Brian (WA)
I own a studio in Seattle. I recently lost my tenant and have just found a new one to rent my unit. I contacted the Management of my building to see what else aside from the copies of the background check/contact info/ and lease did they need? They said they needed a $250 move in/move out fee for the renter.
I questioned the legitimacy of this because it sounded unjust/illegal. My stance was that this was not something I had voted on and seemed illegal to collect money when there are no specific damages documented. (The new tenant has yet to move in). It would seem more fitting to document any damages post move and itemize the damages and send them to me where then I would re-coup payment for repairs.
Their stance is that it is a common practice and legal. That the HOA board voted on it a few months back. That the money goes towards fixing dings and dents, even of past moves.
Is this a legal practice? Am I liable to pay the $250 fee?
Please help me because this sounds like nonsense.
I own a studio in Seattle. I recently lost my tenant and have just found a new one to rent my unit. I contacted the Management of my building to see what else aside from the copies of the background check/contact info/ and lease did they need? They said they needed a $250 move in/move out fee for the renter.
I questioned the legitimacy of this because it sounded unjust/illegal. My stance was that this was not something I had voted on and seemed illegal to collect money when there are no specific damages documented. (The new tenant has yet to move in). It would seem more fitting to document any damages post move and itemize the damages and send them to me where then I would re-coup payment for repairs.
Their stance is that it is a common practice and legal. That the HOA board voted on it a few months back. That the money goes towards fixing dings and dents, even of past moves.
Is this a legal practice? Am I liable to pay the $250 fee?
Please help me because this sounds like nonsense.