OWNER FAQS

Owner FAQ


  • Does a Property Manager need to be licensed in Washington State?

    Yes. All property managers must hold a valid real estate license.

  • Aren’t all property management companies basically the same?

    No. Some companies provide only limited services at discounted rates—often best suited for owners who prefer hands-on involvement in the day-to-day. Other firms, like Mell Property Management, offer a full-service, stress-free, hands-off experience, managing every stage of the property cycle with expertise and professionalism.




    When researching a property management partner, be sure to ask:




    • Is each individual property manager licensed? All Mell Management Property Managers are fully licensed and receive extensive ongoing training.


    • What if I want to cancel my service? Many companies lock you into long-term contracts with steep termination fees. At Mell Property Management, we stand out by offering a month-to-month contract. We believe we should earn your business every day—and you should have the flexibility to leave if you want to.


    • What “other” fees could you charge me?Some companies charge extra for bill pay, HOA interactions, or property inspections. We do not charge for these services; they’re included in our full-service management package.

  • What services do you provide for property owners?

    We offer comprehensive property management services, including tenant placement, rent collection, property maintenance, lease management, and routine inspections. Our goal is to maximize the value of your property while ensuring a hassle-free experience for you.

  • Does Mell Property Management manage furnished or short-term rentals?

    No. We specialize in long-term rentals and do not manage furnished or short-term properties.

  • Will Mell Property Management do Tenant Placement Only services?

    No. Mell Property Management is a full-service management company.



  • What laws do I need to be aware of before I rent out my house?

    Numerous laws govern rental real estate, including federal and state fair housing, habitability standards, tenant rights, applicant screening, and rent-ready requirements. We ensure your property and the management process are fully compliant with all rules, regulations, and laws.

  • How do you handle maintenance requests?

    We take care of all repairs, including 24/7 emergency maintenance, and we work with trusted, high-quality vendors.



  • Do you inspect my rental property?

    Yes, we conduct an annual mid-lease inspection (at no cost to you) to ensure the home is well-maintained, there are no lease violations, and to catch potential maintenance issues before they escalate.

  • Who holds the security deposit?

    Mell Property Management maintains tenant security deposits in our security deposit trust account to comply with Washington State’s rules and regulations.

  • When the tenant moves out, who handles the security deposit return?

    We conduct a move-out inspection and handle the security deposit return process. We withhold any legally permitted funds for damages or unpaid rent and comply with all applicable Washington State laws regarding security deposits.

  • Should I leave my washer and dryer in the rental?

    If you choose to leave them, you are responsible for maintaining them. Make sure they’re in good working order if you opt to include them.

  • Can I negotiate or change the terms of the management agreement?

    No. Our agreement is designed to offer maximum flexibility—it’s month-to-month—while still ensuring the consistency and high-quality service you deserve.

  • What is the cost for property management?

    [CLICK HERE] to view our fair and transparent pricing.

  • Do I pay a management fee if my property is vacant?

    No. Our management fee is a percentage of the actual rent collected—so if your property doesn’t collect rent, you don’t pay us.

  • How updated does my property need to be in order to rent it?

    The quality of your property directly influences the quality of the tenants you attract. We recommend that your property be clean and updated. We can handle making your home “rent-ready” to ensure it meets Washington’s habitability standards.


    [CLICK HERE] for our rent-ready guidelines.



  • How long will it take to get my property rented?

    Well-priced properties that show well typically rent in 30 days or less. We’ll give you pricing recommendations and share weekly activity feedback to minimize vacancy time.

  • Will Mell Management manage my property if I already have a tenant in place?

    Yes. We frequently assume management of properties where tenants are already in place—even if they’re behind on rent or the owner has been struggling to manage them. In these cases, we conduct a full lease audit and work with the tenant to ensure they comply with the lease terms or, if necessary, vacate the property.

  • How do you find tenants for my property?

    We use multiple marketing channels, including online listing sites, social media, and local advertising. We then screen prospective tenants thoroughly—running background checks, credit reports, and verifying rental history—to ensure reliable placement.

  • How do you screen tenants?

    Our in-depth screening process combines advanced technology with thorough reference checks from previous landlords. We fully comply with all federal and state applicant screening and fair housing laws.

  • Can I be involved in the selection of a tenant?

    No. Trust us to minimize the risk of a poor tenant. Our screening process has handled over 10,000 applicants, and we know what to look for in a high-quality resident. We also adhere strictly to fair housing regulations and Washington’s screening laws.

  • Do I have to accept pets in my rental?

    While you are not required to allow pets, understand that 70% of Washington tenants have them. If you do not allow pets, you’ll likely reduce the number of potential tenants by 70%. We do recommend allowing pets, but the decision is ultimately yours.

  • Do I have to accept ‘Section 8’ or subsidized housing in my rental?

    Yes. Washington State law includes “source of income” as a protected class. This means you cannot discriminate based on how a tenant obtains their income—including government subsidies.

  • Who provides the lease agreement?

    We use a custom, attorney-prepared lease agreement that is fair and offers maximum legal protection to all parties. We also include any legally required addenda, such as lead-based paint disclosures, mold disclosures, and crime-free lease addenda.

  • Do I need to sign the lease for a new tenant?

    No. As your legal agent, Mell Property Management signs all documents on your behalf.

  • How do you determine the rent price for my property?

    We perform a comparative market analysis (CMA) to set a competitive rental rate based on current market conditions, property location, and unique features. Our goal is to attract quality tenants while maximizing your return on investment.

  • How do I get my money each month?

    We finalize the monthly accounting and direct deposit your funds by the 15th day of each month.

  • Can I access reports and updates about my property?

    Yes. We provide a comprehensive owner portal, giving you real-time access to financial reports, maintenance updates, and other important information.

  • How do I get started with Mell Property Management?

    It’s easy! Contact us to schedule a consultation. We’ll discuss your property, your goals, and how our services can help you get the most out of your investment. After that, we’ll draft a management agreement customized to your needs.





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