Our Ethical Foundation
VPMG Property Management was built on the principle that property management should be transparent, honest, and genuinely aligned with the interests of the clients we serve. Ethics is not a compliance checkbox for us — it is the reason we operate the way we do. Every policy, fee structure, and business practice at VPMG flows from a commitment to doing what is right, not just what is legal.
This Ethics Policy describes the standards we hold ourselves to in our dealings with property owners, tenants, vendors, and the broader community. It applies to everyone who acts on behalf of VPMG, including our broker, staff, and authorized contractors.
Honest Dealing
We commit to honesty in every interaction. This means we tell property owners what we honestly believe their rental is worth — not an inflated number to win their business. It means we tell prospective tenants clearly what the application criteria are. It means we communicate bad news (a maintenance issue, a difficult tenant situation, a vacancy that is taking longer to fill) promptly and directly rather than hiding it.
We do not use deceptive language, misleading comparisons, or false urgency in our marketing or sales process. Our website and advertising describe our services accurately, including their limitations. We do not make promises we cannot keep.
Transparent Pricing
VPMG charges a single, flat management fee of 8% of collected monthly rent. There are no setup fees, no vacancy fees, no renewal fees, no inspection fees layered on top of that number. When we propose a management agreement, we disclose all fees in writing before the agreement is signed.
We believe that fee transparency is an ethical obligation. Property owners deserve to know exactly what they are paying and exactly what they get for it. We will never introduce a new fee for an existing client without providing advance notice and the opportunity to discuss it.
For tenant-related costs — application fees, security deposits, late fees — we apply only what is permitted under Washington State law and what is explicitly disclosed in the lease agreement. We do not impose fees that have not been agreed to in writing.
Fair Housing Compliance
Compliance with fair housing law is a non-negotiable ethical baseline. VPMG applies all tenant screening criteria consistently and objectively, without regard to protected characteristics. We do not accommodate requests from property owners that would violate fair housing law, including requests to reject applicants based on protected class status.
Any VPMG representative who observes or becomes aware of a potential fair housing violation — whether by VPMG, a property owner, or anyone else involved in a transaction — is expected to report it immediately to the designated broker. We will take appropriate action, which may include declining or terminating a management relationship.
For a complete description of our fair housing commitment, please see our Fair Housing Statement.
Conflicts of Interest
VPMG's interests must never take priority over our clients' interests. We do not accept kickbacks, referral fees, or undisclosed commissions from vendors, contractors, or suppliers who work on properties we manage. When we recommend a contractor or vendor, it is because we believe they are the best option for the property owner's situation — not because of any financial benefit to VPMG.
If a situation arises in which VPMG or a VPMG representative has a personal or financial interest that could conflict with a client's interest, that conflict will be disclosed to the affected client promptly and in writing. The client will then have the information needed to make an informed decision about how to proceed.
VPMG does not manage properties owned by VPMG personnel without full written disclosure to any co-owners or relevant parties. We do not use knowledge gained through our management relationships to advance personal financial interests at the expense of our clients.
Confidentiality
We receive sensitive information about property owners and tenants in the course of providing our services — financial information, personal background, property conditions, and business affairs. We treat all such information as confidential and do not share it except as necessary to carry out our management duties, as required by law, or with the explicit consent of the person whose information it is.
Treating All Parties with Respect
Our ethical obligations extend to tenants, even though tenants are not our direct clients. We treat all tenants with professional respect, respond to maintenance requests promptly, communicate honestly about lease terms, and enforce lease terms consistently and without discrimination. A tenant who is treated fairly is more likely to care for the property, pay rent on time, and renew their lease — which ultimately serves the property owner's interests. Ethical treatment of tenants is both the right thing to do and sound business practice.
Compliance with Law
VPMG operates in full compliance with all applicable laws, including Washington State landlord-tenant law (RCW Chapter 59.18), fair housing law, real estate licensing requirements, and consumer protection statutes. Our designated broker maintains an active Washington State real estate license and keeps current with continuing education requirements and regulatory changes.
We do not engage in, facilitate, or knowingly support illegal activity in connection with any property we manage. If we become aware of illegal activity at a managed property, we will take appropriate action in accordance with the law and our contractual obligations.
How to Report an Ethics Concern
If you believe that VPMG or any VPMG representative has acted unethically, we want to know about it. Concerns can be reported by:
- Email: info@vancouverpmg.com
- Phone: (360) 803-2002
- Mail: VPMG Property Management, 4305 NE Thurston Way, Suite D, Vancouver, WA 98662
All ethics concerns are reviewed by the designated broker personally. We will acknowledge receipt of your concern promptly and communicate our findings or actions within a reasonable time. We do not retaliate against anyone who raises a good-faith ethics concern.
If your concern involves the conduct of a licensed real estate professional, you may also file a complaint with the Washington State Department of Licensing, Real Estate Program, at dol.wa.gov/real-estate.