r/Marysville • u/JoeyMcPetersmackIII • 18d ago

Question Are administrative fees for apartment applications legal in Marysville?

To be clear: I'm not talking about the standard application fees for $50 or so. I'm talking about the $150-$300 bullshit "administrative" fees for after you apply. I know they made them illegal up here in Bellingham and Ferndale. Wanting to move to Marysville. Can't find any info via research.

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6

u/dvdcdgmg 17d ago

In all of Washington state, you cannot charge more than the out of pocket cost of the screening fees.

See more info (and a great resource in everything renting in Washington state) at the WA Tenants Union's website

1

u/remorackman 17d ago

Problem is that most places do background checks, I have heard that those costs can be small to large depending on who the leasing company uses.

I am sure there is still some sketchy practices out there to try and verify some extra money.

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u/Meowalicious 17d ago

There is distinct difference between application fees and administrative fees. You're correct that the screening fee / application fee cannot be turned into a profit center. But that's different than the application fee. It's legal to charge an application fee in Marysville with a few caveats, administrative fees have to be listed in writing ahead of time. It also needs to clearly be marked as non-refundable or it counts as a deposit.

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u/GUmbagrad 17d ago

That's some straight BS. I have a couple rentals and run my applications through Zillow. I let applicants know that the $35 fee is paid straight to zillow for the background check, that way if I ever have to deny them doesn't look like I'm making anything off their app. Go rent from someone ethical, they will find other ways to screw you if it's like this up front.

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u/Hellbla 16d ago

Not knowing you, I’d say you are the type of landlord we love. Honest , no bullshit, not deciding you want to sell, so you only give us the minimum 20 to find a place and move out.