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Co-Founder & Head of Product

Journalist, Stacker

Journalist

Find rental home success in Seattle with 8 ideas for creating a successful long-term management strategy and optimizing your rental home in Washington state.

Rent Out Your Seattle Home Like a Pro in 2024

Life in Washington State is a desirable one. And with a diverse cultural scene, spectacular national parks, and big employers across healthcare, tech and retail — Seattle and its surrounds has plenty of demand for rentals. 

But that doesn’t mean it’s an easy place to make a quick buck either. A high cost of entry, hot competition, and economic uncertainty mean you need a smart, long-term strategy to realize financial goals from a rental home. 

In this article, we dive into 8 tips for achieving rental success in Seattle and beyond.

8 ways to optimize your rental home in Washington state

1. Create a long-term rental strategy to achieve financial goals 

Seattle is one of the most expensive cities in the US, but also a city where patience is greatly rewarded. Having a smart rental management strategy in place and holding property can help you achieve your financial goals comfortably. 

According to data from NeighborhoodScout, Seattle real estate appreciated by 98% between 2013 - 2023. Even with prices cooling post-pandemic, long-term homeowners are well and truly ahead. 

Spokane is another area in Washington that has done exceptionally well. With more renters chasing affordable housing and space to work remotely, Spokane property appreciated by 146.46% in the same period. The last five years alone saw appreciation grow by 64%, or an average of 10.41% per year. 

When considering your financial goals for a rental home in Washington State or Seattle, it’s worth thinking long-term. Exiting the market quickly may not see the same returns due to the high entry costs. 

2. Lock in predictable, consistent rent 


A long-term renting strategy is easier if you can predict your returns over time. A per-night rate as a short-term rental may be enticing, but this also comes with a lot of headaches and uncertainty. 

Seattle in particular has strict limitations, licensing and fees for short-term rentals that don’t apply to the long-term rental market. Washington state lawmakers are also considering an additional 10% tax on STRs, creating further uncertainty around income. 

There are far-reaching benefits for both homeowners and the wider community when you opt to rent out a home on a long term basis. Belong wants to give confidence to homeowners in choosing this option by offering predictable, guaranteed rent. With Belong, you’ll get paid your rental income like clockwork, regardless of when residents pay.

Read More: How Guaranteed Rent is Changing Property Management Forever

3. Stay informed on local tenant-landlord laws and bills

Washington is full of local ordinances, so laws and eviction rules vary between cities. This can make compliance a bit of a minefield if you don’t have your finger on the pulse! Cities including Seattle, Tecoma, and Bellingham have all passed strong renter protections and eviction laws that differ from the rest of the state. The City of Olympia passed new tenant protections as recently as March 2024. 

Homeowners should also watch bills on the horizon such as House Bill 2114. This seeks to limit rent increases in the state to 7% per year (but has a way to go before it becomes law).

Belong makes compliance simple. We’ll help you meet financial goals while also providing unparalleled service to your residents. This goes beyond staying on the right side of the law, with 24/7 human support. And if things take a turn, Belong homeowners are protected with $15,000 of eviction coverage. 

Read More: 5 New Laws Washington State Landlords Should Be Prepared For in 2024

The Washington and Seattle real estate market is very seasonal. While the pandemic era chaos saw rents surge, seasonality is returning with peaks and troughs. Understanding demand trends for your pocket of Washington is essential to setting competitive rent and securing long-term residents at the right price. 

Take a look at Zillow’s median rental price for single-family homes in Seattle. The graph below illustrates a steep curve that peaks between June and September before dropping right off in December-January. 

Belong data shows similar trends, with prices peaking in the warmer months every year across Washington state. 

Read More: How To Achieve The Best Rent By Listing In Summer

5. Consider making your home a pet-friendly rental

Washington state has a very high pet ownership rate — there’s over 42,000 pet licenses registered in Seattle alone (more pets than kids!). 

The trend towards remote and hybrid work has also seen an increase in pet adoption. If you’re looking for ways to increase the appeal (and price) of your home, it’s safe to say that pet-friendly rentals have a competitive advantage in Washington. With proper screening and allowable pet fees, this could be a simple way to expand your applicant pool. 

