Rental Homes in Des Moines, WA: Complete 2025 Renter's Guide

By RentLateFee Team • November 19, 2025 • 14 min read
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Rental Homes in Des Moines, WA: Complete 2025 Renter's Guide

Des Moines, Washington, is a hidden gem in the Seattle metropolitan area, offering affordable waterfront living, strong community character, and easy access to urban amenities. Located halfway between Seattle and Tacoma along the Puget Sound, Des Moines provides renters with a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience—all at rental prices significantly lower than Seattle proper.

Overview of Des Moines, WA Rental Market

Des Moines (population ~32,000) has emerged as an attractive alternative for Seattle-area renters priced out of downtown Seattle, Bellevue, or other expensive King County neighborhoods. The city's waterfront location, marina, and beach parks offer stunning views and outdoor recreation, while its proximity to Sea-Tac Airport and major highways makes commuting manageable.

Key Market Statistics (2025):

Why Rent in Des Moines?

✅ Affordability: 25-35% cheaper than Seattle
✅ Waterfront Living: Marina, beach park, and Sound access
✅ Airport Proximity: 5 minutes to Sea-Tac International Airport
✅ Small-Town Feel: Close-knit community with local businesses
✅ Commuter-Friendly: Easy I-5 and transit access
✅ Family-Oriented: Good schools and parks
✅ Growing Economy: Redevelopment projects bringing new businesses

Des Moines Neighborhoods for Renters

1. Downtown/Marina District

Characteristics:

Rent Range:

Best For:

Pros: Waterfront lifestyle, walkability, community events
Cons: Limited parking, some older housing stock

2. Midway/Zenith

Characteristics:

Rent Range:

Best For:

Pros: Spacious homes, yards, safe streets
Cons: Less walkable, need car for most errands

3. Saltwater/Woodmont

Characteristics:

Rent Range:

Best For:

Pros: Quiet, green space, views
Cons: Some homes older, limited commercial areas

4. North Hill/Redondo

Characteristics:

Rent Range:

Best For:

Pros: Newer homes, space, views
Cons: Farther from downtown Des Moines, higher rent

Average Rental Home Prices by Size

Bedrooms Bathrooms Square Feet Average Rent Typical Deposit
2-bed 1-1.5 bath 800-1,100 $1,900-$2,600 $1,900-$2,600
3-bed 2-2.5 bath 1,200-1,600 $2,300-$3,200 $2,300-$3,200
4-bed 2.5-3 bath 1,800-2,500 $2,800-$3,800 $2,800-$3,800
5-bed+ 3+ bath 2,500+ $3,500-$4,500+ $3,500-$4,500+

Note: Prices reflect single-family homes. Townhouses and duplexes typically 10-20% less.

What to Expect in Des Moines Rental Homes

Typical Home Features:

Older Homes (Built 1950s-1980s):

Newer Homes (Built 1990s-2020s):

Common Appliances & Amenities:

Usually Included:

Usually Tenant Responsibility:

Utilities Breakdown:

Typically Included in Rent: (Rare—most tenants pay all utilities)

Typically Tenant Responsibility:

Total Monthly Housing Cost Example (3-bed home):

How to Find Rental Homes in Des Moines, WA

Online Rental Platforms:

1. Zillow Rentals

2. Trulia

3. Apartments.com

4. Craigslist Seattle-Tacoma

5. Facebook Marketplace & Groups

Local Property Management Companies:

Des Moines-Focused:

Regional Companies:

Driving Around Neighborhoods:

Des Moines is small enough to drive through in 30 minutes. Look for "For Rent" signs in neighborhoods like:

Private landlords often don't advertise online, so driving can uncover hidden gems.

Rental Application Process

Step 1: Determine Your Budget

Rule of Thumb: Monthly rent should not exceed 30% of gross monthly income.

Example:

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare these in advance for quick applications:

Step 3: Submit Application & Fees

Application Fees: $30-$75 per adult applicant (Washington state caps at actual screening cost)

Screening Process:

Timeline: 1-5 business days for approval decision

Step 4: Security Deposit & Move-In Costs

Washington State security deposit laws (RCW 59.18):

Security Deposit Limit: No statutory maximum (typically 1 month's rent)

Move-In Cost Breakdown:

Washington State Tenant Rights

Security Deposit Laws (RCW 59.18.260-280)

Return Timeline:

Allowable Deductions:

Interest Requirement:

Eviction Process (RCW 59.12)

Washington has tenant-friendly eviction protections:

  1. 14-Day Pay or Vacate Notice: For non-payment of rent
  2. 10-Day Comply or Vacate Notice: For lease violations
  3. 3-Day Notice: For serious violations (illegal activity, immediate danger)
  4. Court Summons: If tenant doesn't comply, landlord files eviction lawsuit
  5. Court Hearing: Tenant can present defense
  6. Writ of Restitution: If landlord wins, sheriff executes eviction

Total Timeline: 4-8 weeks from first notice to physical eviction (longer during COVID protections)

Habitability Requirements (RCW 59.18.060)

Landlords must maintain:

Tenants can withhold rent or repair and deduct if landlord fails to maintain habitability after written notice.

