What to Ask When Looking at Homes for Rent in Kitsap County

June 10, 2025

If you're looking at homes for rent here in Kitsap County, WA, you may feel a bit overwhelmed about the process. It's a unique location in that we are near Seattle and have ferries to and from the Emerald City. We also have two Naval bases, and our county includes Bainbridge Island. So, you may be considering commute times, proximity to specific schools, and comparing rental prices between cities or towns. Even if you've found some rental options that look good, it's important to ask the right questions before signing a lease. Here’s a list of questions to guide you through the process.

1. What Does the Rent Include?

Understanding the full cost of renting a specific single-family house, condo, or apartment is crucial. Besides the monthly rent, inquire about what utilities, if any, are included. Some landlords in Kitsap County may cover water or garbage collection, while others may not.

2. What is the Lease Term?

Lease terms can vary widely, so be sure you are clear about whether it’s a month-to-month agreement, a six-month lease, or a year-long commitment. How much notice do you need to give before vacating? Also, how much would you have to pay if you were to break the lease? Knowing this can help you plan your future, especially if you’re considering buying property in the area or need to relocate for work before your lease is up.

3. What is the Pet Policy?

If you have pets or plan to get one, it's vital to understand any restrictions or additional fees. Some properties have strict no-pet policies, while others offer flexibility. You can check out all of our current rental properties that allow dogs and/or cats.

4. Are There Any Maintenance Responsibilities?

Before the rental deal is sealed, you'll want to know who is responsible for routine maintenance and repairs. Some landlords may handle all maintenance or only certain repairs, while others might expect tenants to take care of minor issues. At Windermere Property Management, we offer an online tenant portal that allows tenants to easily pay rent, view their account details, and submit maintenance requests. Additionally, we only use licensed and bonded contractors to ensure that each job is completed expertly, safely, and in a timely manner.

5. Is The Home In Good Condition?

While this is more a question for you to answer when viewing the rental property, be sure to ask questions about anything you see that may raise concerns. If you're new to the Pacific Northwest, you may not know that there are different types of mold and mildew. This is thanks to our damp climate, especially during the rainy season. Our property managers check the rentals they manage regularly and work with an inspector who is a mold expert. Additionally, because it rains frequently here, you want to ensure that your rental home's roof is in good condition. Properly sealed doors and windows will also bring peace of mind and keep energy costs down.

Sometimes, tenants aren't able to view the property in person before moving in and therefore rent it sight unseen. If you can't view it in person first, we strongly suggest you have a trusted family member or friend do so and video call you while they're touring the rental home. Having them check everything thoroughly and discuss it with you in detail can be incredibly helpful. We want all our tenants to be happy with their rental home or unit, and it's essential to understand that there is a risk involved when signing a rental contract without seeing the home in person. Along the same lines, it's crucial that you complete your move-in report documenting the condition of the home before you move in. Take pictures of anything beyond normal wear and tear, and ask any questions you may have. Here's a helpful walk-through checklist.

6. How is the Neighborhood?

A rental home may feel cozy and safe, but it's still important to inquire about the neighborhood and security features such as locks, alarms, and neighborhood watch programs. Kitsap County is a welcoming place to live with many wonderful neighborhoods. If you're brand new to our area, spend time exploring it first, if possible. Getting a feel for the community, its amenities, and the nuances of different neighborhoods will help you see if it's a good fit for you. Also, it's useful to walk or drive around the neighborhood beforehand if you can. Ask about noise levels, proximity to any construction projects, potential traffic, and public transportation. Though neighborhood parking isn't as much of an issue here compared to over in Seattle, it's still important to inquire about that, especially if you're considering an apartment, condo, or townhome.

To learn more about our corner of the Pacific Northwest, check out our Guide to Kitsap County.

We wish you the best of luck in your rental journey. If you have any questions, our property managers are here to help.

