Fall 2026 Newsletter 

Exclusive Updates for Maple Leaf Property Owners

Staying Ahead This Fall



Fall is a good time to look ahead, whether that means preparing for the rainy season, planning for 2027, or simply keeping an eye on the rental market.



Here are a few updates and reminders for the season, along with some Maple Leaf community news.

Is Your Rent Still Positioned Correctly?

Seattle-area rental conditions have softened slightly, and that can be important for owners to keep in mind when a property is coming up for renewal or becoming available.


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

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.


The 10% is not a permanent cap. The maximum allowable increase is recalculated each year based on inflation and the applicable state formula.


One important detail: the cap applies based on when the rent 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.



Our team will continue to monitor these requirements and incorporate them into the appropriate owner and property conversations.

Seattle’s New Rental Fee Rules

Seattle recently passed new regulations restricting certain rental fees and requiring more upfront pricing for renters. The rules take effect July 1, 2027.


Fees that will be prohibited include:

  • Administrative fees
  • Pet fees and monthly pet rent
  • Package and mail fees
  • Lease renewal and re-application fees
  • Repair request fees


Some charges will remain permitted, including security deposits, certain move-in fees, pet damage deposits, late fees, parking, utilities, and documented tenant-caused damage.


What owners should know: Rental listings, advertisements, and applications will need to clearly disclose rent and applicable fees, along with estimated total monthly costs where required.


Effective July 1, 2027. Violations may result in recovery of three times the amount of illegal fees.

Fall Maintenance: A Few Things to Check Now

Fall is a good time to get ahead of the rainy season and make sure your property is ready for the months ahead.


A few areas worth keeping an eye on:

  • Roof, gutters and downspouts: Clear debris and make sure water can drain properly.
  • Trees and exterior drainage: Look for dead branches and make sure water is draining away from the property.
  • Heating systems: Annual service can help catch problems before they become an emergency.
  • Doors and windows: Check weather-stripping for drafts and signs of wear.
  • Fireplaces and chimneys: If your property has one, fall is a good time to have it cleaned and inspected before winter.


A little attention now can help prevent bigger problems later.

The High Cost of Deferred Maintenance

Maintenance is easier to manage when it’s planned rather than reactive. Regular upkeep gives owners more control over when work happens, what it costs, and the condition of their property.


When maintenance gets pushed off, however, small problems can become much larger ones.


Higher repair costs
An issue that could have been addressed as a planned repair can become a much more expensive emergency. That furnace that needs attention today could become a no-heat emergency in January.


Property value
Deferred maintenance can affect how a property is viewed by prospective buyers. Major issues, such as a failing roof, may also create challenges during a future sale.


Interrupted rental income
If a property becomes uninhabitable or less desirable because of deferred maintenance, it can lead to vacancy and lost rent.


Preventive maintenance isn’t about spending more. It’s about having more control over when and how you spend it.

A Maple Leaf Milestone

We’re proud to share that Maple Leaf was named a Gold Award winner in Best in the Pacific Northwest.


We’re grateful to our owners for trusting us with their properties and for being part of the Maple Leaf community.


Thank you for being part of our community.

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