Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

WHERE CAN I GET A LIST OF YOUR PROPERTIES FOR RENT?

You can view all our properties for rent by going to our website. www.amoriss.com

HOW CAN I VIEW THE INSIDE OF ONE OF THE RENTALS?

The first step to seeing one of our rentals is to drive by the property to see if it is in a location that is suitable for you. If the property is occupied, please do not disturb the current residents. Once you have driven by the property, you can schedule a viewing by going to our website.

DO YOU REQUIRE AN APPLICATION FEE?

Yes. Each adult applicant who will live in the property must complete the required application. The current application fee is disclosed before you submit the application; review the application page or contact Amoriss PNW Property Management for the current amount and available submission methods.

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA USED FOR APPROVING AN APPLICATION?

Our rental criteria are listed on our Rental Criteria page. Please review them before you apply.

DO YOU REQUIRE A SECURITY DEPOSIT?

Yes. A refundable security deposit is required once your application is approved. The amount varies by property and by the rules of the city or county where the home is located, and it is disclosed before you sign your lease.

DO YOU REQUIRE A LEASE?

Yes. We require a written lease agreement on each of the properties that we manage. Our normal lease period is one year, however at certain times of the year, we can be more flexible with shorter term leases.

HOW IS A LEASE TERMINATED?

The notice required depends on your lease, tenancy type, and current state and local law. Review your lease and contact Amoriss PNW Property Management before setting a move-out date so we can confirm the required written notice and move-out steps.

WHAT IF I NEED TO MOVE BEFORE THE LEASE EXPIRES?

You should notify us in writing of your intent to move as soon as possible. We try our best to work with tenants in this situation.

WHAT HAPPENS IF ONLY ONE ROOMMATE WANTS TO MOVE OUT?

Contact Amoriss PNW Property Management before anyone moves in or out. Any change in occupants requires written approval and may require screening, updated lease documents, and a fee disclosed in the lease or current fee schedule. Co-tenants remain responsible under the existing lease until a written change is approved. Security-deposit arrangements between roommates are handled by the roommates unless the lease states otherwise.

CAN I SUB-LEASE THE PROPERTY?

Do not sublet any part of the property or assign your lease without prior written consent from Amoriss PNW Property Management. Review your lease and contact us before making any occupancy change.

WHEN IS MY RENT DUE AND HOW DO I PAY IT?

Your lease states when rent is due. Use the payment method shown in your tenant portal or current resident instructions. If you are unsure about the due date, available payment methods, or a posted balance, contact Amoriss PNW Property Management before the due date.

CAN THE LANDLORD FORCE ME TO MOVE DURING MY LEASE?

A tenancy may be ended only through a lawful process and for a reason permitted by your lease and applicable law. Washington State just-cause rules and local city or county rules set specific notice and reason requirements, and these can differ depending on where your home is located. If you receive a notice, review it promptly and contact Amoriss PNW Property Management or a qualified tenant resource.

WHAT ARE ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF RENT PAYMENT?

Use the payment methods currently listed in your tenant portal or resident instructions. Available methods and any permitted fees can change, so contact Amoriss PNW Property Management before submitting a different payment form.

HOW DO I PUT THE UTILITIES IN MY NAME?

Your lease identifies the utilities you must place in your name and pay. Contact each utility provider before move-in using your lease start date. If you need help identifying a provider or your responsibility, contact Amoriss PNW Property Management.

CAN I GET A PET AFTER I MOVE INTO THE PROPERTY?

Occasionally this is an option based on the criteria for your particular property. For more information, please refer to your rental agreement or contact your property manager.

WHAT OTHER PET POLICIES ARE THERE?

Pet rules vary by property, lease, owner requirements, and applicable insurance restrictions. Assistance animals are handled separately under fair-housing law and are not pets. Contact Amoriss PNW Property Management for the rules and approval process that apply to your home before bringing an animal onto the property.

CAN I INSTALL CABLE OR SATELLITE TV AT THE PROPERTY?

Usually, but you must first obtain written permission from Amoriss PNW Property Management. Installation restrictions vary by property. You are responsible for approved installation costs and any damage caused by installation or removal. Do not install equipment on the roof, and follow the written move-out instructions for removal.

CAN I PAINT OR MODIFY SOMETHING IN MY RENTAL PROPERTY?

