There was someone who decided to rent out their home but was confused about where and how to post the advertisement. They had signed up on a listing site, but after uploading a few photos, they were unsure what to write next. This is a common experience for first-time landlords, so let's go through the steps one by one.

The first thing to do is to set the rent. According to Zumper, as of June 2026, the average rent in Bellevue is $2,962 per month. To break it down, apartments average $2,845, while single-family homes average $4,199, showing a significant difference based on the type of home. This means the reference numbers will differ depending on whether your home is an apartment or a single-family house. It's safe to look at about five similar listings in the area to determine a competitive price.

Once the price is set, it's time to advertise. Using three platforms like Zillow, Apartment List, and Facebook Marketplace should be sufficient. Take photos during the day, capturing several shots of each room. You must include the rent amount, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, whether pets are allowed, and parking availability to filter inquiries effectively.

When inquiries come in, it's time for screening. Simply put, this is the process of verifying whether the person can pay the rent on time. The basics include checking credit scores, proof of income, and previous rental history. Many landlords use a guideline of three times the rent amount for income. You should not filter tenants based on personal criteria beyond these three factors.

Once a tenant is selected, conduct a pre-move-in inspection. This is essentially a procedure to avoid disputes over the security deposit later. Take photos of the walls, floors, and appliances, and confirm the condition with the tenant before getting their signature.

When writing the lease agreement, there are five main items to check:

• Monthly rent and due date, late fee provisions
• Amount of the security deposit and return conditions
• Pet and smoking clauses
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Contract duration and renewal terms

Washington State does not have a set limit on security deposits. However, any received deposits must be kept in a trust account or bank, and you must inform the tenant in writing which bank it is. You must return the itemized statement and balance within 30 days after the tenant moves out, and if you miss this deadline, you could be liable for up to double the deposit and attorney fees.

There are also established procedures for evicting a tenant. If rent is overdue, you must first send a 14-day notice, and for lease violations, a 10-day notice to cure, and for serious issues, a 3-day notice. Washington has a just cause regulation that prevents landlords from terminating contracts without valid reasons, so skipping the notice process can put landlords at a disadvantage.

Rent increases are another item to check. Under HB 1217, effective from 2025, Washington limits annual rent increases to 7 percent plus the consumer price index, or 10 percent, whichever is lower. The cap for 2026 is 9.683 percent. Rent increases are not allowed during the first 12 months of tenancy, and at least 90 days' written notice must be given in the prescribed format before any increase.

It's also worth noting that Washington has no state income tax. However, rental income is subject to federal tax reporting, so it's advisable to keep receipts for repairs and management costs organized from the start. Some landlords maintain only standard homeowners insurance, but switching to landlord insurance can reduce disputes over coverage.

After the tenant moves in, it's a good idea to establish a single point of contact for repair requests. Landlords who respond quickly to urgent matters tend to have higher tenant renewal rates. As the lease expiration approaches, it's wise to reach out in advance to confirm renewal intentions, reducing vacancy concerns.

Posting an ad involves a sequence of steps that becomes clear once you start. This article is intended for general informational purposes, and it's advisable to consult an expert familiar with Washington State rental laws before finalizing any contracts.