What a Seattle landlord can charge at move-in
Seattle limits what a landlord can collect when you move in. The security deposit and any fees together cannot be more than one month's rent, fees are allowed only for cleaning and screening, and they are capped at 10% of a month's rent. Fees are not refunded; the deposit is. A pet deposit of up to 25% of a month's rent can come on top (City of Seattle).
You can also split those costs. Seattle renters have the right to pay the deposit, fees and last month's rent in installments, and the schedule depends on the lease length: on a lease of 6 months or more the deposit can be paid over 6 equal months. A landlord cannot refuse the plan or charge interest for it (Renting in Seattle). That leaves more cash in hand in the weeks you are also paying for the move.
For the building, ask the manager which hours the elevator and loading area can be held, and whether they want a Certificate of Insurance. Send us their wording and the certificate will repeat it.
Two days on I-5, starting with the Grapevine
The truck leaves downtown on US 101, joins I-5 north of the city, and stays on it through the Central Valley, the length of western Oregon and on to Seattle. The wheel time is about 17 hours, and federal hours-of-service rules allow a truck driver 11 at most before a 10-hour break, so the load spends one night parked between the two driving days. The rate stays the same if the drive takes longer.
The Grapevine carries I-5 through Tejon Pass at a 6% grade for 5 miles, and Caltrans and the CHP close it when snow or ice sticks to the road. Their count is 3 to 5 full closures in a typical season from October to April. Closures usually last 4 to 6 hours and some run past 24, and neither agency forecasts a reopening time (Caltrans Operation Snowflake). That is why a winter loading day in Los Angeles can still mean a later delivery date within the window.
- Los Angeles, loading day: show the crew the pieces that come apart, the boxes that ride last, and sign the bill of lading.
- On I-5: the first driving day crosses the Grapevine and the Central Valley, the second runs through Oregon into Washington.
- Seattle, delivery: point each piece to its room and note any damage on the Damage Report before you sign.
Washington's 30-day deadline for license and plates
Washington starts a 30-day count for new residents. Within it you need a Washington driver license, and a car cannot be registered here until you hold one (Washington State Department of Licensing). Vehicle registration has the same 30-day limit and is handled at a vehicle licensing office, a separate place from the driver licensing office (DOL vehicle registration). Book the driver license visit for your first week, so the plates do not run late.
Our Irvine office handles Los Angeles moves. Stopping short in Oregon? The Los Angeles to Portland page prices that trip, and the pricing page shows how long-distance prices are built.
