Membership Benefits

Why is it important to be a member of a trade association like WAA?

First, we are fighting for your private property rights and your ability to manage your own rental property. Our priority is to keep your money in your pocket and you in control of your business. Over the years we have saved you lots of money that was due to bad legislation that could have been passed into law. Some of those issues are: business licenses, fee increases, B & O taxes, retro fitting units with sprinklers, mandatory inspection, interest on deposit, split roll taxation, eviction costs, rent control and even business and employee fees which were included in the transportation bill last year before we got wind of it.

Secondly, numbers (members) are important. The more members we have the more weight we carry when talking to people who write and enact the laws in the State of Washington. This also broadens and increases our financial base. Let’s face facts; it costs money to defend ourselves and our rights as well as try to get laws passed that we have sponsored which aid our industry. There are a lot more renters than owners out there. It also takes a lot of time. One single landlord cannot do it all. YOU cannot do it all.

When you join and support a group like WAA, it helps that group do what it takes to get the job done. We are grateful to those members who can give their time and money to make meetings, fundraisers, committee hearings and other association meetings who have common issues with us. We are also grateful to those members who may not have the time to give, but who know the importance of membership and who pay their dues in support of their association.

I know many people get frustrated because it seems like it is a never ending battle. Guess What? It is a never ending battle. Do you give up on your rental property? Do you let your residents do illegal things in your units or allow them to damage your property? I hope not! If you are like other landlords I know, you continue to do your job as a landlord and owner. You know it is a long term commitment.

Why then, would you not understand and be committed to the defense of your rights as a property owner and the management of your own business? Why would you not understand the importance of WAA and what it does for you? We all watch our pennies (we do have that reputation). Joining and being involved with WAA at all levels is one of the best investments you can make and it costs you less than a penny a day.

Join, Get Involved, and Help Us Help You!

Judith Violette, Past President, WAA