My key advice: List in your Craigslist ad that you'll have people fill out credit check and criminal background check forms as part of the screening process. I've found that renting to strangers (instead of friends of friends) has worked out the best. Everyone is respectful and has their own privacy zone, which works out better for longer-term agreements. Just like the "good fences make good neighbors" line. I sign a 6-month rental initially, so people settle in, and then a month-to-month. Agree: people who want to move out should be allowed to! There's nothing more miserable than living around people who are unhappy.

I have rented to folks from cl for years and generally find I get a very good response. It is like renting from any source; sometimes its good and some times its excellant and sometimes its not so good. If you do a reasonable background check, get enough deposit and use your instincts you should be fine with cl. If you want to talk more, send me a contact.

Oh, one more thing. I only offer a month to month on my adu. If I want them out I am not stuck for a year. If they want out, I am glad to have them go.

I NEED SOME ADVICE/HELP.
I am a young auntrepeneur/Graphic Artist. I am looking for MIL/ADU type housing, maybe a small establishment with 1-3 family dwelling in either, West Seattle, South Seattle, Renton, Tukwilla, or Federal Way if not closer to the city.
I am hoping for a price range between $400-$750/mo. 1br, 1bth, and hopefully a garage or covered parking. I am having a tough time finding MIL/ADU housing listing specifically (except for CL, though seem to have an abundance of homes out of my price range or too far from the city).

About me-
-I am mostly quiet
-Not many visitors
-Clean/tidy
-Respectful (raised christian and military family)
-Normal (drug free)
-I do drink socially and in moderation (no wild parties)
-I do smoke only ciggarettes (though trying to quit)
-considerate of others
-Helpful if needed
-Handyman

CAN ANYONE HELP ME WITH MY SEARCH?
Thank you!

We've just completed construction of a 1-bedroom/1-bath Mother-in-Law unit in our view home in Fauntlee Hills, above the Fauntleroy Ferry. It has its own private entrance and is suitable for one person and includes all utilities: electric, water, trash-haul, cable TV and WiFi. As in a previous blog, we're going to be scrutinizing the tenant carefully as they will be under our roof. Brand new "everything" including: full-sized washer and dryer, hardwood cabinets/granite kitchen with full-sized appliances (self-cleaning oven with glass top), microwave/vent, and full-sized refrigerator. Walk-in closet too.  Safe, secure, less than 20 minutes from the airport, and a couple of blocks to four bus stops that can take a person downtown or to the airport. The apartment has a "realtor's view" to salt water and sunsets.  If there is a responsible individual who might be looking for such a place to call home for $1050, incl. utilities, please let me know: (206) 923-0513. Thanks loads.

Can't think of a nicer guy to have as your landlord by the way:)

interesting prospect email me @
riverwader@mac.com

here are photos
http://gallery.me.com/riverwader#100118

PDeiter (or others), I have 71 year old parents who are considering renting a place near Genessee Hill so they can come visit their 6 month old grandchild more often. Our house is very small, so staying with us for more than a week is impractical, but they are hoping to come for longer periods of time. They'd be ideal tenants, and paying rent for something they'd only stay in a portion of the year (so less wear and tear on your carpets, etc). A mother-in-law would be great for them. If any of you have a MIL that might be suitable I'd love to hear about it.

Vincent, that ad is frighteningly hilarious! I'm sure it was a joke by the poster, to make fun of uptight people. LOVE it. Seattle could use a little more humor.

A friend of mine rents out a permitted ADU. She lives near UW and had them advertise on bulletin boards there about it - she hasn't had long-term renters, but gets visiting people who are there for less than a year and need a place.

I rent a house that I found on Craigslist. I'll admit I was wary since I'd heard about a lot of scams. But it worked out well for me (and I'd venture to say it worked well for my landlord too, since we pay the rent :). My landlord did a credit and background check on us - I'd definitely recommend that, especially if you've got someone living under your roof.

and ask TR if it's OK to advertise the apt. on here. I would have a screening form - is that permissable? One that just asks the basics, like are you employed? Where? phone #'s? etc., etc.....and then check them out., if you ask for references. If a lot of people apply, it's a lot of work, but you'd want to be absolutely sure...right?

