Western Front Housing Guide

2 • Housing Guide 2012

Three key issues are often identified by permanent neighborhood residents as a source of concern. Keep the following in mind to stay on your neighbors' good side:Park only in designated parking spots.

Parking is a HUGE deal to most Bellingham residents, especially in neighborhoods close to campus. Park in designated parking places only and if you invite guests over, be sure to let them know where they can and cannot park. Be considerate of your neighbors’ driveways and keep in mind that owners of blocked driveways often call the police, which can result in cars being towed or citations being issued. The towing fee itself is a minimum of $160. Keep your yard well-maintained and free of litter and junk.

Nobody wants to own a house next to a trash pile! Keep your yard clean, control your trash and get rid of the old '70s couch on the porch. Allowing litter and garbage to accumulate on your property is illegal for the simple reason that it creates a health hazard. It is your responsibility to arrange for its removal, whether it be donating useable items to a local thrift store, taking it to the dump, or arranging a special pick-up with your trash service. Accumulation of litter is regulated by Bellingham Municipal Code 9.12.070 Respect your neighbors.

Your schedule may differ from that of your neighbors. You may

Living off campus? Be a good neighborhave someone who works nights upstairs, or a family with a small child next door. You shouldn’t blast your stereo at 1 a.m. for the same reason the guy down the street shouldn’t mow his lawn at 6 a.m.— because it’s inconsiderate of others (and it may also violate the city’s noise ordinance).

When you know your neighbors, it’s easier to prevent problems and resolve them if they do arise. The connections you make with your neighbors can also provide friendships, safety and security, and job leads.It's easy:• Introduce yourself and exchange contact information.• Participate in neighborhood activities, like neighborhood association meetings, picnics, clean-ups or block watch.• Visit the Association of Bellingham Neighborhoods site to view updated information at www.aobn.org

Safe and legal party tipsHaving friends over is a lot of fun, but keep in mind a few things to keep things safe and legal.• Know what is too loud—talk to your neighbors.• Keep the party indoors and play music at a volume that can’t be heard outside.• Let your neighbors know about your party in advance and ask them to call you if the party bothers them. If they do call, respond to their request.

Information courtesy of the Campus Community Coalition, the Bellingham Police Department, and WWU

• Never serve alcohol to people under 21 and stop serving one hour before you intend to endthe party.• Keep it small! Overcrowding can cause noise, fights and parking problems.• If using Facebook to invite people, make it a private event to help keep the party from getting out of control.• If the party gets out of hand, you can call the police for help.• Make sure your guests leave the party quietly. Outside noise AFTER the party can also be very disturbing to neighbors.

Know the lawThe Bellingham Police Department’s Party Patrol responds to noise complaints from

neighbors and can issue citations for illegal activity, including:Minor in Possession (under 21)Max $5,000 fine and/or 1 year in jailDrinking in Public (21 and older)Max $103 fine (1st offense)Furnishing to MinorsMax $5,000 fine and/or 1 year in jailDisorderly Conduct/Noise DisturbanceMax $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jailRemember: A warning is not required—you can be cited on the first police visit.

For more information, contact the Bellingham Police Department at (360) 778-8800 or www.cob.org.

Questions about living in Bellingham's neighborhoods? Visit Off Campus WWU:

www.wwu.edu/offcampuswwu

Questions about partying in Bellingham? Visit www.BhamAdviceOnTap.com

Need legal advice? Call Legal Assistance by Whatcom Advocates (LAW) Program, (360) 671-6079 or www.co.whatcom.wa.us/superior/resources/lawadv.jsp

Mediation services are available through the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center. This is usually less costly and quicker than going to court. Visit www.whatcomdrc.org or call 676-0122.

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Housing Guide 2012 • 3


Information provided by Off Campus WWU, a project of Prevention and Wellness Services at Western

You’ve found a place to live and the property owner is ready to sign you up. You get the lease and think, what are you getting yourself into? How do you know if what’s in the lease is even legal? While renting your own place is a serious responsibility, you are not without protection.

Most tenants in Washington State are protected (and regulated) by the Landlord-Tenant Act (see p. 6).

A rental agreement between the property owner and tenant sets down the terms which will be

followed while the tenant lives in the rental unit.

