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Managing a rental property in Southwest Washington doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. So having the right resources at your fingertips makes all the difference, whether you’re new to being a landlord or you’ve owned rentals for years,Â
We’ve put together helpful tools, information, and frequently asked questions to support you at every stage of property ownership.
For New Property Managers: Getting Started
Becoming a landlord for the first time comes with a lot of questions. How do you prepare your home to rent? What does Washington state law require? How do you find good tenants and keep them happy? These are common concerns, and you’re not alone in having them.
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Before listing your property, you’ll want to understand fair housing laws, set the right rental price, and make sure your home is truly ‘rent ready.’ Many first-time landlords underestimate how much time and effort goes into tenant screening, lease agreements, and ongoing maintenance.
That’s why we provide guidance to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Not renting out with Zenith yet? Fill out our new owner application to get started.
Resources for Current Landlords
If you already rent out your home with Zenith Properties, we know questions from homeowners don’t stop after you find your first tenant. Markets shift, laws change, and maintenance issues pop up when you least expect them.
Our goal is to give you practical, easy-to-understand information that helps you make smart decisions about your property.
Maintenance Guide
Marketing Guide
Tenant Screening Guide
How to Evict a Tenant
Should You Allow Pets in Your Rental?
How to Prepare Your Home to Rent Out
Guide to Raising Rent
Tenant Rights and Landlord Responsibilities
Virtual Home Tours
What You Should Know About WA House Bill 1074
How to Maintain Your Rental Property
What's the 50/50 Rule?
What Is Considered a Maintenance Emergency?
How to Screen Your Renters
Important Documents & Downloads for Property Managers
We’ve gathered essential documents that property owners in Southwest Washington often need, including utility authorization forms, new owner checklists, and W-9s. Having these ready can save you time and help us make sure you’re meeting local requirements.
New Owner Checklist PDF
Zenith Property Information Sheet PDF
W-9 PDF
Utility Authorization PDF
Camas Utility Billing Agreement for Rentals PDF
Washougal Auothorization for Property Manager PDF
City of Washougal Authorization for Direct Renter Billing PDF
Clark Regional Waste Water District Request by Owner to Bill Tenant PDF
NW Natural Landlord Between Tenant Agreement PDF
FAQs for Property Owners Working with Zenith
Can I use my own contractors to do repairs at my rental home?
In the effort to ensure the quality of the vendor and the repairs, Zenith requires trade licenses and current proof of insurance from all of our vendors. Zenith strongly advises using our highly skilled vendors for any maintenance and turn work. If a property owner insists on using their own company to service their rental property, it is necessary for their vendor to provide the same documentation we require. In the case of after-hours or emergency calls, Zenith contacts our primary on-call vendor.
Can I enter my home while it is tenant occupied?
Per Zenith’s policy, you are not permitted to enter the premises without a Zenith representative. Always contact your Property Manager to set up an appointment if entry is necessary.
Do you have virtual tours?
Yes, Zenith Properties NW is one of the few property management companies in our area to include virtual tours in our marketing. These tours allow potential tenants to get a full walk-through tour of the property at their convenience. We create these video tours at no additional cost to our owners
Why must I have Premises Liability Insurance for $1M and add Zenith as Additionally Insured?
Zenith requests this endorsement because we care about protecting the assets of our Owners. It is important to us that you understand that if your insurance company does not provide the needed coverage you will be personally liable if there is a claim.
By listing Zenith with the Additional Insured endorsement on your rental dwelling policy, you are requesting your insurance agency to defend both you and Zenith should a claim arise. You as Owner and Zenith as Manager would be represented as one party together, accruing only one set of defending attorney’s fees, which would be paid by your insurance company.Â
By failing to list Zenith as an Additional Insured on your rental dwelling insurance policy, you the Owner are responsible to indemnify Zenith. Any legal costs and settlements would be your personal responsibility.Â
As you can see, the Additional Insured endorsement is in your best interest as you endeavor to protect your rental home and many other assets.
Who keeps the late fees?
Zenith retains all late fees to cover the extra cost of labor to retrieve the late fees.
By completing thorough screenings and offering multiple ways for tenants to pay rent, Zenith keeps our delinquency rates low! When rents are not received on time, we follow a comprehensive process for retrieving the missing funds, including personal contact with the tenant and the serving of a 3-day Notice to Comply or Quit. Zenith retains all tenant-paid late fees to cover the cost of this extra labor.
Can I find my own tenant?
Zenith’s proven process draws inquiries from the leading rental marketing channels. If you know someone looking for a rental property, you may direct them to Zenith. The prospective tenant must complete an application, pay the application fee, and fully qualify per the terms of Zenith’s Rental Criteria.
What appliances need to be provided in my rental home?
Tenants expect rental homes to include all kitchen appliances, including oven/range and refrigerator. Microwaves are not required to be provided. Owners may leave washer/dryers in the property if they prefer. However, Zenith recommends that you do not leave your washer and dryer. If you do choose to leave your washer and dryer, Zenith does not provide maintenance per the lease agreement.
What maintenance am I responsible to provide a tenant?
Tenants are not responsible for gutter cleaning, tree trimming, or crawl space access. These items, along with any other items which may become a safety hazard to the tenants, are always the responsibility of the homeowner. Normal wear and tear items are also an owner’s responsibility.
When do owners get paid?
Zenith publishes a comprehensive review of property activity in an Owner Statement and initiates owner disbursement funds by direct ACH deposit on the 20th of each month.
Have More Questions?
We understand that every property (and every owner) is different. If you can’t find the answers you need here, our team is happy to point you in the right direction. Your investment property should work for you, not the other way around.
Reach out to us today to get your property rented out in the Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, or greater Clark County WA area.
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