6. Market your home, neighborhood and amenities

Washington state is home to incredible national parks, cultural icons, industry titans, and many top-rated school districts. Owning a rental home within walking distance of any of these pull-factors will have an impact on the return and income you can expect. 

Be sure to include these factors when marketing your rental home — and when creating a pricing strategy. If you’re struggling, Belong can help by using a clever combination of technology, real-time demand and human smarts to set the best price that will attract long-term residents to your home. 

A rental home isn’t a reliable source of income when it’s vacant. One way to ensure your rental home remains a successful asset in a state like Washington is to invest in proper maintenance and have the right insurance coverage. 

Budgeting for maintenance and insurance is a short-term expense that can pay off long-term. It’s cheaper than having to make major repairs or go through a period where the home can’t be lived in, especially in the case of a fire or natural disaster. 

This is why Belong has built an incredible vendor network of over 10,000 vetted contractors across the country. Homeowners can make instant requests and set up subscriptions for regular maintenance on your rental home — even purchase rental home insurance. And to avoid any dents in your cash flow Belong offers flexible payment options for these services. 

Read More: Why Ignoring Rental Home Maintenance Could Cost You More Than Repairs

8. Consider smart home or sustainability upgrades to your rental

People love Washington because of its diverse geology — and they want to keep it that way. Seattle and Washington residents tend to be environmentally conscious, so investing in cost-efficient sustainability upgrades with lower running costs could attract more applicants and potentially justify higher rent. 

And with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon calling Seattle home, simple smart-home upgrades are likely to be appreciated by professionals looking for a place to rent. 

Achieve financial freedom with real estate in Washington

If you’re looking for stability in your rental experience, Belong has you covered. We’re making rental finances predictable by offering stable, guaranteed rent. We’re providing flexible payment options to keep your cash flow steady. And we’re doing it while providing a better way of living for the millions of Americans who rent. 

Working together, we can put people first and change what it means to rent a home in Seattle and greater Washington. Belong can help you reach your financial goals, while also creating lasting, positive impact on innumerable lives for decades to come.

Interested in learning more about Belong in Washington state? Check out one of our local pages below:

The best property management alternative in Seattle

The best property management alternative in Spokane 

Earn Guaranteed Rent For Your Seattle Rental

Whether you’re dealing with a problematic property management company or just burnt out on self-managing your rental homes, Belong can help.

From Frustration to Freedom: Why Homeowners Choose Belong

Not all rental homeowners consider themselves to be landlords building real estate empires. In reality there are many situations where homeowners find themselves on the rental market unexpectedly. It’s so common that it’s created the term ‘accidental landlords’. 

Common scenarios that create accidental landlords include:

Locking in a record-low interest rate that you don’t want to give up for higher mortgage repayments

Owning a house you love, but needing to move for work

Needing more space for your family but hoping to return one day 

Being priced out of the neighborhood you want to live, but buying a home you can afford elsewhere to achieve home ownership

Not everyone who rents out a home loves the idea of even being called a ‘landlord’ (accidental or otherwise!). The term has such a negative connotation that Belong doesn’t even call our homeowners that! 

One of Belong’s specialties is working with homeowners who are taking on the challenge of rental home management for the first time. Our goal is to keep homes in the hands of individuals — finding wonderful humans to treat the home as their own and keep homeowner headaches and frustrations at bay. 

Is hiring property management the right choice? What’s the alternative?

Property managers are supposed to make your life easier, taking care of your rental home residents so you can enjoy your investment without worry. But the reality is often not so glossy. Common complaints of traditional property management companies include poor communication, hidden fees, low-quality maintenance work, and high property vacancy. 

Property managers work in a way where your profit comes at the expense of the people who occupy your home. It’s not good for you and it’s not good for your residents. 

That’s why Belong exists. Belong gives rental homeowners an alternative, without having to do all the heavy lifting yourself. We’re solving the broken property management system to create a new residential network, with perks that will make renting out your home more enjoyable and profitable. 

The end result? A rental home management partner that looks out for you, your cash flow, and your residents with innovative solutions that make renting lovable. 

