Shoreline, Tacoma, Woodinville, and many other cities and municipalities throughout King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties. 

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

Yes! If you wish to expand your portfolio, your property manager can help you find the right property and guide you through the purchase process for a new investment. 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.

We can begin right away. Please contact us today for a free consultation, and we'll assess your needs and confirm they align with our services. Next, we’ll introduce you to your personal property manager, and when you’re ready, they’ll send our property management agreement for your review and signature. Typically, once a contract is signed, we can begin marketing right away, sometimes in as little as 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 help you feel confident 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, or commercial properties)?

• • 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.

No, we do not recommend renting your property furnished. Renting furnished units is a niche market and will, consequently, reduce the applicant pool for your rental. The smaller the applicant pool, the longer the property may remain vacant. Vacancy rates may eventually cover the cost of moving and storing the furniture.

Yes, we do recommend accepting pets in your rental. Allowing pets offers a larger applicant pool and increases 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.

Our portfolio of 4700 doors includes single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, small apartment complexes, multifamily properties, commercial properties, and homeowner and condominium associations. Most of our properties are single-family homes or are owned by individuals with a single property. 

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 tend to favor residents, not investors. At Real Property Associates, we continue to stay current with the latest legislation to ensure our owners are protected and their interests are 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. We developed this to help our owners avoid costly minimum service charges, and our maintenance department is second to none. Our well-stocked service team addresses your rental maintenance needs promptly.

• 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 make educated, fair, and financially efficient decisions to maximize returns for our owners.

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.

No, we generally recommend that the property be vacant when we begin marketing. This way, we can show the property with the most open schedule and make it available to the widest pool of applicants. We can arrange for a property to be marketed while a tenant is still in place, but this will need to be discussed with your property manager beforehand. 

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 $500,000 and (ii) property damage insurance adequate to protect the interests of the Owner and Broker. Our renters are also required to carry renters’ insurance to protect the owner’s property. 

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. 

For any questions concerning your owner’s statement, please contact your property manager directly. 

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.

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 owner's portal, click the email address in the top-right corner, then click the Settings drop-down menu, and finally click “Bank Account Settings.”

From this page, you can update 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 of 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) via ACH or direct deposit.

Your Owner Packet will include your owner statement and a 12-month cash flow. If you wish to discuss your owner's packet or request additional reports, please contact your property manager; 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. 

Real Property Associates will take quality photos, create a video tour as needed, and write marketing materials to highlight the property’s best features to tenants. We advertise your property on up to 50 rental sites, including top sites like Zillow, Zumper, Apartments.com, and our highly trafficked website, rentseattle.com. 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!

Real Property Associates asks tenants to submit maintenance requests through their online portal. Here, they can upload photos of the issue, provide serial numbers, and specify dates for scheduling repairs. Depending on the estimated repair cost, the property manager will either assign an appropriate vendor to coordinate with the tenant or contact the owner to discuss the scope of work. Real Property Associates also has an emergency maintenance line that is staffed 24/7/365 by one of our maintenance technicians. 

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.

Yes, Real Property Associates has a 24/7/365 emergency maintenance line staffed by one of our maintenance technicians. Tenants call this line for safety hazards, unlivable conditions, or potential property damage. Our trained staff quickly assesses the situation and, if needed, sends certified technicians to minimize damage and keep you and your home safe. 

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. 

Yes, owners and their property managers will set a maintenance minimum. If a repair is estimated to be over this maintenance limit, RPA and the property manager will work with the owner to determine the best course of action. 

No, owners are notified if a repair, alteration, or improvement exceeds their maintenance minimum. Generally, maintenance minimums are set at $ 500 for a single-family home.

If a tenant stops paying rent, Real Property Associates will take appropriate action. For rent that isn’t paid by the 3rd or the 5th of the month, our team sends professional reminders about the tenant’s responsibilities. Often, this is enough for tenants to pay the balance. If the tenant has not yet paid the balance, the property manager will escalate the issue to the owner and determine the appropriate action, such as posting a notice.  

If a tenant pays rent late, a late fee will apply. Rent is due on the 1st of the month and is late by the 5th. If rent is still unpaid after the 5th of the month, a late fee will be applied to the tenant’s ledger. If a tenant has unpaid charges after they move out and they are not covered by their security deposit, the tenant can be sent to collections. Most tenants pay any unpaid charges after moving out to avoid this situation.