Not all property management companies are created equal. As a rental property owner, the partner you choose to oversee your investment will directly impact your bottom line, your compliance with state laws, and your peace of mind. With so many firms operating in Pierce, King, Thurston, and Kitsap counties, knowing what to look for is key to protecting your rental income and your property.
Understand Their Procedures
A professional property management company should be transparent about its processes. Key areas to ask about include:
- After-hours emergencies — Washington winters bring freezing pipes, furnace breakdowns, and storm damage. Tenants are legally entitled to timely repairs for essential services like heat and water (RCW 59.18.060). Your manager should have a 24/7 response system in place.
- Tenant screening — Under the Fair Tenant Screening Act (RCW 59.18.257), landlords must disclose screening criteria before charging application fees. A reputable company will follow these rules and use thorough, consistent checks.
- Rent collection and late payments — Washington’s “just cause” eviction law (RCW 59.18.650) limits when and how landlords can end tenancies. A management partner must know how to navigate late rent while complying with state law.
- Insurance protections — Ask what safeguards are in place to protect owners from liability claims and tenant disputes.
Evaluate Their Track Record
Vacancies are expensive. Before committing to a management company, ask about:
- Average vacancy times — How quickly do they lease properties compared to market averages?
- Marketing strategy — Do they use professional photos, multiple listing platforms, and local advertising to attract qualified tenants?
- Maintenance standards — Drive by properties they already manage. Are yards maintained? Are exteriors in good repair? Washington law requires landlords to provide safe and habitable housing — a good company ensures compliance across all their properties.
Consider Cost vs. Value
Fees vary by company, but the cheapest option isn’t always the best. A seasoned management team like Real Property Management Today offers scalable services for single-family homes and multi-property portfolios. By handling compliance, maintenance, marketing, and tenant relations, we often save owners more in avoided legal risks and shorter vacancies than our management fees cost.
Why It Matters
Managing a rental in Washington isn’t simple — laws around deposits, notices, rent increases, and evictions have grown increasingly complex. Choosing the wrong management company can lead to prolonged vacancies, legal missteps, or even neighborhood decline. With the right partner, however, your property remains competitive, compliant, and profitable.
At Real Property Management Today, we’ve served owners across Western Washington since 2009. Our local expertise and proven systems ensure your property is well-maintained, your tenants are cared for, and your investment delivers consistent returns.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
