Resident Guide — Rentals by Spivey | Grays Harbor, WA
Home Apply About For owners Resources Contact Call 360-519-4425 Owner Portal Resident Center
everything you need to know

Resident Guide

Renting with Rentals by Spivey

Our promise: return inquiries by end of the next business day, handle maintenance quickly and courteously, keep quality high, and give residents exceptional service every step of the way.

Open the flip-through guide ↗
The Rentals by Spivey Resident Guide booklet

01 · Applications

How to apply

All available rentals and applications can be found at rentalsbyspivey.com. You can also sign up for our newsletter and follow our social media to get notified the moment new listings open up.

The application fee is $35 per adult, paid securely online when you submit — and it covers you for six months. One fee, every home we list in that window.

Have these ready: a photo ID for each adult, recent pay stubs or proof of income/assistance, previous addresses with landlord contacts, and your co-signer's information if you're using one.

Tours happen after your application is accepted — we screen first, then schedule your showing, so approved applicants aren't competing with window-shoppers.

First-time renter or building credit? Co-signers are accepted, and rental assistance counts toward the income requirement — apply with confidence.

When will I hear back? Within about a week of applying you'll receive an email letting you know whether you've been approved or denied. We keep your application on file for up to six (6) months, so you don't have to reapply for other homes in that window.

02 · How to qualify

The 9-point selection criteria

Every application is scored against the same nine criteria. A 9/9 as the first application received is automatically offered the unit — but a perfect score is rare. We approve plenty of 7/9 and 8/9 applicants, so don't hesitate to apply.

3× monthly income (assistance counts!)
Credit score 620 or above
Lease start matches available date
100% payment history
Clear background check
No more than 2 people per bedroom
Non-smoking preferred
Pets match apartment standard
1+ year work history (same job)

If several applicants tie at the highest score, the first to apply is offered the unit first. The only automatic disqualifier is a history of violent crime — a low credit score, collections, past eviction, a pet, or smoking can reduce your score but won't automatically rule you out.

03 · Notices & fees

Rent, deposits & notices

Rent is due on the 1st of every month, with a grace period through end of business on the 5th. On the 6th a $35 late fee applies, plus $10 per day after that until rent and accumulated fees are paid in full.

Security deposit equals the first month's rent and is refundable, less the cleaning fee in your lease — typically $300–$500 depending on the size of the home — and any charges for damage beyond normal wear and tear, determined by a walkthrough after you vacate.

Your total move-in cost is simple to estimate: first month's rent + a deposit equal to one month's rent + the $35/adult application fee (plus a pet deposit if you have an approved pet). No admin or move-in fees.

Leases are typically 12 months. Utilities vary by property — every listing states exactly what's included and what you pay, so check the listing before you apply.

Renters insurance is recommended (not required). Plans usually run $10–15/month and protect your belongings — the owner's insurance covers the building, not your things.

Inspections are conducted at least annually with a minimum of 48 hours' notice.

Lockouts: we provide one key and keep a duplicate for access. If you need lockout assistance, a $75 fee is charged at the time of service.

Notice to vacate: month-to-month agreements require at least 20 days' written notice before the end of the month; leases require at least 30 days' written notice before the lease expires. Always check your specific rental agreement first.

Evictions may result from breaking any lease terms — including non-payment of rent, repeated noise/debris complaints, threats to others' health and safety, or illegal activity.

04 · Property policies

Living in your home

Occupancy is limited to those on the lease. Anyone staying more than 7 days must apply and be approved. Let us know the name and license plate of any guest staying for any length of time.

Pets are approved case-by-case based on size, breed, and owner policy. When allowed, there's typically a monthly pet fee and a nonrefundable deposit. No animals are permitted without written authorization.

Quiet hours are 10pm–7am. Please respect neighbors' peace — keep voices, music, TV, and vehicle noise low, and avoid slamming doors or revving engines. Noise during quiet hours may be grounds for eviction.

Smoking of any kind — including marijuana — is prohibited inside the home or within 25 feet of the building. Residents are liable for any smoke-related damage.

Weapons: firearms are permitted only if all state and federal licenses, certifications, and permits are current and in good standing, which is the tenant's responsibility.

Vandalism & illegal activity will not be tolerated and will be reported to authorities, resulting in immediate termination of residency.

