RentalRiff Blog

Seasonal Deep Cleans for Your Home: When to Call in the Specialists

Each season brings unique challenges to maintaining a spotless home. While regular cleaning keeps your living space tidy, there are times when professional house cleaning becomes essential.

What Makes a Great Property Manager in Seattle?

The Hidden Costs of Skipping Property Upkeep

Neglecting property maintenance may initially seem like a way to save time and money, but this approach can lead to significant unforeseen expenses. Ignoring minor issues like leaky roofs or cracked walls often results in escalating the cost of home repairs, turning easily manageable fixes into substantial financial burdens.

Tenant FAQs: What’s My Responsibility vs. My Landlord’s?

Should landlord tenant disputes arise, it's vital to clarify these roles early on and refer to your rental agreement to better understand who should address specific issues. Staying informed about your responsibilities can help in preventing potential conflicts.

Maintenance Logs: How They Protect Both Landlord and Tenant

In this article, we’ll explore why every rental property should have a maintenance log, what to include, and how it serves both sides of the lease.

Landlord FAQs: How to Handle Gray-Area Repair Requests

Not every maintenance request fits neatly into the "urgent" or "non-essential" box. Some fall into a murky middle—like a wobbly ceiling fan, a squeaky door, or a dishwasher that still works but sounds like it’s on its last leg.

Tenant Education Tips That Reduce Late Night Maintenance Calls

Here are practical tips for educating tenants to reduce non-urgent maintenance requests during inconvenient hours.

Can You Charge Tenants for Damage? What the Law Says

Landlords are allowed to deduct for damage beyond normal wear and tear, but laws vary by state, and the line between damage and wear can be blurry. This article breaks down what you can—and can’t—charge tenants for when it comes to property damage.

Rental Rules: What Every First-Time Tenant Needs in Writing

The best way to protect both landlord and tenant? Clear, written documentation. Here’s what every first-time tenant should make sure is spelled out in writing—before the keys are handed over.

When Tenants Want to DIY Repairs — Should You Let Them?

Every landlord eventually gets the offer: “I can fix that myself.” Whether it’s a leaking faucet, a squeaky door, or even repainting a room, some tenants are eager to take repairs into their own hands.