Lease Termination

Fixed-Term Leases:

Month-to-Month Leases:

Landlord Entry Rights

Notice Required:

Allowable Entry Reasons:

Rent Increase Rules

Pet-Friendly Rental Homes

Washington is a pet-friendly state, and Des Moines is dog-friendly with several off-leash parks and waterfront trails. Most single-family rental homes allow pets with:

Typical Pet Policies:

Allowed Pets:

Breed Restrictions:

Weight Limits:

Pet Fees:

Best Pet-Friendly Areas in Des Moines:

Commuting from Des Moines

Public Transit (King County Metro & Sound Transit):

Bus Routes:

Transit Center:

Driving Commute Times:

Biking & Walking:

Des Moines is bike-friendly with:

Most errands require a car due to limited walkable commercial areas outside downtown.

Cost of Living in Des Moines, WA

Monthly Budget Example (Single Person, 2-Bed Home):

Comparison to Nearby Cities:

City Average 2-Bed Home Rent
Des Moines $2,200
Seattle (Capitol Hill) $2,900
Burien $2,100
Federal Way $1,950
Renton $2,300
Kent $1,900
SeaTac $1,850

Verdict: Des Moines offers mid-range affordability with waterfront perks.

Tips for Securing Your Rental Home

1. Act Quickly

Des Moines rental homes are competitive. Good properties rent within 3-7 days.

Best Practices:

2. Highlight Your Strengths

Create a "rental resume" including:

3. Offer More Upfront

If competing with other applicants:

4. Be Flexible on Move-In Date

Landlords appreciate tenants who can move in quickly or wait for their preferred timeline.

5. Write a Personal Letter

Introduce yourself professionally:

Dear [Landlord Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I'm very interested in renting your home at [Address]. I work as a [profession] at [Company] and have lived in the Seattle area for [X years]. I'm seeking a quiet, long-term rental home where I can enjoy the Des Moines waterfront lifestyle.

I'm a responsible tenant with excellent rental history, stable income, and no evictions or late payments. I treat rental properties with care and communicate proactively with landlords.

Attached are my application materials and references. I'm happy to provide any additional information. Thank you for your consideration.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Rental Scams to Avoid

Red Flags:

🚩 Rent significantly below market (30%+ lower)
🚩 Landlord can't show property in person
🚩 Pressure to send money via wire transfer or gift cards
🚩 No written lease offered
🚩 Property owner refuses to meet or provide ID

Protection Tips:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Des Moines, WA a safe place to live?

Yes, Des Moines has lower crime rates than Seattle and Tacoma. Violent crime rates are below the national average. Property crime exists (car break-ins) but is manageable with precautions.

Q: How close is Des Moines to the beach?

Des Moines has direct Puget Sound access with Des Moines Beach Park, marina, and Redondo Beach. Homes within 5-10 blocks of the waterfront have easy beach access.

Q: Do I need a car in Des Moines?

Yes, a car is highly recommended. While downtown is walkable and transit connects to Seattle/Tacoma, most errands and commuting require a vehicle.

Q: Are Des Moines rentals cheaper than Seattle?

Yes, rental homes in Des Moines are typically 25-35% cheaper than comparable Seattle properties while offering more space and waterfront access.

Q: What are the best schools in Des Moines?

Des Moines is served by Highline Public Schools. Highly-rated schools include Midway Elementary, Woodmont Elementary, and Highline High School.

Q: Can I fish in Des Moines?

Yes! Des Moines Marina and Fishing Pier are popular fishing spots for salmon, rockfish, and crab. Washington fishing licenses required.

Resources for Des Moines Renters

Conclusion

Des Moines, Washington, offers renters an unbeatable combination of affordable waterfront living, small-town charm, and big-city access. With rental homes ranging from $1,800-$3,800/month, Des Moines provides significantly better value than Seattle while maintaining easy commute times and quality of life.

By acting quickly, understanding Washington tenant rights, and leveraging local resources, you can secure your dream rental home in this hidden Pacific Northwest gem.

Need to calculate late fees if your rent payment is delayed? Use our Washington rent late fee calculator to understand your obligations under Washington state law.

This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult local real estate professionals and tenant rights organizations for specific guidance.