Do not paint, alter, or modify the property without prior written permission from Amoriss PNW Property Management. Submit your request in writing and wait for written approval before beginning any work.

HOW DO I REPORT A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM?

Submit routine maintenance requests in writing through your tenant portal. For an urgent maintenance issue, call the current emergency number shown in your portal or resident instructions. For fire, a suspected gas leak, or another immediate threat to life or safety, call 911 first, then notify Amoriss PNW Property Management.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED AN EMERGENCY?

Examples of emergencies are active water leaks, flooding, sewer backups, sparks from appliances, gas odors, fire, etc.

CAN I BE CHARGED FOR MAINTENANCE AT THE PROPERTY?

Yes, if resident damage or neglect causes the problem, you may be charged. A service-call fee for a missed appointment may also apply if it is provided for in your lease. Contact us for an itemized explanation of any charge.

HOW LONG SHOULD I PLAN TO WAIT TO HEAR BACK FROM SOMEONE REGARDING A MAINTENANCE PROBLEM?

Response timing depends on the type and severity of the problem. Washington law uses different time periods for different repair conditions after proper notice. Report the issue promptly through the tenant portal, provide access information, and contact us again if conditions worsen or you do not receive an appropriate response.

WHAT AM I RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING IN MY HOME?

Your lease identifies the routine items you must maintain, which may include accessible light bulbs, filters, detector batteries, yard care, or appliance filters. Do not use chemical drain cleaners or perform work that could damage the property. Submit a maintenance request if you are unsure whether an item is your responsibility.

DO I NEED RENTER’S INSURANCE?

Your lease states the required liability coverage. Liability coverage does not insure your personal belongings, so renters insurance for your own property and additional risks is strongly recommended. Review the policy terms and provide any required proof through the current resident process.

WHY SHOULD I RENT FROM YOUR COMPANY?

Amoriss PNW Property Management provides professional property-management and resident services. We coordinate qualified vendors for maintenance and offer online conveniences such as applications, rent payments, and resident requests.

CAN I USE MY SECURITY DEPOSIT AS THE LAST MONTH'S RENT?

No. We're sorry, but the security deposit is to cover any agreed upon fees or damages to the property and cannot be used for other reasons. If you need help with move-in costs, see "Is there any way to negotiate the deposit? Can the deposit be split up?"

WHEN I MOVE OUT WHY CAN’T I CLEAN THE CARPET MYSELF?

Follow the cleaning requirements in your lease and move-out instructions. If professional carpet cleaning is required and legally chargeable, use the approved process so the work can be documented and the carpet is not damaged. Contact Amoriss PNW Property Management before hiring a cleaner.

WHY IS THE SECURITY DEPOSIT SO HIGH?

Deposit amounts vary by property, approved application terms, and local jurisdiction rules. The amount for your home is disclosed before lease signing and is held and accounted for as required by Washington law and your lease. Contact us with questions about a specific home.

IS THERE ANY WAY TO NEGOTIATE THE DEPOSIT? CAN THE DEPOSIT BE SPLIT UP?

Washington law generally allows qualifying move-in costs, including security deposits, nonrefundable fees, and last month's rent, to be paid in installments when requested in writing, subject to statutory exceptions. Ask Amoriss PNW Property Management for the written installment agreement that applies to your tenancy.

IS THE APPLICATION FEE REFUNDED IF I AM DENIED?

Application fees pay for third-party screening and processing and are generally nonrefundable once screening begins, as disclosed in the application terms. Review those terms before submitting payment and contact Amoriss PNW Property Management if you believe a fee was charged or processed in error.

THIS IS MY FIRST TIME PAYING RENT LATE. CAN YOU WAIVE MY LATE FEE?

Late fees are governed by your lease and applicable state and local law. Contact Amoriss PNW Property Management promptly if you believe a fee was charged in error or if you need to discuss your account. Any adjustment must follow the lease and current legal requirements.

WHAT IS THE MOVE OUT PROCEDURE TO GET BACK MY SECURITY DEPOSIT?

Give the written notice required by your lease, tenancy type, and current state and local law. Then follow the current move-out instructions for cleaning, keys, access devices, forwarding address, and possession. After move-out, Amoriss PNW Property Management will inspect the home and provide the deposit accounting required by Washington law. Charges may include unpaid amounts and documented damage beyond ordinary wear, as permitted by the lease and law.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO RECEIVE MY SECURITY DEPOSIT REFUND?

