Interview With Painless Properties

Hi all!

We were fortunate enough to interview Painless Properties, a property management group based in bel
in Bellingham,WA. Painless Properties is a well known property management company amongst students at Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University.

Well, here you go!



Questions From http://www.rankmypropertymanager.com:

What sets Painless Properties apart from other Bellingham property managers?

We have onsite management that deals with lock outs, noise complaints and emergency work orders. Our goal is to have zero complaints against us. We have more than a hundred surveys that on average rate us 4 out of 5 on satisfaction. If someone is unhappy about something we do everything we can to turn that around. We encourage people to complain so that we can fix it.


What are the most common reasons people have their security deposits withheld from them?

Cleaning/Damages/Carpet replacements due to cigarette/hookah burns.
What kind of advice would you give to prospective tenants regarding the maintenance of their apartment? We tell people to be very thorough and to document everything. We also tell people to document any damages that may happen while they are away so they wouldn’t be charged for it.(It is a shared living environment)


What procedures should a tenant go through upon moving in and moving out?

A very detailed move in inspection. That includes cleanliness along with any existing damages. Asking us what cleaning needs to be done or to check their apartment before they turn in keys.


How does Painless Properties deal with noise violations and tenant complaints?

On site management will respond immediately by visiting or calling the residents causing the disturbance after hours. During office hours we try to contact them personally and discuss it and then follow up with a notice.


How does Painless Properties handle tenants who are delinquent in rental payments?

A reminder phone call, a rent due notice then a 3 day notice to pay or vacate. If a resident is having difficulties we try to work with them on payment arrangements.


What is a current weakness Painless Properties can improve on?

Doing a better job cleaning up the dumpsters, parking lots and laundry rooms.


Is Painless Properties rated by the Better Business Bureau? If so, what is your letter grade?

We are not currently a member.


Has Painless Properties ever been taken to court for a case which they lost?

If so, please specify why and how Painless Properties has attempted to fix the issue. No




Questions inspired by rankmypropertymanager.com patrons:

Several students have mentioned that Painless Properties tends to treat its tenants more like juveniles rather than adults during interaction. Does Painless Properties have any insight on this?

It is not our intention to treat anyone like a child, however we do explain things very thoroughly to everyone equally.


Does Painless Properties have any plans for improving the congested parking spacing in the main parking area?

Parking is a problem everywhere in Bellingham. We regularly monitor the parking lots and ticket and tow cars that are not registered with our office.


Does Painless Properties have plans to deal with the excessive debris around the dumpsters?

The garbage around the dumpsters is a result of residents not putting their garbage in the dumpsters. There is someone on staff four days a week to clean those areas.