Community areas: keep walkways, stairs, and halls clear; parking spots aren't guaranteed and vehicles must be operational (no boats, trailers, or RVs on the premises); the roof is off-limits; and all trash must be bagged and fully inside closed receptacles — no furniture or large items.

Decks, balconies & patios must stay clear — barbecues, lawn furniture, and plants only, never storage or drying laundry. Please don't use sheets or blankets as window coverings, and keep the home clean, sanitary, and free of mold by maintaining heat and airflow.

05 · Maintenance

Requests & emergencies

Non-emergency maintenance requests must be submitted in writing through your Resident Center. Residents are liable for expenses from misuse or neglect, including by guests.

Emergencies are anything that will cause significant damage if not handled immediately — usually water or fire.

Emergency numbers

Fire — 911
Aberdeen water emergency — 360-537-3213
Hoquiam water emergency — 360-533-8935

Plumbing: report all leaks or slow drainage within 24 hours to avoid additional charges. Never put grease, sanitary products, diapers, or toys down the drains — residents are liable for repairs caused by stoppages or overflow.

Getting help

When to call vs. use the Resident Center

Use the Resident Center

Best for anything non-urgent — it's tracked, time-stamped, and the fastest way to reach us in writing.

  • Non-emergency maintenance requests
  • Pay rent & view your balance
  • General questions & documents
  • Updates on an open request
Open Resident Center

Call us

For time-sensitive matters, or an emergency that could cause damage or danger.

  • Urgent, same-day concerns — office 360-519-4425
  • Fire — 911
  • Water emergency, Aberdeen — 360-537-3213
  • Water emergency, Hoquiam — 360-533-8935
  • Gas leaks, septic failures, or downed lines — call the utility / 911
Call the office

A maintenance emergency is anything that will cause significant damage if not handled immediately — usually water or fire. When in doubt, call.

06 · Move-out checklist

Leaving your home in great shape

Complete these before your final walkthrough — carpets must be professionally cleaned at the resident's expense.

General cleaning

  • Repair any damage; remove nails/shelves and patch holes
  • Replace burnt-out lightbulbs; ensure smoke/CO detectors work
  • Clean windows, tracks, and sills; wipe or replace blinds
  • Wipe walls, trim, heaters, vents, switch covers, doors, and knobs
  • Sweep, mop, and vacuum all floors
  • Remove all belongings, debris, and garbage

Kitchen

  • Empty and wipe down cabinets and drawers, inside and out
  • Empty and wipe refrigerator and microwave
  • Run clean cycles on oven, dishwasher, and washer/dryer; wipe down
  • Wipe countertops, backsplash, sinks, and fixtures

Bathrooms

  • Empty and wipe vanity cabinets and drawers
  • Wipe countertops, backsplash, sinks, fixtures, and mirrors
  • Clean toilets, tubs, and showers

Common questions

Quick answers

Do you allow pets? +

Pets are approved case-by-case based on size, breed, and owner-specific policy. When allowed, there's usually a monthly pet fee and a nonrefundable deposit.

Do I pay an application fee every time I apply? +

No — we hold your application on file for 6 months from when you first apply.

Do I need a perfect 9/9 score? +

No. A perfect score is great but rare — we often approve 7/9 and 8/9. A 9/9 gets first opportunity; ties go to whoever applied first.

Do you accept Section 8, CCAP, and other assistance? +

Yes — we count any rental assistance toward the total income required (3× rent) for that point in the qualification process.

How much is the application fee? +

$35 per adult, paid online when you submit. It stays on file for 6 months, so one fee covers every home you apply for in that window.

Can I tour a home before applying? +

We schedule tours after your application is accepted. Since one $35 fee covers 6 months of applications, applying first costs you nothing extra.

I've never rented before — can I still qualify? +

Yes — co-signers are accepted, rental assistance counts toward income, and a less-than-perfect score doesn't rule you out. We regularly approve 7/9 and 8/9 applications.

Do I need renters insurance? +

It's recommended, not required — usually $10–15/month, and it protects your belongings (the owner's policy covers the building, not your things).

What utilities will I pay? +

It varies by property — every listing states exactly what's included and what you pay. Check the listing, or ask us before you apply.

When is rent due? +

Rent is due on the 1st, with a grace period through end of business on the 5th. On the 6th a $35 late fee applies, plus $10/day after that until paid in full.

ready to make it home?

Find your next rental

Browse live availability and apply online, or reach us any day of the week.

Browse units Contact us