Sunset House

Seattle housing co-operative established 1970.

About Us

Sunset House is seeking long-term members for our lovely cooperative house in the Central District / south Capitol Hill area.

About Us

Sunset House is a cooperative in a beautiful, six-bedroom, purple house located on Duwamish land in the Central District / south Capitol Hill area. Our house consists of: 6 bedrooms, a covered front porch, newly built big back deck, hardwood floors, a guest bedroom, living room, dining room, an open kitchen, large pantry, a large basement, and breakfast nook space. Our backyard is big with many garden beds, 3 chickens and their coop, fruit trees, a large newly built deck, and space for potential! The basement has a tool room, space for musicians to practice, plenty of storage space, washer/dryer, chest freezer, mini-fridge for extra storage and bike hooks.A community since 1970, Sunset is part of a land trust, so that means no landlord! As a member, you will be a steward of the property, taking part in all decisions that have to do with improvements, maintenance, recruitment, and more. We have a duty and responsibility to maintain the house, and pay dues to be able to afford to make repairs, pay our property taxes and nurture the space and our community. The Evergreen Land Trust is the oldest community land trust in the Pacific Northwest, the board of which is composed of members of its eight properties. In short, as members of the ELT, we hold each other accountable to following the mission of providing permanently affordable and sustainable housing.

Our Values

To build strong relations with each other, formally and informally. To cultivate an intentional community of mutual aid and generosity.To steward this house responsibly, keeping it beautiful, safe, and well­ maintained.To create a household that feels alive, full, active, and welcoming – the center of a web for family, friends, and extended community.To advocate for social, environmental, and economic justice in two ways:
(1) Through the demonstration of sustainable living practices in our home and on our property
(2) By participating in community organizing efforts with a specific focus on creating more affordable, sustainable, and democratically­-controlled housing for all.We encourage people who are BIPOC, queer or trans, or who may otherwise be discriminated against in Seattle's housing process to apply.

Current Residents

Elle (she/they) is a white antizionist Jewish transfemme originally from Los Angeles, and has lived at Sunset House since 2021. She is excited about cooking food, foraging for mushrooms, and fighting for a future of liberation, abolition, and an end to capitalism. They are 30 years old and work hybrid remote/in person as an educator.Arlo (they/he) is a white, trans, nonbinary, neuroqueer person grown in the rural Maine countryside before moving to Seattle in June 2021. They work part time as a Home Care Aid to financially support themself as a comic artist, musician in a punk band, and zine artist. He loves to frolic, find beauty in the mundane, and practice being truly present in the moment. They're hoping to throw more DIY shows in the backyard, and get excited about house renovation projects.Alex (they/them) is a 28 year old non-binary Afrolatinx. Originally from Texas, they moved here in early 2023 to pursue a career in ceramics. They are currently working at a ceramics studio, and when they aren't busy with that, you'll often find them in the kitchen cooking, doing yoga, or going for walks. Alex is Cheeto (8 year old orange tabby)'s mommy and soulmate!Ash (they/she) I am 38 yo, white, queer femme. I am sometimes a nanny, substitute teacher, and/or dance teacher. I am currently pursuing work related to end of life doula-ing. I am in an abolitionist centered organization and am involved in some Palestine solidarity work. I am on a healing journey with PMDD and depression, I'm in therapy =). I take dance classes and I meditate. I practice Spanish and sometimes accordion (with consent on times). I have over 11 years of intentional community living experience. I am very tidy=) I like to directly communicate with compassion. I appreciate folks who are upfront. Some things that I take pleasure in that fluctuate in frequency: biking, puzzling, impromptu dance parties, camping, gardening, shows/movies, reading, playing basketball, random creative endeavors. I am vegan. I love animals. I enjoy a balance of being goofy, serious and the in between. I am fully vaccinated with several boosters and still take precautions around covid.Aryele(they/them) coming soon!June (she/her) coming soon!

Current Member Responsibilities (~13 hours/month):

--Pay dues of $850 on the 1st of every month (includes “rent,” food, utilities, maintenance costs, and house staples like batteries/stamps/etc)--Attend meetings as scheduled, currently 3-4 times a month, 90 minutes in length.--Participate in our house chore system and cooking a group meal once a week.--Maintain a neat and tidy common space--Help to maintain the physical structure of the house at our monthly work parties (~3-5 hours per month)Duties, dues, and time commitments may change depending on the agreements that all house members make together.

Application + Move In Process

Step 1: Fill out the application, linked here.Step 2: If we think we might be a good fit for each other, we will reach out via the phone number you provided and set up time for a one-on-one phone call with one of the house members.Step 3: If we proceed, you will be invited to an in-person interview where we get the chance to learn more about each other, and you get to tour the house.Step 4: If we proceed from there, you are invited to come live at Sunset!MOVE IN
There is a fee of $1450, which includes a damage deposit ($600) + first month’s dues ($850). The security deposit can be paid in installments over six months. As we re-evaluate our expenses, dues are subject to change.You will be asked to sign the "Sunset House Community Agreements" and "Resident and Member Agreement Through Evergreen Land Trust". If you would like to view those at any time during the interview process, please ask!3 MONTH PROVISIONAL MEMBER STATUS
Upon moving in, provisional member status is given for three months. At the end of three months, the provisional member can apply for full membership, which the community chooses to grant or deny or if the provisional member decides not to apply for membership at the end of the three month trial period, they must move out within 60 days. If it isn't working out, hopefully the request will not come as a surprise. Members of the house will be transparent with the provisional member if concerns arise in those first three months. As a house, we seek to address difficulties promptly and directly.The limitations of being a provisional member include not having direct personal access to the house bank accounts, and not being permitted to cast a vote at house meetings in decisions regarding membership (approval or termination of others's membership.)FULL MEMBERSHIP
If the provisional member applies for full membership and it is granted, the above limitations are lifted.

FAQ!

Q: Does the house follow ADA requirements for accessibility?
A: Unfortunately, no. The house has multiple steps to enter, and we do not have any bathrooms or bedrooms on the ground floor – only up or down steep stairs. We are hoping to renovate the house to make it more accessible in the future, but we do not see this happening in the next few years due to cost constraints.Q: Can I bring a furry pet or service animal?
A: We’re open to negotiating! Currently, one indoor kitty named Cheeto lives here. There are also three adult chickens outdoors in the backyard.Q: What do dues cover?
A: Property taxes, maintenance costs, utilities, house incidental needs, gardening supplies, and food.Q: Since it's a cooperative, can I gain equity as an individual?
A: No, no individual can gain equity in this property.Q: Is there a move-in fee?
A: Yes, there is a damage deposit of $600, in addition to the $850 for your first month. That's a total of $1450 for move-in. The damage deposit can be paid in installments over six months.Q: How many bathrooms are there?
A: Two bathrooms – one on the second floor and one in the basement.Q: Can couples or friends apply?
A: Yes! We are open to people applying as a group. However, due to the nature of Sunset being a membership organization, dues for people sharing a room will not be significantly less than the $850 per person for a single room.Q: How long does the application process take?
A: Generally two weeks to a month! Sometimes, up to two months, though we will try to move quickly so as to respect your time and housing needs.Q: Will you really ask a provisional member to move out if they're not a good fit?
A: Yes. If it isn't working out, hopefully this request will not come as a surprise. The house will be transparent with the provisional member if concerns arise in those first three months. As a house, we seek to address difficulties promptly and directly and, when appropriate, give folks the chance to change any problematic behaviors.Q: I applied, will I hear back from you folks either way?
A: We will reach out if we're interested in scheduling a phone interview. Otherwise, we won't reach out!

Open Rooms

No rooms currently open!

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