problems with rentals/landlords? (Vancouver: apartment complex, renters, month-to-month)

[Cat_Person]

After hearing horror stories about people in Oregon getting ripped off by landlords on rentals because they "have no rights" (everything from having outrageous rent increases to abuse by landlords/maintenance people)...how do the laws in Washington compare? Is the same thing going on there? My comapny is looking to relocate me so that I can save my job...but is also not looking to move me into such an undesirable situation as I'm likely to bail...
How's Vancouver? Are renters treated fairly? I noticed that the prices can be significantly lower there in comparison to Portland...

Your thoughts would be helpful....

[Dignan]

I've had three different landlords in Vancouver, and all of them have treated me great.

I should note that I always rent from landlords who only have a few units, and that may make a difference. I never rent in a big apartment complex, or from a major landlord/management company that has dozens of units to manage.

[sjernigan]

My sister is an apartment manager in Eugene Oregon. There are all kinds of rules she has to follow. If the management is doing things legally then the tenants have a lot of rights. I do know that she has had people move in her apartments from others where the management would enter without notice and even worse things.

I think the best thing is to find out no matter where you live what the rights are for tenants.

[Cat_Person]

I've been doing a little research....

The laws in Oregon and Washington are very similar. Tenants do have rights...it seems they also have to look at any loopholes that might be exploited. One of those is the month-to-month rental agreement. It seems landlords can raise the rent as much as they please on a month to month basis. That law seems to apply anywhere you go, which is why people sign a lease. The other thing is losing one's deposit due to shady landlord "fees". I think this can be taken care of with a thorough walk-thru and perhaps photos of moving in, and moving out. You may still end up in small claims court

When I visited the apartmentratings.com site it was very disconcerting how many people feel ripped off. I think Dignan is right in dealing with smaller properties, and perhaps a small property management company. Even if the property looks perfect when you visit and move in...things can still change. I presently live in a complex that has changed with a few "party animals" that have moved in and changed the whole energy of a once quiet community. The landlords used to care, but have now allowed things to go to hell. My choice? Move. For $1000 a month I can do better.

It's sad that the good tenants have to pay for what the bad one's do...

[EmmaDahling]

My recommendation is talk to the tenants before signing any papers. We as both current and former tenants can tell you who to and who not to rent from when the landlord isn't around - so go back after you have checked the place out one final time without them there. Also if the place looks to good to be true, chances are that it most likely is, with the exception of a few landlords and sad to say those folks are far and few in-between.

This is my third time relocating to the Vancouver area, and whenever I look at one of the ads on one of several places notes for having rentals, I automatically rule out several landlords including a couple I have know friends to rent from based upon their not so honest rental practices - the landlords that is... There are also several neighborhoods I rule out before even considering the places based upon the not so great neighbors in the areas. Last property manager I rented from I would rent from in a heart-beat again, and the same can be said about several other property managers I know.

Signed my heart is in Vancouver