Renting your first apartment in Seattle can feel overwhelming—income requirements, applications, leases, deposits. But don't worry. This guide breaks down everything you need to know as a first-time renter in Seattle, from what landlords require to the protections you have.
What Do Seattle Landlords Require?
Typical Seattle Rental Requirements
- Income: 2.5-3x Monthly Rent
For a $2,000/month apartment, you need $5,000-6,000/month gross income ($60,000-72,000/year)
- Credit Score: 600-650+ typical
Requirements vary by landlord. Some accept lower scores with a co-signer
- Rental History: Preferred but not always required
First-time renters can often use references or a co-signer instead
- Clean Background Check
Seattle has "Fair Chance Housing" laws limiting criminal background screening
Documents You'll Need
Application Document Checklist
- Government-issued ID
- Social Security Number
- 2-3 recent pay stubs
- Employment offer letter (if new job)
- Bank statements (if self-employed)
- References (personal or professional)
- Application fee ($40-50 typical)
- Co-signer info (if needed)
No Rental History? Here's What to Do
If you've never rented before, you have options:
- Get a co-signer — A parent or relative with good credit/income who agrees to be responsible if you can't pay
- Offer extra deposit — Some landlords accept additional security deposit for first-time renters
- Provide references — Professors, employers, or other personal references can vouch for you
- Target larger buildings — Corporate landlords often have more standardized criteria and are used to working with first-time renters
- Show strong income — If you earn well above the requirement, landlords are more flexible
Upfront Costs to Expect
Typical Move-In Costs (for $2,000/month apartment)
Good News: No Broker Fees!
Unlike NYC, Seattle doesn't typically charge broker fees. Landlords pay any agent commissions, so your upfront costs are just rent + deposit.
The Move-In Checklist (Critical!)
Washington's Checklist Requirement
Washington law requires landlords to provide a written checklist of the unit's condition at move-in. If they don't provide one, they cannot deduct anything from your deposit at move-out! This is your most important protection as a first-time renter.
When you move in:
- Get and complete the checklist — Note every existing scratch, stain, or issue
- Take photos and video — Document everything with timestamps
- Email yourself the photos — Creates a timestamped record
- Keep a copy of the signed checklist — You'll need it when you move out
Your Rights as a Seattle Renter
Seattle has strong tenant protections—even for first-time renters:
- Just Cause Eviction — Landlords can only evict for specific legal reasons
- First-in-Time Rule — Applications must be processed in order received
- Fair Chance Housing — Limited criminal background screening
- Source of Income Protection — Can't discriminate based on vouchers, etc.
- 21-day deposit return — Must return deposit within 21 days of move-out
Common First-Time Renter Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
- • Not reading the entire lease — Read every word before signing
- • Skipping the move-in checklist — This protects your deposit
- • Not documenting the apartment's condition — Photos are crucial
- • Paying in cash without receipts — Always get written proof
- • Not understanding what's included — Utilities? Parking? Storage?
- • Ignoring maintenance issues — Report problems in writing immediately
- • Breaking lease terms — Subletting, pets, alterations without permission
Questions to Ask Before Signing
- What's included in rent? (Water, garbage, parking, storage?)
- What's the lease term? Month-to-month after?
- What's the policy on rent increases?
- How do I submit maintenance requests?
- What's the guest policy?
- Is renters insurance required?
- What's the pet policy (if applicable)?
- What happens if I need to break the lease?
Research Before You Sign
Search any Seattle address to see building information before committing.
Search Buildings