It’s important to do a “walk through” of the unit with the property owner to determine any pre-existing damage or wear and tear. This insures you won’t be charged for damage caused by previous occupants. If they don’t offer to do a walk through you have a right to ask—many students agree it’s critical to avoid unnecessary charges.

There are two common types of rental arrangements: a lease and a month-to-month agreement.

LeasesA lease requires the tenant to

stay for a specific amount of time—

usually one year—and restricts the property owner’s ability to change the terms of the rental agreement. It also sets the guidelines for your responsibility as a tenant. A lease must be in writing to be valid. The prime advantage of a lease for you, the tenant, is that changes like raising the rent cannot be made unless both property owner and tenant agree. If not explicitly stated in the lease, tenancy is terminated on final date of term. At this time you can move out, sign another year lease, or switch to a month-to-month agreement, with the property manager’s approval.

Month-to-Month AgreementsA month-to-month agreement

is for an indefinite period of time, with rent usually payable on a monthly basis. The agreement itself can be in writing or verbal, but if any type of fee or refundable deposit is being paid, the agreement must be in writing. A month-to-month agreement continues until either the property owner or tenant gives proper notice to end it—20 days before the end of the rental period. Be aware that a month-to-month agreement allows for changes like raising the rent to be made at any time, provided the property owner gives the tenant 30 days proper written notice.

Things to know before you sign Safety ChecklistBefore moving in, check for the following:

Address well-marked and lighted?

Building neat and clean in appearance and well-maintained?

Trees and shrubs trimmed to prevent hiding places?

Outdoor lighting—front, back, and parking area? What about inside?

Entry doors solid core wood or metal? Deadbolt locks and eye viewers?

Easily accessible windows/sliding glass doors have secondary locking devices, such as pin locks or dowels?

Locks and latches work properly, including on the windows?

At least one window in every bedroom opens for escape in case of fire?

Laundry room locked and lighted at all times?

Also consider the way the property owner conducts business. It can be another indication of a rental’s level of safety. Signs of professionalism include requiring a completed application, providing a written rental agreement and screening applicants.

Read entire document before signingMost property owners are not out to take advantage of their tenants.

However, they may inadvertently include illegal provisions in their leases out of ignorance of the law. Make sure you read the lease thoroughly to ensure that it doesn’t contain any provisions that:• Waive your rights as set forth by the Landlord-Tenant Act• Waive your right to defend yourself in court against a property owner’s accusations• Limits your property owner’s liability in situations where s/he would normally be responsible• Allow your property owner to enter your rental without proper notice • Require you to pay for all damage to your rental, even if you didn’t cause it• Require you to pay your property owner’s attorney’s fees under any circumstances if a dispute goes to court• Allow the property owner to seize your property if you fall behind in rent


Landlord/tenant laws protect both partiesInformation courtesy of Off Campus WWU, the Campus Community Coalition, and WWU

For more landlord/tenant information, visit the City of Bellingham Housing Programs website:www.cob.org/services/human/housing/landlord-tenant-info.aspx

Both parties in a rental agreement have certain rights and responsibilities.

TenantSigning a lease signifies your commitment to share in the responsibilities of maintaining your rental. Under the Landlord-Tenant Act, the tenant is required to: • Pay rent, and any agreed upon utilities

• Comply with all city, county and state regulations

• Keep the rental unit clean and sanitary

• Properly dispose of garbage

• Pay for fumigation of infestations you cause

• Properly operate plumbing, electrical and heating systems (watch out for old sewer systems—toilets can get stopped up very easily)

• Not intentionally or carelessly

damage the dwelling

• Not engage in or allow any gang-related activity

• Not permit “waste” (substantial damage to the property) or “nuisance” (substantial interference with other tenants’ or neighbors' use of their property)

• Restore your rental to the same condition as when you moved in, except for normal wear and tear

LandlordThink that you’re burdened with too many responsibilities? Property owners also have a long

list of responsibilities. Under the Landlord-Tenant Act, the landlord is required to:

• Maintain your rental so it does not violate state and local codes in ways which endanger your health and safety

• Maintain structural components, such as roofs, floors and chimneys, in reasonably good repair

