Spring has always been the busiest season in Seattle’s rental market — and 2025 is no different. As the weather warms up, lease terms end, and renters start searching for their next home, landlords have a golden opportunity to fill vacancies fast and lock in strong tenants for the year ahead.

But in a city like Seattle — where regulations shift quickly and tenant expectations keep climbing — successful leasing starts long before you hit “publish” on your listing. Whether you’re managing one property or multiple units, getting ahead of spring means getting serious about prep, pricing, compliance, and marketing.

At SJA Property Management, we work with landlords across Seattle and the Eastside to make the most of rental season. This guide covers exactly what you need to know — and do — to make your property stand out, attract high-quality tenants, and rent faster in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • Seattle landlords must now provide 180 days’ notice for rent increases.
  • Eviction bans have expanded: from November 1 to April 1, you cannot evict for non-payment.
  • Tenant screening laws have changed, requiring more inclusive practices.
  • Prepping your property now means less vacancy and stronger applications.
  • Working with a property management team like SJA can help you price right, stay compliant, and reduce stress.

Why Spring Is Peak Rental Season in Seattle

Seattle’s rental market follows a predictable seasonal pattern. Spring and early summer bring the highest volume of renters — and the most competition among landlords. That makes it the ideal time to list a unit — but only if it’s ready.

So why is spring such a hotspot?

  • Academic cycles: College students are graduating or securing housing before fall.
  • Relocations: Tech professionals and remote workers are transferring jobs or moving to the region.
  • Better weather: Let’s be honest — no one wants to move in the rain. As days get longer and drier, move-ins increase.

If you want to avoid summer stress or late-season vacancies, this is your moment to shine.

What’s New for Landlords in 2025?

Seattle’s rental laws are strict — and constantly evolving. This year brings three big updates every landlord should understand before listing a property.

1. 180-Day Rent Increase Notice

As of January 2025, landlords must give tenants 180 days (six months) of written notice before increasing rent. This is a jump from the previous 120-day rule.

What this means for you: If you plan to raise rent this year, backdate your notice now. Delays could lock you into last year’s rates longer than you planned, hurting your returns.

2. Extended Winter Eviction Ban

Seattle’s eviction moratorium now spans from November 1 through April 1. This applies to non-payment cases and adds another full month to the protected winter period.

Why this matters: Tenant screening and lease management in spring are more important than ever. If you end up with a tenant who stops paying in the fall, you may be unable to take action until spring 2026.

3. Inclusive Screening Regulations

Seattle’s Fair Chance Housing Ordinance requires that landlords limit the use of criminal history, eviction records, and credit scores when screening applicants. This year, the city reinforced compliance expectations and documentation requirements.

To avoid the risk, your application process must include:

  • Alternative criteria acceptance
  • Transparent selection guidelines
  • Objective, written screening policies

SJA handles this for all clients to ensure compliance — and avoid penalties.

Property Prep: What to Do Before You List

Preparing your rental property is the most critical step of the process. A clean, updated, well-presented unit not only rents faster — it attracts better tenants.

Here’s our full checklist for spring 2025:

Interior Deep Clean

Even if a unit was recently occupied, you’ll want to go beyond a basic wipe-down:

  • Steam clean carpets
  • Scrub grout, baseboards, light switches
  • Wash windows and replace burnt-out bulbs
  • Clean behind and under appliances
  • Check for any signs of pests or moisture issues

Functional Maintenance

Preventative maintenance saves you money in the long run. Check and address:

  • HVAC filters and system functionality
  • Smoke and CO detectors (test batteries!)
  • Door and window locks
  • Kitchen and bathroom plumbing (look for leaks, slow drains)
  • Light fixtures and ceiling fans

Visual Touch-Ups

Tenants pay attention to how a unit feels, and even small updates can boost perceived value:

  • Fresh paint (or at least paint touch-ups)
  • Replace worn flooring or damaged vinyl
  • Upgrade hardware on cabinets or doors
  • Stage the unit for photos if it’s empty — simple furniture makes a big difference

Photography and Listing: First Impressions Matter

Listings with poor photos get skipped — even if the property is solid. If you’re using old phone photos from three years ago, it’s time for a refresh.

  • Shoot on a sunny day or use soft lighting
  • Show every room (yes, even the bathroom)
  • Include wide-angle shots and detailed close-ups
  • Highlight key features like parking, in-unit laundry, patios, or views

Once your photos are updated, write a listing that tells a story. Go beyond “2 bed, 1 bath” — talk about what makes your unit livable: quiet street, walkable neighborhood, newer appliances, etc.
SJA creates compelling, accurate listings that increase click-through rates and shorten time on market.

Pricing: Aim for Fair Market, Not Aspirational

Seattle rents have stabilized since the spikes and drops of the past few years. That means pricing right is critical — too high, and you sit vacant; too low, and you lose income.

Factors that affect price:

  • Neighborhood comps
  • Condition and updates
  • Pet policies (pet-friendly units often earn more)
  • Parking, outdoor space, and storage
  • In-unit laundry or air conditioning

If you’re unsure where to price, we provide real-time data pulled from active and rented listings across the Puget Sound area — so you know exactly what the market supports.

Tenant Communication: Speed Wins

In spring, renters are comparing 4–5 properties at once. If your response takes days, you’ll lose them to a landlord who replies in minutes.

Best practices:

  • Respond to inquiries within 24 hours — faster is better
  • Offer flexible showing times, including evenings and weekends
  • Use digital tools (like DocuSign and online applications) to reduce friction
  • Be clear and professional, but friendly — renters want to work with someone approachable

If managing calls, emails, and showings sounds like a lot, it is. SJA handles all tenant communication and coordination so you can focus on the big picture.

Tenant Screening: Compliance Is Key

Seattle’s screening rules have become more nuanced. Here’s what’s not allowed anymore:

  • Blanket bans on criminal history
  • Rejecting applicants solely due to eviction records
  • Declining based only on low credit scores

You’re still allowed to screen for financial stability and past behavior — but it needs to be structured, documented, and fair.

Our approach at SJA:

  • Custom screening criteria that follow Seattle law
  • Employment verification, landlord references, and rental history checks
  • Transparent documentation for every decision

This protects you from legal risk — and helps you find tenants who pay on time and take care of your property.

Why Work With SJA Property Management?

Managing a rental property in Seattle isn’t as simple as it used to be. The combination of strict regulations, high tenant expectations, and market competition means landlords need to be smart, fast, and fully compliant.

We handle it all:

  • Property prep and maintenance
  • Marketing and listing management
  • Tenant screening and lease signing
  • Rent collection and repair coordination
  • Legal compliance and documentation

Whether you’re hands-on or looking to fully outsource, we tailor our services to fit your style — and your goals.

Use Spring to Set Up the Whole Year

Spring isn’t just about filling your vacancy — it’s about setting up a profitable, low-stress rental year. The time you invest now pays off in:

  • Faster leasing
  • Fewer tenant issues
  • Better rent returns
  • Less legal exposure

If you’re ready to get serious about property management, SJA Property Management is ready to help.

Contact Us Today

Get expert help with your 2025 rental prep. Visit sjapm.com or book here to schedule a FREE consultation.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal questions or compliance concerns, consult a qualified attorney or local housing authority.