Process
Shared living can be a great experience if approached with care and with clear communications.
Since 2016 I have experienced a household with much drama and a household where the house was clean, housemates pleasant and able to speak their mind. I prefer the later.
To reach this goal I created the Renter's Guide. Since I host international students from time to time they have a slightly different process; steps 6/7.
As a person inquiring about a room please see steps 1 and 2 and then let me know 3 times/days* good for you. Usually I can reply with a time/date and then you confirm. That's 3 messages instead of several.
Good/clean people: I know many people are good/clean people. But, without a process a house can soon spiral downward. With a process, the house 1. stays pleasant 2. communication is fast and clear and 3. problems are solved quickly. I like to say that the Renter's Guide is where common sense meets reality. I hope the environment I provide is a match for you and your goals.
*Times/days: usually a viewing takes around 30 minutes: please give me the time you will arrive and the time you must depart. Example, 15th from 2pm-5pm. This way I can schedule the thirty minutes within your timeframe.
For locals:
1. View Matt's
A. Introduction
C. FAQs
D. Past stories making the house what it is now
2. View Renter's Guide
West Seattle --> Mi Casita
South Seattle-->Casa de Vida
3. Contact me introducing yourself
4. View property
5. Review contract
6. Reference check: any three
current/past employer; current/past landlord,
mentor, counselor, teacher. (No family/friends/coworkers)
7. Background/credit check (>600)
use this link and choose "Gold Package"
8. Sign contract and pay holding deposit
9. Before or on move in, receive room key,
pay 1st, deposit ($500), join House
group on Messenger
10. Move in and receive front door code
For visa holders coming from abroad:
1-6 Same as for locals
7. Passport page/visa/school or work documents
sending an image is alright
8-10 Same as for locals