How Belong is changing and simplifying rental management

Belong looks after rental homes, but isn’t a traditional property management company. Think of us more as a technology company with a human heart. Where long-term renting meets hospitality. Belong addresses both sides of the housing crisis by supporting homeowners to meet their financial goals and looking after residents to get them into home ownership sooner. 

Here are five reasons to choose Belong over traditional property management or DIY:

Never chase a rental payment again. Ever. 

Belong homeowners earn guaranteed rent, which means you get paid every month — no matter when we receive it. This is our way of “putting our money where our mouth is”. We’re so confident in our resident placement and screening process that we can pay you like clockwork. It also provides your residents with the flexibility to pay on their schedule, without impacting yours. 

2. Transparent fees that include a whole lot


Many property management companies will advertise low management rates that seem very appealing up front, but include only the bare minimum. Soon, your 6% management fee can skyrocket to thousands of dollars upfront and per month.

At Belong, our management fee is a transparent 8% and free of junk fees. We never hide costs or charge extra for what we think should be essential. This includes our most in-demand services such as guaranteed rent, flexible payment options, 24/7 support, and up to $15,000 in eviction protection from legal costs if you ever need it. 

This dramatically simplifies your life as a homeowner and makes predicting your cash flow a breeze. 

3. Constant innovation and homeowner perks

We pride ourselves on being different from old-school companies that haven’t changed since 1980. That’s why we infuse technology into everything we do. 

Our industry-leading homeowner app puts everything you need at your fingertips, including:

Help and support when you need it (yes, even on weekends!) 

Flexible financing to spread the cost of maintenance or home expenses

Get rental home insurance to protect your asset

Access cash flow insights and tax documentation

Review and approve maintenance requests, connecting with our 10,000+ strong vendor network

And this is just the beginning. As a tech-forward solution, Belong is always innovating to make the rental experience better for everyone. 

Belong residents get access to 24/7 support, a user-friendly app for simple payments, and credit towards their home deposit with every on-time rent payment. It’s why Belong homes find residents quickly and keep them longer. 73% of Belong residents renew their 12-month lease, keeping vacancies low and your home well cared for. 

Did you know that Belong integrates into all popular listing platforms such as Zillow and Zumper? When you list with Belong, you’ll automatically be featured on all the top sites. This matters because it means, you’ll get 30-50% more views for your home as well as a direct feed of applicants from these sites into the Belong system. This lets us contact potential residents quickly and find the best applicant faster than a traditional property manager could. 

It’s another way that Belong reduces vacancy times and costs for homeowners, with 66% less vacancy than competitors and an average of 29 qualified applications for every home listed. 

How to maximize your ROI if your home is under lease

Maybe this isn’t your first rental home experience. Maybe you’re fed up with a problematic property management company or burnt out on self-managing your rental home. If this is the case, Belong can help in two easy steps — even if you’re mid-lease. 

If your rental home is currently occupied, you can apply to join Belong and make sure your residents and cash flow are well taken care of. 

To get started, you can find our online qualification process here. We’ll reach out to confirm if your home is a good fit for Belong. We’ll also help you with all the logistics if you’re switching from a property manager. 

We’ll work with your residents to make the transition as seamless as possible. They will remain on their existing lease, but also access Belong's easy online payment options and concierge support.

2. Get your residents qualified for guaranteed rent

To access guaranteed rent for existing residents, Belong will need to qualify them with our screening process. 9/10 residents are qualified for our guaranteed rent program.

If your residents move out at the end of their lease, we’ll help you find your next residents so you continue earning passive income with no interruptions. We’ll also include protection of up to $15,000 in legal fees for any residents we place if we ever need to start eviction proceedings. 

Belong is simplifying the rental experience and helping more homeowners reach their financial goals through real estate. Visit our homeowner's page to find out more about how our services are helping people to ditch property management in Seattle, San Francisco, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando, Charlotte, Miami and many more.

Get guaranteed rent, better cash flow, and 24/7 support for your rental home by ditching outdated property management for Belong, the modern alternative.

How to Ditch Your Property Manager and Join Belong

How To Get Guaranteed Rent and Great Residents With Belong

Belong is making the rental experience lovable for both homeowners and their residents. 

