Crime Free Rental Housing…
The Crime Free Rental Housing program is a partnership between the Yakima Police Department, local landlords, and tenants working together to foster a safer and healthier community in rental housing.
Through education and support, the Crime Free Rental Housing Program addresses rental based illegal activities and special needs with the goal of reducing calls for police service and creating a safer and more stable living environment for residents.
Illegal activity on or around rental property can have a substantial negative impact to the landlord and to the surrounding neighborhood, including:
- Decline in property values – particularly when the activity begins affecting the reputation of the neighborhood
- Increased property damage – arising from abuse, retaliation or neglect
- Loss of rent – from good tenants moving out
- Fear and frustration – in dealing with dangerous tenants
- Toxic contamination from drug labs – which could result in condemnation of the property
- Loss of valued tenants
- Resentment and anger between neighbors and property managers
Benefits of the program
- A stable, more satisfied tenant
- Increased demand for rental property
- Lower maintenance and repair costs
- Improved property values
- Improved personal safety for renters
- Appreciative neighbors
- More time spent on routine management
- Less time spent on crisis control
The Yakima Police Department, in partnership with the Yakima Valley Landlord Association (www.yakimalandlords.org), provides FREE Landlord/Tenant training to help landlords and tenants understand rental issues. All participants receive an extensive Crime Free Rental Housing Program Training Resource Manual and related support materials. Topics Include:
- Rental
- Rental agreements
- Tenant screening
- Eviction process
- Landlord/Tenant Law
- Identifying and reporting illegal activity
- Warning signs of drug and gang activity
- Fire safety and arson prevention
- Section 8 Program
- Property security and safety
- Tips for active management
Resources for Landlords & Property Managers
- Choices for Eviction
- Crime-Free Lease Addendum
- 10 Biggest Mistakes
- 10 Eviction Steps
- Tenant Selection Criteria
- City of Yakima Trespass Program / Chronic Nuisance Ordinance
Resources for Tenants
* The above documents are being provided as an aid to landlords and tenants. The City is not providing legal advice and does not warrant that the information reflects current law. The City strongly encourages individuals to seek legal advice if an issue arises.