Accommodation in Seattle

One of the first tasks you’ll face when renting expat accommodation in Seattle will be finding a home. While you can purchase property in the US, most people prefer to rent, at least initially.

The cost of living in Seattle is high, and accommodation doesn’t come cheap. In fact, rental prices in Seattle are some of the most expensive in the country. You will also find that with growing numbers of people moving to Seattle from both within the country and abroad, there are often shortages, and the market is competitive.

Areas and suburbs in Seattle

With seven council districts and innumerable neighbourhoods, there’s a diversity of neighbourhoods in Seattle suitable for new arrivals from all walks of life. If you’re young and single and looking to be in the hustle and bustle of things, look no further than central Seattle in neighbourhoods such as Belltown, Capitol Hill and Ballard. These suburbs are home to some of the trendiest restaurants, nightlife spots and shopping districts. If you’re a young professional who prefers a quieter neighbourhood that is still close to the action, you would do well in Fremont.

You’ll discover that Seattle caters well for family life. There are plenty of child-friendly activities and neighbourhoods for you to choose from. Green Lake in north Seattle offers families an opportunity to get wrapped up in outdoor activities around the lake, while Beacon Hill and Rainier Valley are quiet residential neighbourhoods that offer families proximity to downtown Seattle. Quiet Magnolia, West Seattle and Queen Anne are other family-friendly neighbourhoods to consider.

Read more about the Best (and Worst) Neighbourhoods in Seattle.

Types of accommodation in Seattle

You’ll find a good range of types of accommodation in Seattle, from modern loft conversions in the city centre to larger family homes in the leafy suburbs, but good properties are often snapped up quickly. As is the case in most cities, properties in the suburbs will generally be more spacious and affordable than those found downtown.

Furnished vs unfurnished

Most rental properties in Seattle come unfurnished, giving you a blank canvas but requiring you to supply your own furniture. Furnished apartments are available but are less common and typically command higher rent.

Short lets

For short-term stays, corporate housing, or while you search for a permanent home, short lets are a flexible option. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have a significant presence in the city, and they’ve got everything from single rooms to entire houses. Be aware that short-term rentals are typically subject to different regulations and taxes.

Finding accommodation in Seattle

It’s best to start the process of finding accommodation in Seattle as soon as possible. You’ll find it easier to search for properties in the middle of winter because most people move to the city during the summer months of July and August.

Some people moving here will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, who will assess their preferences and shortlist properties for them to view. You may also want to enlist the help of a real estate agent (or ‘broker’) who can advise on suitable neighbourhoods and give you access to a larger number of potential properties. In Seattle, the agent’s commission is typically paid by the landlord, not the tenant. Alternatively, you can use listings in online property portals and social media groups.

Useful links

• Zillow Seattle
• Apartments.com
• Trulia Seattle
• Zumper

Renting accommodation in Seattle

Making an application

Landlords and rental agencies usually carry out credit and background checks on potential tenants. You will be asked to provide references from previous landlords and employers, so it is best to have these documents prepared in advance. If you lack a US credit history, be prepared to offer a letter of employment, proof of income, or a larger deposit (if legally permissible). As competition for housing in Seattle is high, landlords can afford to be selective about the tenants they choose to rent their properties to.

Leases

Most landlords will be looking for tenants who can commit to a contract, or lease, for at least a year. These fixed-term leases lock in your rent for the duration. After the term ends, the lease may convert to a month-to-month agreement, which offers more flexibility but can also be subject to rent increases with proper notice.

Deposits

You will be expected to put down a security deposit, usually equivalent to a month’s rent (which is the maximum allowed in Seattle). The first month’s rent will also need to be paid up front. Landlords in Seattle are required to place your deposit in a trust account and provide you with a written checklist that describes the property’s condition, which you should review carefully. At the end of the lease, the security deposit must be returned within 30 days, minus any documented deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Terminating the lease

If you are on a month-to-month lease, you must give at least 20 days’ written notice before the end of the rental period to terminate the lease. For a fixed-term lease, you are typically responsible for the entire term unless the landlord agrees to a ‘lease break’ or there are specific legal reasons, such as domestic violence or a military relocation. Landlords in Seattle must also provide a ‘just cause’ reason for ending a tenancy, such as non-payment of rent or a violation of the lease.

See Accommodation in the USA for detailed information on the rental process in the country.

Useful links

• Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections
• Tenants Union of Washington State
• Washington State Bar Association

Utilities in Seattle

Utilities aren’t usually included in the rental price, so you will need to factor in the cost of electricity and water when setting up your utilities in Seattle. It’s also wise to think about the cost of setting up an internet connection.

Electricity and gas

The public utility provider, Seattle City Light, supplies the electricity in Seattle, while the gas supply is managed by Puget Sound Energy (PSE). You must register an account on the City of Seattle’s utility services website. This one-stop shop (called MyUtilities) will allow you to register for electricity (City Light) and water/waste (Seattle Public Utilities). Natural gas service is separate and must be set up directly with PSE. The City of Seattle will first need to verify your identification by asking credit-related questions.

You should expect to pay a connection fee and receive an account number that will be used to bill you bi-monthly. Some property managers or real estate agents will handle the connection process for tenants, so you should first check before beginning the registration process.

To connect your natural gas, you will register for a PSE account online and follow a similar process to connecting your electricity. It may be necessary for the company to dispatch a technician to ensure the safety and functionality of the line and reconnect the gas.

Water

Most of the drinking water in Seattle comes from the Tolt and Cedar River watersheds, and the supply and maintenance are managed by Seattle Public Utilities. Once you have registered an account with the City of Seattle’s utility services, you will have access to your water bills. Agents from the water department typically visit homes to read the meter every month or every other month.

Bins and recycling

Seattle’s waste management operates on a ‘pay as you throw’ cost structure, so the more waste you make, the more you pay for rubbish collection. Waste is typically collected weekly in most neighbourhoods, and you are encouraged to bag your waste for safe collection.

The City of Seattle provides you with a recycling cart that you can use to put recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal. Seattle also has a LookUp tool and recycling app that allow you to determine whether an item is recyclable or not. For hazardous waste and special items such as large furniture, you can drop them off at designated sites throughout the city or arrange for collection with the city.

Useful links

• Seattle City Light (Electricity)
• Puget Sound Energy (Gas)
• Seattle Public Utilities (Water, Waste)
• MyUtilities (Bill Pay Portal)