How? We start by finding wonderful humans that will treat your home as their own. Then we protect your rental home and provide financial security with guaranteed rent, dedicated insurance, and expert support, 24/7. And we make everything accessible from one simple app.

We’ll use a clever combination of high-tech pricing algorithms and local insights to set the right rent price that suits your home, the local area, seasonality, and real-time demand. Then we’ll pay your rent like clockwork, (regardless of when your residents pay us).  

But what do you need to get guaranteed rent for your rental home? If you’re wondering exactly how it all works — you’re in the right place. Let’s walk through the simple steps of getting your rental home loved by Belong. 

Getting your home loved by Belong in 5 easy steps

Getting your rental home managed by BelongPRO takes a few simple steps:

1. Set your rental cash flow and financial goals

To get started, tell us where your home is located and your ongoing expenses such as mortgage and HOA fees. This information helps us understand the potential cash flow of your rental home to conduct a wealth analysis. 

You can start with your rent analysis here. 

Armed with your financial goals, one of our friendly team members will guide you through the process of signing up to BelongPRO.

At the time of writing, BelongPRO is available for single-family rental homes and condos in the following regions:

California: SF Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County

Florida: Miami, Orlando,, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee

Texas: Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio 

North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro

3. We’ll get your rental home move-in ready

Now the fun really begins. We’ve got your goals in sight, but it’s time to get your home sparkling for its new residents. 

Belong has a proud track record of attracting the best long-term residents for our homeowners. This starts with a home inspection to make sure people fall in love with your rental quickly and at the right price. 

We’ll inspect the functionality and safety of your home and provide you with a report on how to get the best possible rental income. These reports also ensure that all homes in our network are safe, and livable and don’t pose unnecessary liability risks for our homeowners. 

If you do need any repairs or maintenance work, we can connect you to a professional in our 10,000+ strong vendor network. You can even spread the costs over the term of your lease so you can get positive cash flow quicker. 

4. Sit back while your home is listed and loved

It’s time for your home’s close-up. First impressions count, so Belong will get expert photography and video of your home looking its very best (included in your management fee, no hidden charges here). 

Belong listings integrate with the most popular real estate sites — including Zillow, Zumper, Trulia, apartments.com, Craigslist, PadMapper, Hotpads and Rentable. This increases views for your home listing by 30-50% and we get an average of 29 qualified applications for every home listed.

Our integration speeds up the application process too. Applicants can submit their details from any site, feeding straight into the Belong system. This lets us contact and find the best resident faster than a traditional property manager could. 

5. Approve your perfect long-term residents

BelongPRO experts will handle all applications for your home, ensuring everyone is vetted fairly and legally. We’ll check employment, financials, references, and rental history. We are thorough. We don’t just run the numbers, we also speak to applicants to find the best fit for your home long-term. All you need to do is give the ok. 

Our long-term mindset means that more than two-thirds of Belong residents renew their 1-year lease. This provides stable, guaranteed income for homeowners and a house that stays in great condition. 

All residents are required to have renters insurance with liability coverage, for extra peace of mind. Belong also offers dedicated landlords insurance for homeowners to protect your all-important asset. 

Seamless Lease Management and Resident Support

Once your trusted residents have moved in, our commitment to making your rental experience lovable doesn't stop. Belong provides a dedicated concierge service and a 24/7 support team to manage every aspect of the lease, ensuring both homeowners and residents have a stress-free experience.

Lease Signing & Move-in: We handle all the paperwork and logistics, making the lease signing process smooth and efficient. We even work with your HOA (if applicable) and we ensure your residents enjoy a seamless move-in process. 


Repair and Maintenance: If your residents encounter any issues or maintenance needs during their stay, they can easily submit requests through their Belong account. Our team coordinates with skilled professionals from our extensive vendor network to address these concerns promptly.


Move-Out Assistance: At the end of the lease term, when your residents decide to move out, we manage the entire process. This includes conducting move-out inspections, coordinating necessary repairs or maintenance to prepare the property for the next residents, and overseeing the turnover process. 

Our comprehensive approach to lease management ensures that your rental property remains in excellent condition and continues to generate steady income. We handle all communication and logistics, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of hassle-free rental management.

