How do I list my properties with you and is there a fee?
There is no fee for listing your properties with us. To list your properties you must submit a Property Participation Form and a Property Inventory Form for each property that you own or manage. To get these forms, please contact Marlo Klein or call 206.461.5082. For information about listing your vacant units on the Web through the Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound, go to www.rha-ps.com. Make sure you check the box that says you accept Ready to Rent graduates.
How exactly are landlords using the Ready to Rent certificate when a potential tenant has poor rental history?
- Landlords who take Ready to Rent referrals do so knowing that the applicant now has the ability to pay rent even through there may be prior evictions or rental blemishes.
- For evictions or blemishes related to behavior, landlords will weigh the applicants' efforts to overcome this history, their honesty during the application process and their completion of Ready to Rent.
- Landlords accept Ready to Rent graduates knowing that they now have the ability to pay rent which will override past credit problems.
- In regards to criminal issues, landlords will consider the type of offense, length of time since the offense, and efforts to overcome this history (such as completion of a treatment program, employment, letters of reference, completion of Ready to Rent).
How will Ready to Rent graduates be referred?
Upon graduation, each participant receives a directory that includes information from the Property Inventory Form you sent in. Since the Inventory Form is a listing of properties, and not vacant rental units, Ready to Rent graduates will call you to see if you have any vacancies. In addition, you may receive referrals from Ready to Rent instructors or case managers. If you are a member of the Rental Housing Association of Puget Sound, you can list your vacant units on their Web site and graduates will be able to search the database for current vacancies.
Do I need to change my screening criteria?
No. Like other landlords considering future tenants, we encourage you to screen applicants referred, but ask that you use the Ready to Rent certificate as a positive factor in evaluating their qualifications as a tenant. We also hope that you would consider the Ready to Rent certificate as a mitigating factor for potential tenants who may appear less qualified due to past difficulties.
Will Ready to Rent graduates have an income?
Since Ready to Rent graduates are searching for permanent housing, they should have an income. Depending on the household situation the income source will vary. You can expect to see income from sources such as employment, unemployment compensation, social security and child support to state or federal assistance, such as welfare (TANF or
GA-U).
Do Ready to Rent graduates receive rental subsidies?
This depends on individual circumstances. Some graduates won't need a rental subsidy because they can pay all of their rent on their own, some may have a Section 8 certificate, while others may receive limited rental assistance from an agency they are closely working with. In addition, some graduates may have access to security deposit assistance funds provided through Mutual Interest to help them move into permanent housing.
Can I be guaranteed that I am getting a "good" tenant?
We can't guarantee that every Ready to Rent graduate will be a "good" tenant. However, we can guarantee that every Ready to Rent graduate has completed 12 hours of training preparing them to be successful renters. In addition, many Ready to Rent graduates may be participating in programs where they are working hard to become self-sufficient. In these cases, graduates are connected to a case manager who can provide a solid recommendation or reference.
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