I had heard so many horror stories about landlords in apartments that when we decided to sell our…read morehouse and rent for a couple years until the market stabilized, I was not looking forward to the renting commitment. We came across many funky owners/managers who had scary leases, huge deposits and "cleaning fees"...
Very simple, clear and concise lease. They even include that you MAY pound nails into the walls and leave the nail holes, as it's "normal" wear and tear. Other places we looked at say you have to do the patching/painting should you decide to hang up paintings, etc. or that you could NOT do so. Who wants to live with bare walls??
They are pet friendly, with all buildings allowing cats. The historic Lewis and Clark buildings allow dogs and cats. (very gorgeous buildings, by the way) The only fee associated with having pets is $100 for flea treatment of the place when you move out. My cat's flea free, but I was glad to know that there wouldn't be any flea eggs left behind from the previous tenant, so we're glad they use the precaution.
Choice of lease terms; 6 months or one year. Once you satisfy the lease, you continue renting on a month-to-month basis which gives the flexibility and freedom to move any month thereafter. They have many cool historic properties and should you decide to move into another one of their buildings, you are released from your current lease then just sign a new one for the new place. T
They are professional, friendly, helpful, prompt to make repairs, courteous and always notify you in advance if they need to access your unit. One Sunday, we noticed we weren't getting hot water, called them and they put a call out to one of their maintenance guys who was off duty, and he came within an hour of our call. Legally, they would have had 24 hours to repair it, but were we ever thankful to not have to forgo a shower for a day :-) They said they have a policy to always answer the phone, day or night, or return your call right away. They are way too nice.
They do NOT rent to druggies/felons which is a major plus!!! And I should mention that each of their properties are in a great neighborhood (Stadium District/North Tacoma, all on Yakima Ave or within one block of Yakima), all within about 6 blocks of each other.
Oh, and NO nasty old carpeting, in any of their buildings. Either old hardwoods or "wood-like" linoleum.
They have many cute, historic buildings to choose from, though not many vacancies very often...(wonder why??:-) Check them out. http://www.williamsproperties.com/ I can't believe I'm the first one to review these guys! But I can see why they have no complaints out here