With Belong, you can trust that your home is in good hands throughout the entire lease, from the moment residents move into the turnover process when they decide to move out. We're dedicated to making your rental experience truly lovable for both homeowners and residents.

Access everything you need in the Belong app

As soon as you join Belong, you’ll have full visibility of your rental home 24/7 through the Belong app on iOS or Android devices.  

Contact your concierge at any time of day or night (yes, even weekends!)

Keep up with the marketing of your home and view your online listings

Get updates on your home and residents directly in the app 

Track your rental income and monthly earnings

Belong offers guaranteed rent, financial security and great tenants for rental homeowners. Learn how to get started with BelongPRO in five simple steps.

Get guaranteed rent every month and vetted residents with Belong

Get Your Home Loved With Belong Today

Is It Worth Owning A Rental Property In Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City, known for its stunning natural landscapes and thriving economy, has emerged as a hidden gem in the world of real estate investment. For first-time rental property owners, this dynamic city offers an array of opportunities to build a lucrative portfolio. In this article, we'll delve into the nuances of investing in Salt Lake City's rental market, providing insights and expert advice to help you navigate the journey with confidence.

Salt Lake City, nestled in the heart of Utah, has been steadily gaining recognition as a prime destination for buying rental properties. The city's economy is robust, characterized by diverse industries ranging from technology to healthcare. As a result, it attracts a steady influx of residents, including young professionals and families, creating a consistent demand for rental properties.

Understanding the current market trends is crucial for any prospective homeowner. Salt Lake City's rental market is experiencing steady growth, with rental rates steadily increasing. The city's overall economic stability has contributed to this trend, making it an attractive destination for property investment.

One of the first steps in your investment journey is choosing the right location within Salt Lake City. The city boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique character and appeal. Whether you prefer the urban vibrancy of downtown or the tranquility of suburban life, Salt Lake City has a neighborhood that suits your investment goals.

Before diving into the world of rental property ownership, it's essential to understand the legal and regulatory landscape in Salt Lake City. Landlord-tenant laws, property maintenance requirements, and eviction procedures can vary. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations will help you stay compliant and protect your investment.

As a first-time rental property owner in Salt Lake City, you don't have to navigate the journey alone. Belong, a trusted name, is redefining the property management experience. Enjoy tailored solutions to simplify your rental homeownership experience. Our platform is designed to provide seamless and hassle-free management of your rental properties.

Maximizing rental income is a top priority for any homeowner. In this section, we'll explore effective strategies to optimize your rental income in the Salt Lake City market. From competitive pricing to property enhancements, we'll help you make the most of your rental home purchase.

Maintaining the integrity of your rental property is crucial for long-term success. Belong's network of high-quality vendors ensures that maintenance requests are handled promptly and professionally. We understand the importance of keeping your property in excellent condition to attract and retain tenants.

Salt Lake City offers a range of investment opportunities, from single-family homes to multi-unit properties. Once you identify the approach that aligns with your financial goals and preferences, you can enjoy the booming demand of renters leading you to earning passive rental income. 

Salt Lake City beckons with investment opportunities waiting to be seized. With a robust economy, diverse neighborhoods, and a supportive partner like Belong, your path to rental property ownership in this thriving city is illuminated. We invite you to explore the possibilities, maximize your rental income, and embark on a successful homeownership journey with Belong by your side.

Belong goes beyond conventional property management. Our mission is to not only manage your rental but be a true long-term rental partner helping you live your best life as a homeowner. For guaranteed rent every month, concierge-level care, optimized pricing for your home and innovative solutions to create seamless experiences, check out Belong PRO.

Discover why Salt Lake City is a hotspot for rental property investment. Explore market trends, legal considerations, and how Belong can help you succeed.

Sparsh Mehta

I grow new markets and bring our industry-changing experience to homeowners and residents around the country. Lover of the Outdoors, Scuba Diving, Skiing, Hiking, Live Music, and all things Technology.

Afton Brazzoni

Tyler Infelise

Lauren Slagter

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Afton Brazzoni

Tyler Infelise

Lauren Slagter

Natalie McNeal

Jane Allison Gunn