Government in Action

Yesterday, I participated in a Day on the Hill event with the Washington Rental Housing Industry Coalition. It was my 4th year of Going to Olympia for this event. Each year I am amazed at the incredible demands that are made on those who have chosen to serve in Elected office. There were so many other groups on the Capitol grounds, each lobbying for their chosen interests. Our legislators were gracious, attentive and willing to spend time out of their busy schedules to hear our concerns I asked several what they thought of Day on the Hill events. One, who has been there many years, said it is like a farm. You don't come to the farm in the fall and expect to see a harvest. It takes preparation. You have to get to know the legislator, out of the pressure cooker of the Session to know them. They likewise, if you walk in off the street, need to know you. He suggested that you find a way to introduce yourself long before the session begins. You have prepare the soil, plow the soil, sow the seeds, and do all of that long before you can expect to have a harvest in the Fall.

Two others echoed each other when they said that, events like these allow Legislators time to hear constituents concerns. Often the Legislators do not know as much about their constituency as they would like. So when a group comes to them, in Olympia, and tells them what they do, and what their concerns are, the Legislators are hearing from the people who actually do the day to day work in their districts. They are hearing from the experts. People who are concerned enough to take time out of their own busy schedule to come to Olympia. They appreciate the opportunity to hear from them.

Water Damage in Rental?

In this winter season, water can be a difficult to contain. If you have had a flood, either from backed up pipes or groundwater invading the home, here are some hints to help you. First and foremost, use a professional company to remove the water and dehumidify the property. While you are waiting for them to respond you can remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting up water. Remove wet rugs and other floor coverings that are not permanently attached. Remove for cleaning any draperies that have gotten wet. Wipe down furniture and elevate above wet floors. Open drawers, closet and cabinet doors to encourage drying. Probably most important stay away from any electrical appliances until you know that power has been turned off.

Most of this came from a flyer provided by:

Linzie Reynolds -Account Manager -Service Master of Greater Tacoma
lreynolds@smtac-brem.com
Cell: (253) 208-9038
Phone: 1-800-339-5720
Fax: (253) 627-2709
www.smsouthsoud.com

I thank Linzie for her assistance to our profession.


John Parker- Willow Properties
Property manager since 1973
NARPM member since 1996

Hiring a contractor?

Do you have a project you need to hire a contractor to complete? If you do do not forget to check with the State department of Labor and industries to see if they are registered.

You can do this at: https://fortress.wa.gov/lni/bbip/Search.aspx

Through this site you can find out if a contractor is currently licensed, how long they have been registered, if they have worker's com for their employees, if their are any pending or past actions against the contractor's bond, other business names the contractor may have used or registered in the past, and if they have been cited by L & I for unsafe practices.

You still need to remember to get verifiable references, a written bid, a copy of their insurance policy to see coverage, and a written lien release for all major subcontractors if it is a large job.

A property manager since 1974
A NARPM member since 1996

Landlord and Fireplace

A landlord/owner recently asked me what I thought about a request from their tenant to clean the fireplace. They had used it quite a bit this winter and wanted to make sure that the creosote buildup would not be a problem. He also wanted to know why this would not be normal maintenance that an owner does periodically.

My answer to him was : yes I agree that the fireplace needs to be checked periodically after use. But since the tenant was using it and getting the benefit, they should pay the cost not the landlord. When they moved in they should have been given a clean fireplace. It should be done by a licensed contractor. This insures that you know it is cleaned properly and safe. Someone you know or someone who was referred to you by someone you trust. At the very least, get references. If they are not licensed and bonded, find another contractor.

NARPM member since 1996
Property manager since 1973

Willow Philosophy

A good property properly maintained and correctly managed brings the greatest return.