Washington law generally requires the deposit refund and/or a full and specific statement of deductions within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord gains possession. Supporting estimates, invoices, or receipts must be included when required. Provide a forwarding address and follow the move-out instructions.

DO WE HELP PEOPLE FIND RENTAL HOMES?

We manage specific rental homes for our owners, so our available listings are shown on our website. We don't offer a general rental-search service for properties outside our inventory. Public rental listing sites are a good place to search other homes.

WHAT PROTECTION DO I HAVE THAT MY RENTAL WON'T BE FORECLOSED UPON?

No property manager can guarantee that a rental will never enter foreclosure. If you receive or see a foreclosure-related notice at the property, send a copy to Amoriss PNW Property Management immediately and consider contacting a qualified tenant resource for advice about your rights.

IF THE PROPERTY GOES INTO FORECLOSURE, DO I STILL HAVE TO PAY MY RENT?

Continue following your lease and current payment instructions unless you receive a valid written change from a legally authorized party. If ownership or payment instructions appear to change, contact Amoriss PNW Property Management and consider obtaining qualified legal guidance before redirecting rent.

WHO MUST BE ON THE LEASE?

Every adult applicant who will occupy the property must complete the required application process, be approved, and be documented in the lease before moving in, unless applicable law requires a different accommodation.

CAN THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY OR REPRESENTATIVES ENTER THE HOME WHEN I AM NOT THERE?

Yes. The owner, Amoriss PNW Property Management, or an authorized representative may enter, including for inspections, when entry is for a lawful purpose and the notice required by Washington law has been provided, unless an emergency or another legal exception applies. Required notice depends on the reason for entry. We make reasonable efforts to coordinate access with residents.

MY BROTHER IS GOING ON VACATION AND WANTS ME TO WATCH HIS PET. IS THIS OK?

Pets are not allowed on the property without an approved pet agreement, including temporary pet-sitting. Contact Amoriss PNW Property Management before bringing any animal onto the property. Any applicable fees or deposits are set by your lease and pet agreement. Assistance animals are handled separately under fair-housing law (see "What other pet policies are there?").

WHAT IF MY RENT PAYMENT WILL BE LATE?

Rent is due on the date stated in your lease. A 5-day grace period applies, and a late fee is assessed if rent is not paid in full by the 7th of the month. If you know your payment will be late, contact Amoriss PNW Property Management as soon as possible. If rent remains unpaid, a Washington 14-day notice to pay or vacate may be served. That notice is a separate step after rent is late, and it is not the point at which rent becomes late. Do not ignore a notice. Seek qualified help promptly if you need advice.

WHY ARE THE LATE FEES SO HIGH?

Any late fee must be authorized by your lease and comply with current state and local law. Review your ledger and contact Amoriss PNW Property Management if you believe a charge is incorrect.

WHY ARE YOU CHARGING ME FOR SERVING A NOTICE TO PAY RENT?

A notice-related charge may be assessed only when authorized by the lease and permitted by current state and local law. Contact Amoriss PNW Property Management for an itemized explanation if such a charge appears on your account.

WHAT IS A 14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE?

A 14-day notice to pay rent or vacate is a formal Washington notice stating that rent is past due and identifying the amount that must be paid within the notice period. If you receive one, review it immediately and contact Amoriss PNW Property Management to correct any error or discuss your account. The notice itself is not a court order; obtain qualified legal help if you need advice.

WHY CAN’T THE OWNER PAY FOR THE UTILITIES?

Utility responsibility varies by property and is stated in the lease. Residents pay the utilities assigned to them under the lease; owner-paid utilities remain the owner's responsibility. Contact Amoriss PNW Property Management if the lease or a utility bill is unclear.

CAN I MAKE REPAIRS AND DEDUCT THEM FROM MY RENT?

Report needed repairs in writing through the tenant portal and allow access for the work. Do not arrange major repairs or deduct costs from rent without following the lease and the specific procedures allowed by Washington law. Those remedies have notice, timing, documentation, and cost requirements, so consider qualified legal guidance before deducting any amount. Official resources: Washington landlord-tenant law (chapter 59.18 RCW), City of Tacoma tenant resources, or your own city or county tenant resources.

This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Your lease and current federal, Washington State, and local law control.

TENANT FAQ

Tenant Frequently Asked Questions

Service Areas