Renting in WA State

Military Housing Near Naval Station Everett Made Simple

Whether you're PCSing to Naval Station Everett, transitioning out, or looking to buy using your VA loan — we help military families find secure, verified housing in the Everett, WA area.

No guesswork. No rental scams. No confusion about your benefits.

Just clear guidance, trusted listings, and local expertise.

How to Avoid Rental Scams

Crime & Safety

Explore Neighborhoods

Property Management

Landlord/Tenant Laws

PCS Checklist

5 Ways to Avoid Rental Scams

With the growing prevalence of fraudulent rental advertisements, it is important renters follow these 5 TIPS to avoid falling victim to a scam. Here are 5 red flags that your “dream” rental maybe a nightmare.

Always follow your gut instinct. If it feels weird at any point call in a second opinion.

Some extra tips:

Fake Credit Check / Personal Info Harvesting
If they tell you to prove your creditworthiness by uploading credit scores, Social Security numbers, pay stubs, or driver’s license photos via a site or link they provide — this could lead to identity theft. Make sure all portals are secure and well known.
Stolen Photos
If the rental photos have a NWMLS, MLS watermark or are cropped and blurry (to remove the watermark) be cautious as these could be stolen photos from the real listing.

Landlord - Tenant Laws

Here’s a quick bullet-point overview of key landlord–tenant laws in Washington State

(Residential Landlord-Tenant Act at RCW 59.18) — general protections & duties for both sides:

📌 General Legal Framework

-Most residential rentals in Washington are covered by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA) (RCW 59.18).

-Applies to written or oral agreements, month-to-month or fixed-term.

🏠 Landlord Duties

-Must keep the rental habitable: safe, sanitary, and compliant with health & safety codes.

-Maintain structural components (roof, floors, walls).

-Provide and maintain working plumbing, heating, electricity, and locks/keys.

-Control pests unless tenant caused the problem.

-Provide landlord/agent contact info and required disclosures (e.g., mold, lead).

💵 Rent & Rent Increases

-Landlords cannot raise rent during the first 12 months of tenancy.

-After 12 months, rent increases are capped at 10% or 7% plus CPI, whichever is less per 12-month period.

- 90 days’ written notice is required before a rent increase.

👩‍💼 Tenant Duties

- Pay rent and utilities as agreed.

-Keep the unit clean and sanitary and dispose of trash properly.

-Properly use fixtures & systems (plumbing, electrical, heating).

- Repair or pay for pests only if the issue was caused by the tenant.

-Don’t cause damage, nuisance, or illegal activities.

🚪 Entry & Privacy

-Landlords generally must give advance notice before entering the unit (e.g., for repairs or showings — usually at least 48 hours).

- Emergency entry is allowed without notice for emergency repairs. (e.g., Water leak, Fire)

🛑 Prohibitions & Protections

-Landlords may not unlawfully evict without court order or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

- Retaliation is prohibited (e.g., raising rent, reducing services, or eviction for asserting rights).

-Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on protected characteristics (fair housing laws).

💰 Security Deposits

-Law requires timely return of deposits or an itemized list of deductions (statutory deadlines).

-Landlord cannot withhold deposit for normal wear and tear.

📜 Termination & Notices

-Month-to-month tenancy generally requires proper written notice to end (timing depends on situation).

-For nonpayment of rent, landlords must follow required notice periods before starting eviction.

This summary is general information only. Local cities may have additional rules (like Seattle or Tacoma), and laws change over time, so always check current statutes or consult a legal service for specifics.

How To Protect Yourself While Renting

Request a "Military Escape Clause" to be written into your lease. This protects you from lease break fees in the event of getting PCS orders before your lease is up.
Keep your own folder of your Rental Documents - Don't just rely upon the landlord or Property Manager. If they lose something important you can then provide your documents.
Take Your own Photos and a Video Walkthrough of the rental to document the Move in Condition. Do this again upon Move Out. Yes, it's time consuming but it could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars and quickly end disputes over move-out repairs.
If renting Sight-Unseen have a trusted family or friend go view the rental for you. If you don't have anyone in town then you can reach out to us! Click here to jump to our Concierge Rental Service

Military Rental Resources

Helpful hint: Everett is in Snohomish County

Start Your Research

Contact Fleet & Family Support Center in Smokey Point, research Schools or Crime Rates,

Contact Fleet & Family Support
Download our PCS Checklist below
Book a PCS Housing Support Call with us
Research and decide which areas to live will be best for you

BAH Lookup

Confirm your expected BAH online - scroll down to Everett, WA

Veteran.com BAH Rates

Pet Friendly Housing

Bring Fido
Dogs on Deployment
If you can't find a "Pet Friendly" rental consider getting an ESA (Emotional Support Animal) letter from your doctor - they will no longer be considered a "pet"

Short Term Housing

Under 6 Months

Download our PCS Checklist

Local Experts

We are a small team of Washington residents who have either served ourselves or are military affiliated.

Whether you are PCS'ing to Everett or another local base we can help you in different locations. We also love helping retirees or military affiliated people in mortgage education and