Fall
2026 Newsletter
For those exploring property management for the first time.
Helping property owners navigate the rental market with confidence
The rental market continues to change, and owning a rental property means keeping an eye on more than just rent. Pricing, regulations, maintenance, and long-term property care all play a role.
This fall, we’re sharing a few updates that may help as you plan for the months ahead.
Is Your Rent Still Positioned Correctly?
If you’ve been trying to sell or rent a property recently, you’ve probably noticed that the market has softened.
According to Realtor.com, Seattle-area rental prices are down a little over 1% compared with the same time last year, reflecting a broader national trend of slightly lower rents year over year.
If your rental property has been sitting on the market, it may be worth taking another look at the asking price and how it compares with current market conditions.
The good news for owners: while buying a home may be less competitive than in recent years, renting remains a more affordable option for many Seattle-area residents.
Washington’s 2027 Rent Increase Cap
While rents may be softening in the short term, Washington’s rent stabilization laws are an important consideration for property owners.
The Washington State Department of Commerce has announced that the maximum allowable rent increase for most qualifying rental properties will be 10% for calendar year 2027, with some exceptions.
Under Washington’s rent stabilization law, annual increases are limited to 7% plus the Seattle-area Consumer Price Index (CPI), or 10%, whichever is less. Commerce recalculates the maximum each year using the June CPI for the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area.
For 2027, inflation pushed the calculation above the 10% ceiling, resulting in the 10% maximum.
One important detail: the cap applies based on
when the increase takes effect, not when the notice is served. For example, a 180-day notice served in fall 2026 for an increase taking effect in spring 2027 would be subject to the 2027 cap.
The Cost of Deferred Maintenance
Owning a rental property means planning for maintenance, not just reacting when something breaks. Putting off necessary repairs can have consequences that go beyond the cost of the repair itself.
Higher repair costs
A small issue can become a much larger and more expensive problem when it turns into an emergency. That furnace that needs attention today could become a no-heat emergency in the middle of winter.
Property value
Deferred maintenance can affect how a property is viewed by prospective buyers. Major issues, such as a failing roof, can also create challenges during a future sale.
Lost rental income
If a property becomes uninhabitable or less desirable because of deferred maintenance, the result can be vacancy and lost rent.
The bottom line: that roof replacement you’ve been putting off could ultimately cost you more than the replacement itself.
Why Preventive Maintenance Matters
Maintenance is more than a cost to keep as low as possible. Regular, planned upkeep can help protect your property’s value, keep good tenants in place, and make expenses easier to anticipate.
A few reasons it matters:
You control the timing.
Planned maintenance gives you time to get bids, schedule vendors, and budget ahead instead of dealing with an emergency.
Small problems stay small.
Routine inspections can catch issues before a small leak, roof problem, or aging furnace turns into a much larger repair.
It helps protect your rental income.
A well-maintained home is less likely to experience major issues that lead to vacancies, disruptions, or unhappy tenants.
Your systems last longer.
Regular service can help major systems reach their expected lifespan and allow you to plan for replacements instead of reacting to unexpected failures.
Good records matter.
Keeping maintenance and service records can help with warranties, future inspections, and long-term property planning.
The bottom line
Preventive maintenance gives owners more control over when work happens, what it costs, and how it affects the property.
Maple Leaf Named a Gold Award Winner
We’re proud to share that Maple Leaf was named a Gold Award winner in Best in the Pacific Northwest!
For us, recognition like this reflects the trust owners place in us to care for their properties and help manage the day-to-day details that come with rental ownership.
Thank you to the owners who trust us with their homes and investments.
Supporting Home Together
This fall, we’re coming together for Oktoberfest to support Home Together.
Home Together provides affordable, furnished homes for families relocating to Seattle while their children receive care at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Today, Home Together has 15 homes and has supported more than 70 families.
There are many ways to get involved:
- Sponsor Home Together
- Join us for Oktoberfest
- Support through volunteering, donations, or other contributions
Interested in getting involved? Reach out to contactus@home-together.org
Thinking About Professional Property Management?
Whether you’re considering renting out a property for the first time or looking for a different approach to managing an existing rental, we’d be happy to talk.
Reach out to our Business Director, Cheryl Bortz