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Rainy days in the Pacific Northwest aren't for everyone, but there are many ways to make them more enjoyable. And, as we head into spring, keep in mind that this darker rainy season is temporary. Soon, we'll have more daylight hours, and spring flowers will be blooming. Check out these ideas for making rainy days as fun as possible. Stay active Whether it’s joining a local gym, starting an at-home gym practice, or going for a walk despite the rain, staying active is essential for your mental and physical health during the rainy season. Also, nature is the Pacific Northwest’s playground. Many local trails have thick forests that provide shelter from the rain and shield you from the worst of it. Invest in proper clothing and gear Similarly, if being outside and staying active is your preferred activity method, don’t let the weather stop you. Investing in proper clothing, shoes, and gear can make almost any day an outside day. Many local stores, like Wildernest on Bainbridge Island and Flicka in Poulsbo, have waterproof jackets and shoes . Invest in a pair of warm wool socks to keep your feet dry. On really cold days, put a pair of warmers into your gloves or shoes. Talk to a doctor about options If you're new to the Pacific Northwest, consider talking to your doctor about other ways to help your body physically adapt to the winter weather and darkness that is unique to this area. They might recommend daily vitamin D supplements and a sun lamp . Sun lamps mimic natural light and can be effective for those with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Speak to your doctor before making any changes. Try boredom busters for kids Do you have kids who are starting to bounce off the walls or are (conversely) staying glued to their devices? Check out this list of fun boredom busters to break up the long days. Even a quick card or board game can put a spark of controlled energy into the room. There are also many local indoor play spaces to choose from in the area. There are play spaces for toddlers , indoor trampoline parks , laser tag venues , and arcades for teens. Lean into seasonal sports Enjoying a winter sport can mean everything from watching it live to watching it on TV to participating in it. Living so close to the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier means various options for skiing, snowboarding, tubing, snowshoeing, and more. In addition, for those looking to watch sports live in the winter, Seattle is home to many professional teams, as well as minor league and college teams. If you prefer to stay off the roads and in the comfort of your own home, invite a couple of friends over to watch a game together. Start a new hobby For many, the rainy days provide a little more time since there’s often less running around. You can use that extra time to pick up a new hobby. Perhaps you’d like to get on the sourdough bread bandwagon, pick up woodworking, or learn how to knit. Maybe you’ve never made a mosaic but want to give it a try. Whatever you choose, these slower days provide the perfect opportunity to give it a whirl. BARN (Bainbridge Artisan Resource Network) hosts a range of workshops in an incredible space. Be sure to check them out. Choose an indoor home project to complete Meanwhile, if you feel stuck at home and don’t feel like picking up a new hobby, then why not tidy up your home a bit? Since this is the time of year when you may find yourself at home more, think about doing something that will make it feel more inviting. Purge old clothes, household items, and toys no longer being used. Pick a room to reorganize or rearrange the furniture. Hang up the pictures that you’ve been meaning to get to, or re-paint your home office. Tackling and completing a home improvement project will create a great sense of accomplishment. Take the time to slow down On the other hand, many take rainy days as an opportunity to embrace a slower lifestyle. That could mean spending the day reading a book or finding a new series to binge-watch without feeling guilty. Perhaps you let yourself enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the morning for a longer amount of time. Or, since it’s dark outside, go to bed earlier or sleep in on the weekends. Some call it wintering and fully accept the conditions of this season while remaining home. Embrace Scandinavian Hygge Concepts Faced with even worse weather challenges in the winter than those in the Pacific Northwest, many Scandinavian countries still top the world happiness charts. How do they do it? Explore the concept of Danish hygge and find ways to embrace it in your own life. Check out this list of 100 Ideas to Add Hygge Into Your Everyday Life . Candles, warm blankets and a favorite mug for hot drinks are just the tip of the iceberg to creating a life of hygge. Plan a future trip Having something to look forward to can help pass the time during long rainy stretches. Think of an activity or trip that you’d like to do in the future and start planning. It could be an overnight trip or your weeklong summer vacation. It can be a camping trip, a day at the spa, or an upcoming concert. If all else fails, plan next year’s vacation to somewhere warm during this time to escape the cold days. It doesn’t matter where you go, or when you go, or for how long. Simply put something on the calendar you’re looking forward to and start making it happen. We know the rainy season isn't for everyone. Keep in mind that longer, sunnier days are on the horizon. In the meantime, take advantage of some of these ideas to make the next few weeks (and future winters) not just bearable but enjoyable.