• Maintain your rental in reasonably weather-tight condition

• Provide reasonably adequate locks and keys

• Provide the necessary facilities to supply heat, electricity and hot and cold water

• Provide garbage cans and arrange for removal of garbage, except in single family dwellings

• Keep common areas, such as lobbies, stairways and halls, reasonably clean and free from hazards

• Control pests before you move in and continue to control infestations in multi-unit rental housing (e.g., apartment

buildings), except when the infestation was caused by you. If you live in a single family dwelling, it is the tenants’ responsibility to control pests and infestations

• Make repairs to keep your rental in the same condition as when you moved in (except for normal wear and tear)• Keep electrical, plumbing and heating systems in good repair, and maintain any appliances provided with the rental• Inform you of the name and address of the landlord or landlord’s agent• Set water heaters at 120°degrees when you move in

• Provide smoke detectors, and ensure they work properly when you move in (you are responsible for maintaining the detectors after that time) • Investigate whether you are engaging in gang-related activity, when another tenant notifies the landlord of gang-related activity by serving a written notice and investigation demand to the landlord


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Source: www.wwu.edu/offcampuswwu

Most property owners want to know about problems right away while they are easy to fix. While calling is good, legally tenants also need to inform the property owner in writing.

After giving notice, the tenant must wait the required time for the property owner to make repairs:• 24 hours for no hot or cold water, heat or electricity, or for a condition that is imminently hazardous to life • 72 hours for repair of refrigerator, range and oven, or a major plumbing fixture supplied by landlord • 10 days for all other repairs

If the tenant has given proper notice and the property owner does not fix the problem within the required time limit, then the tenant can do any of the following: • Seek mediation services through the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center. This is usually less costly and quicker than going to court. • Hire an attorney and go to court to force the property owner to make repairs. These kinds of suits cannot be brought in Small Claims Court. • Move out. After waiting the required time, the law allows the tenant to give written notice to the property owner and move out immediately. The tenant is entitled

to a prorated refund of the rent, as well as the deposits the tenant would normally get back. • The tenant can hire someone to make the repairs. In many cases the work can be done and then deducted from the rent. (This procedure cannot be used to force a property owner to provide adequate garbage cans.) Before having any repairs made by a licensed or registered tradesperson or any person capable of doing the work, the tenant must submit an estimate to the landlord. To speed up the repair process, the tenant can give the estimate to the property owner along with the original written notice of the problem.

Remember: The property owner is not responsible for the cost to correct problems the tenant caused, i.e. clogged toilets or plugged garbage disposals.

Tips for getting repairs done

Wanna be roommates? Information provided by Off Campus WWU, a project of Prevention and Wellness Services at Western

You and your best friend have decided to get a place together. You know each other, enjoy the same things, and get along great. But have you ever lived together? Negotiated bills together? These things and many others can make or break a friendship. Try taking a “preventative” approach to find out how your friend feels about living together .

Before you move in, sit down with your roommates and create your own agreement covering major issues, such as:

• Rent. What is everyone’s share? Who will write the rent check?

• Space. Who will occupy which bedrooms?

• Household chores. Who’s responsible for cleaning, and on what schedule?

• Food sharing. Will you share food, shopping, and cooking responsibilities? How will costs be split?

• Noise. When should stereos or TVs be turned off or down?

• Overnight guests. Is it okay for boyfriends/girlfriends to stay overnight?

• Moving out. If one of you decides to move out, how much notice must be given? Will

the departing tenant find an acceptable substitute?

Signing the paperworkGenerally, there is a primary

leaseholder, with roommates added as sublessee, or there is shared responsibility equally among co-tenants. In the case of one primary leaseholder, that person is solely responsible for upholding the terms of the lease, including paying rent in full and on time, even if the sublessee (his or her friends) fall behind in payments.

When roommates sign as co-tenants, they share equal responsibility. If one person falls behind on the rent, the others are responsible for coming up with the full amount, on schedule. If one of you breaks a lease clause, your property owner can start eviction proceedings against all of you. Most property owners would rather keep good tenants, but they have no legal mandate to do so.

Put all agreements in writing. Keep in mind that financial agreements, such as how rent is to be shared, are legally enforceable. Be as specific as possible, especially on issues that are important to you.

Remember: Communication is the key and a little consideration goes a long way!

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