The curiosity was killing me...I was sure there was a jail at the corner of Broadway & Commercial, but all I can find is a McDonald's! I feel like there's a local joke there, but maybe someone who knows Vacouver better than I can fill me in.

that ad would frighten away a lot more than gays and lesbians...

anyone who wanted to live unsupervised would feel discriminated against:)

those ads were very funny

andrea, I also have to send kudos for your avatar, that is perhaps my fave picture of her.

mellaw, settle down, we can think it's funny, we also know if it's a true ad then it is wrong and discriminatory. Although as blatant as it is no one would respond to it.

PDieter - it's definitely a positive that it's a permitted unit, I'd be sure to include that!

:) thank you so much Diane!

(i got the pic off of photobucket if you want to look for something similar for yourself!)

oh andrea, that's the first avatar I've seen that I'd actually like to get for myself; excellent!!!

that was hilarious vincent! thanks for sharing

I'm very aware of discrimination; I'm also gay, and have experienced myself; I've also experienced ageism and other forms of bias
~
I think humor is healthy, and still think the ad is funny
~
I think the spoof ad was intended to make fun of bigots

Unfortunately Diane it's not funny - too many ads like that are posted that discriminate against gays, lesbians, and people of other religions. Get out of the bubble that is Seattle you will see it frequently. Humor suggesting discrimination of any kind is in poor taste.

That is one of the funniest CL posts I've ever read. Could you imagine needing ID bracelets for visitors and unannounced inspections...Yikes

PDieter,
My brother has rented his MIL unit using CL and has had great tenants. Good luck to you.

I fell out my chair laughing so hard reading this..They treat you better in jail until its time for you to pick the soap up.

• You are employed
• You do not participate in lascivious deviant sexual behavior
• You do not choose alternative lifestyles as your lifestyle
• You do not have any criminal history
• You must have excellent character references
• You do not smoke, drink or take drugs. Mandatory drug screening required.

Additional Rules/Conditions:

CLEANLINESS: You are responsible for the cleanliness and orderliness of
your apartment. Beds are to be made before leaving your suite,
countertops must be wiped down, and you must remove all trash. Upon
inspection, if the tenant's basement suite is not clean, the cost of
cleaning services plus a fine of $100.00 will be levied.
LIGHTS: The lights in your basement suite and in the day room are not to
be tampered with. If a light needs repair, report the condition to the
Landlord.
WAKE-UP: Wake up will be at 5:30am each morning. All ceiling lights in
the suite will be turned on automatically.
LIGHTS OUT: Ceiling lights in the suite will be turned off at 11:30pm.
CONTRABAND: The following items are considered contraband – alcohol, illegal
drugs, tobacco, weapons, lock picking equipment. If any contraband is
discovered to be in your possession, you will be subject to a minimum
$1,000.00 fine. In addition, your items will be confiscated permanently.
Second offense – you will be evicted without notice. A bailiff will escort
you and your belongings off the premises. Your security deposit will not be
returned.
SMOKING: The basement suite is non-smoking. Anyone in possession of
tobacco products of any kind or any lighter or matches, will have their
contraband items confiscated and will be fined $100.00.
INSPECTIONS: The Landlord will conduct unannounced inspections to ensure
that these rules and regulations are being followed.
VISITATION: Visitation periods will be on Saturdays and Sundays from
1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. All visitors and their vehicles are subject
to search while on landlord property. Refusal to allow a search can
result in their being barred from all future visitation privileges. All
visitors must sign the Visitor's Log. Unauthorized visitors will be
escorted from the property, and the tenant will be fined $250.00.
I.D. BRACELETS: Each tenant will be issued an I.D. bracelet with his/her
photograph. It must be worn at all times. If you lose your I.D.
bracelet or it is broken, you will be required to purchase a new one at
the nominal cost of $5.00.
EXERCISE YARD: The tenant will have access to the exercise yard in the
area to the back of the property for 2 hours per day from 4:00 pm to
6:00 pm. The tenant is not allowed to bring any personal property to
the exercise yard. Once the tenant leaves the exercise yard on a
particular day, he or she may not return. No boisterous behavior is
allowed in the exercise yard. There is no smoking allowed in the
exercise yard. Minimum fine for exercise yard infractions is $50.00.

