Today was supposed to be the last day to answer Mayor Katie Wilson‘s survey for renters, but the deadline is now extended one week – so next Friday, February 20, will be the deadline. Here’s the direct link (note that page hasn’t yet been updated with the new deadline, though).
There are good landlords and rental companies out there. There are bad landlords and rental companies out there. What concerns me and should concern everyone is that the distinction is made. Lots of concern that loud voices and “slick complainers” will smear the good ones-“guilt by association”. The danger I see is that putting the situation on a slippery slope will result in one thing: government landlords. I hope you don’t believe that the government will make the best landlord. If you do there’s one thing for sure: no financial worries as tax tax tax will solve all financial shortfalls.
We’ll be getting a sample of just that with the Seattle Social Housing Developer – established and funded by Seattle voters. Over 100mil in the first year going towards it. I’m hopeful it works out, but will be keeping an eye on it.
I took a look at this survey and encourage ALL renters to complete it. I would do so myself but it would be dishonest, as I am a soon to be an ex-landlord. I know it isn’t a popular take on this forum, but not all landlords are greedy a-holes only interested in screwing over the peasants. I did an exit walkthrough with a tenant today who was moving to be closer to her father. She’s a rather reserved gal, but she gave me a big hug, told me how much she appreciated me as a landlord, and how much she was going to miss the place, especially in the summer. She was a great tenant, is an even better person, and I’m going to miss her too. For multiple reason, not everyone is in a position to want to buy a buy a home, even if they can afford it: job stability (having to relocate every couple of years) and not wanting to take on the responsibility and expense of property maintenance, top the list. Like it or not, rentals are a solution.
To get a complete picture, there should also be a “mayors survey for landlords”. Ask why so many small-time landlords are exiting the market. The answer is the imposition of so many rules and regulations that the financial risks are no longer worth it. Every “mom and pop” landlord I know is either getting out completely or switching to short-term (AirBnB etc.) rentals where the risks are mitigated by the absence of a long-term commitment. Bad tenant? No problem. Change the keycode on the door. Soon, all rentals will be owned/managed by faceless corporations who’s ONLY motive will be to maximize profits. Gone will be the personal, almost family-like, relationship that benefit both parties.
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