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

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.