- Location: Broadway and Commercial
- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial
interests

PostingID: 964514051

Good one Vincent.

Would be interesting if people actually replied to that ad...thinking that it was legit. Who would actually live under those circumstances?

Ha!

Oh my heart breaks for those doomed, doomed children! Locked in a prison-home and never get out!

Aside from that... Hilarious!!!

its reposted from CL Vancouver BC, it should have been flagged, it should have gone to best of, its hilarious.

mellaw6565; vincent posted a cl spoof ad that was a joke, violating every law; it wasn't vincent's ad; and it was funny

Vincent - your ad violates the law in King County when you state a preference for the type of tenant that you want. Stating that the tenant cannot engage in an "alternative lifestyle" violates the law against discrimination against gays & lesbians and you could be seriously fined. I would flag it on CL too if I saw it.

PDieter - I have an MIL and we advertised on CL and got 45 calls in the first hour. Screen carefully and you won't have an issue. Most prospective renters are on that site in this area.

from the excellent tenant, lifelong renter perspective, I found my past 2 apts on CL; I live north of the junction, so sounds like same neighborhood, Belvidere, and I am a teacher, of babies/prek; though pretty content in my current apt

I cant find this still posted but this is hilarious:

http://homepage.mac.com/alqahtani/.Public/web/landlord-from-hell.pdf

I am a born again Christian. Why is this a problem for people????! I have a
house that's MINE and I PAID FOR IT. I also have a basement apartment for
rent. It's a great space for I'm charing very little for it, $480 monthly,
for the right tenant. I know it's ILLEGAL to require a Christian in the
apartment, against the human rights. That's why I NEVER put this in my ad.
Why then does it keep getting taken down?

HERE IS THE AD I POSTED, AND THE AD THAT KEEPS GETTING REMOVED:

Available Immediately – Broadway and Commercial – Showing Saturday and
Sunday – Email for directions and additional information.

What kind of apartment is it?

• One bedroom basement apartment with separate entrance
• Tastefully decorated with modern décor
• Approximately 650 square feet
• There is even a window! Security bars installed for your safety and to
prevent unauthorized activity
• Closed circuit camera installed for security and safety. One in your
suite, one at the entrance, and one in the exercise yard

Rent:
• $480.00 per month
• First month's rent + ½ month security deposit due at move in
• Small pet allowed with approval and payment of additional ½ month pet
damage deposit
• One year lease permitted, option to renew lease at end of the term with no
increase in rent
• LANDLORD'S SPECIAL! Move in before January 1st and don't pay for the
remainder of December! That's significant savings.

Included in the rent:

• Electricity
• Heat – Maintained at 21 degrees with lock box to prevent unauthorized
tampering. Additional heating available for $20.00 per extra degree of
heating per month. You may not use your oven to heat the apartment. If you
do, you will be fined $50.00 per occurrence.
• Air conditioning – Maintained at 25 degrees during the summer with lock
box to prevent extra cooling from being dispensed. Additional cooling for
sale for $20.00 per degree of cooling requested per month.
• 25" Zenith color television set with basic cable service - INCLUDED IN
RENT!
• Wireless internet (with content filter applied to block forbidden/immoral
websites) - INCLUDED IN RENT!
• Provision of coin laundry services - You will have your own personal coin
laundry washer and dryer machines. Washers and dryers are paid using a token
system. Tokens can be purchased through the landlord. Washer tokens cost
$4.15 each and dryer tokens cost $3.60 each. You are not allowed to use
foreign
currency or slugs in the washer and dryer. Violators will be fined $100.00
per infraction.

