My wife and I rent a single-family home in Seattle. We’re expecting a baby and have been navigating a series of landlord issues that have compounded over several months. I’ll call our landlord Mark. We’ve been at this place 7 months now and there’s always something. These is what happened this month.
Issue 1: Mold, water damage, and a slow road to remediation
We discovered significant water damage in the main bedroom: wet staining on walls next to the mini-split, paint bubbling and lifting, streaking and ceiling cracking.
A licensed inspector also confirmed early mold growth in the attic. After formal written notice under RCW 59.18.060, Mark did respond and brought in two independent inspectors. Remediation, ventilation improvements, and insulation work are finally scheduled for next week, but it took weeks of pushing, and we have a newborn coming.
Issue 2: Rent credit reduced based on misleading claim that construction was done
Our lease includes a $400/month credit tied to DADU construction on the property. On April 29th Mark texted that construction was complete and reduced the credit to $200. Workers were back on May 4th using a water saw on countertops, drawing from our electrical panel, with activity continuing into mid-May. His own 4/29 message said there would be “no meaningful additional electrical or water demands” and that is not what happened.
Issue 3: Inspections and work done while we were out of town, against our explicit wishes
We told Mark multiple times in writing that we were away May 12-20 and wanted to be present for any inspections. He proceeded with the second assessment while we were gone anyway. Construction activity also accelerated during our absence. We had to remind him in writing that being away from home doesn’t mean the same expectations don’t apply. We’re still paying rent regardless of whether we’re physically there.
Issue 4: Came home to an unflushed toilet left by Mark or the inspector
When we got back from our trip, either Mark or the inspector had been through the house and left the toilet unflushed with urine. Small thing maybe, but it’s emblematic of the overall lack of consideration throughout this tenancy.
The bottom line
Remediation is finally scheduled, which is something. But getting here required formal written notices, repeated pushback, and a lot of documentation. We’re now at the point where we’re reaching out to the Tenants Union of Washington for guidance. If you’re in a similar situation, they’re a free resource at tenantsunion.org.
submitted by /u/stephanniestark
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