About us: (Landlords)

We are conservative, bible believing, God-fearing, born again, evangelical
Christians. We interpret the bible literally in every way possible. We live
a strict moral code and observe God's laws in our everyday life. My wife
stays at home and teaches our home-schooled children. I work as a pastor at
a local congregation and am active in the faith community.

About you: (Tenant)

• You are employed
• You do not participate in lascivious deviant sexual behavior
• You do not choose alternative lifestyles as your lifestyle
• You do not have any criminal history
• You must have excellent character references
• You do not smoke, drink or take drugs. Mandatory drug screening required.

Additional Rules/Conditions:

CLEANLINESS: You are responsible for the cleanliness and orderliness of
your apartment. Beds are to be made before leaving your suite,
countertops must be wiped down, and you must remove all trash. Upon
inspection, if the tenant's basement suite is not clean, the cost of
cleaning services plus a fine of $100.00 will be levied.
LIGHTS: The lights in your basement suite and in the day room are not to
be tampered with. If a light needs repair, report the condition to the
Landlord.
WAKE-UP: Wake up will be at 5:30am each morning. All ceiling lights in
the suite will be turned on automatically.
LIGHTS OUT: Ceiling lights in the suite will be turned off at 11:30pm.
CONTRABAND: The following items are considered contraband – alcohol, illegal
drugs, tobacco, weapons, lock picking equipment. If any contraband is
discovered to be in your possession, you will be subject to a minimum
$1,000.00 fine. In addition, your items will be confiscated permanently.
Second offense – you will be evicted without notice. A bailiff will escort
you and your belongings off the premises. Your security deposit will not be
returned.
SMOKING: The basement suite is non-smoking. Anyone in possession of
tobacco products of any kind or any lighter or matches, will have their
contraband items confiscated and will be fined $100.00.
INSPECTIONS: The Landlord will conduct unannounced inspections to ensure
that these rules and regulations are being followed.
VISITATION: Visitation periods will be on Saturdays and Sundays from
1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. All visitors and their vehicles are subject
to search while on landlord property. Refusal to allow a search can
result in their being barred from all future visitation privileges. All
visitors must sign the Visitor's Log. Unauthorized visitors will be
escorted from the property, and the tenant will be fined $250.00.
I.D. BRACELETS: Each tenant will be issued an I.D. bracelet with his/her
photograph. It must be worn at all times. If you lose your I.D.
bracelet or it is broken, you will be required to purchase a new one at
the nominal cost of $5.00.
EXERCISE YARD: The tenant will have access to the exercise yard in the
area to the back of the property for 2 hours per day from 4:00 pm to
6:00 pm. The tenant is not allowed to bring any personal property to
the exercise yard. Once the tenant leaves the exercise yard on a
particular day, he or she may not return. No boisterous behavior is
allowed in the exercise yard. There is no smoking allowed in the
exercise yard. Minimum fine for exercise yard infractions is $50.00.

- Location: Broadway and Commercial
- it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial
interests

PostingID: 964514051

I did rent my 'almost' ADU basement to a guy I met on Craig's list and am pretty darn happy with him. He pays his rent on time and is very considerate when sharing the common areas too. I got my first phone call less than ten minutes from posting...amazing!

I'm curious how other home owners go about renting out their mother-in-law apartments (ADU) in West Seattle. When we remodeled our home we included a permitted ADU in the walkout basement. We've had one renter so far but she was a friend of a friend and snapped it up before we really even tried. Now her lease is coming to an end and she bought a house so we are wondering what the best way to find a suitable tenant might be.

Of course there's Craig's list but since we share the home we're liable to be pretty picky as to who rents; and the gal we just had spoiled us. We're very close to Holy Rosary and the other private schools N. of the Junction and we would love to have one of the teachers but I don't know if the schools have bulletin boards or such for advertising.

We've got a good set of photos on the web ready to go and have already been through the lease process so we have that paperwork down, but still wondering what the best ways to find a tenant might be.

So I thought I'd ask to see if there are other home owners with more experience renting out their ADU, what they do and if they have any other tips they would like to pass on.