TL;DR: The Perch Capitol Hill, at 500 Belmont Ave E, includes an in-home washer and dryer in every studio, one-bedroom and loft home, so you never haul laundry down a hallway or across the street. Homes range from 436 to 1,071 square feet, and the building sits two blocks from the Capitol Hill light rail station with a Walk Score of 96.
- Secure an in-home washer and dryer in every floor plan at The Perch, from 436-square-foot studios to the 1,071-square-foot two-bedroom loft.
- Compare in-unit laundry against shared laundry rooms and coin-op buildings before you sign a lease anywhere in Seattle.
- Locate The Perch two blocks from Capitol Hill light rail station, with a Walk Score of 96 and RapidRide access nearby.
- Reduce move-in costs by understanding the fee structure: a $60 application fee, a $600 refundable security deposit and no hidden laundry card fees.
- Schedule a tour to see the quartz countertops, energy-efficient windows and rooftop lounge that come standard alongside your in-unit laundry.
Why In-Home Washer and Dryer Matters in Seattle Apartments
An in-home washer and dryer means the laundry machines sit inside your apartment, not down a hallway or in a basement you share with every other resident. At The Perch Capitol Hill, that is not a premium feature reserved for larger units. It comes standard in every studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den and loft home in the building.
In-Unit Laundry vs. Shared Laundry Rooms
Shared laundry rooms are common across Seattle, especially in older or larger apartment complexes. You carry a basket down a hallway or a flight of stairs, hope a machine is free, and often pay per load with coins or a laundry card. If the building has 100 units and four machines, timing becomes a small daily negotiation. An in-home washer and dryer removes all of that. You start a load between meetings, switch it to the dryer whenever it finishes, and never leave your clothes unattended in a common space. At The Perch, this is built into the floor plan, not bolted on as an amenity upgrade.
- Privacy. Your laundry stays inside your own home, not in a shared room where anyone can move your clothes.
- Flexibility. Wash and dry on your own schedule, any hour, without waiting for an open machine.
- No per-load fees. The washer and dryer are part of the home, not a coin-op or card system.
- Time saved. No walking a basket down the hall or across the street to a laundromat.
Is a Washer and Dryer Allowed in an Apartment?
This is one of the most common questions renters ask when searching for apartments with in-home washer and dryer options in Seattle. The short answer: it depends entirely on the building. Some older apartment buildings do not have the plumbing or electrical capacity to support in-unit machines, and many leases prohibit renters from installing their own portable units without written permission. At The Perch Capitol Hill, this question does not come up, because every home is already built with a washer and dryer installed. You are not asking permission or retrofitting anything. It is part of the home the day you move in, alongside quartz countertops and modern kitchen cabinets.
In-unit laundry is not a luxury add-on here. It is the standard, in every single home, every single floor.
Every Floor Plan at The Perch Includes In-Unit Laundry
Every floor plan at The Perch Capitol Hill, from the smallest studio to the single two-bedroom loft, includes an in-home washer and dryer as a standard feature. Homes range from 436 to 1,071 square feet, and the in-unit laundry does not change based on size or price.
Studios and One-Bedrooms
The Perch offers seven studio layouts, labeled Studio A through Studio G, ranging from 436 to 497 square feet. Each one includes a full bathroom, an in-home washer and dryer, and floor-to-ceiling energy-efficient windows that bring in natural light and hold indoor temperature better than standard glass. One-bedroom homes range from 599 to 731 square feet, including a one-bedroom-plus-den layout for anyone who wants a separate space for a desk or a guest bed. All of these floor plans are detailed on the floor plans page, and every single one includes the same in-unit washer and dryer as the studios.
- Studio A through G. 436 to 497 square feet, each with in-home laundry.
- 1 Bed 1 Bath A through D. 599 to 731 square feet.
- 1 Bed 1 Bath Den. 731 square feet with a separate den space.
Two-Level Lofts and the Two-Bedroom
The loft homes are the least common floor plans in the building and tend to lease quickly. These are two-level layouts with a mezzanine sleeping level above the main living area, and some include exposed wood ceilings that add texture you will not find in a standard flat apartment. Loft sizes range from 646 to 750 square feet across three configurations. There is only one two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft in the entire building, at 1,071 square feet. It is the largest home at The Perch and, like every other unit, comes with its own washer and dryer rather than a shared laundry arrangement. Because it is a single unit, it tends to be claimed fast when it becomes available.
- 1 Bed 2 Bath Loft A, B, C. 646 to 750 square feet, two-level layouts.
- 2 Bed 2 Bath Loft. 1,071 square feet, the only one in the building.
- Mezzanine sleeping level above the main living space in all loft homes.
| Feature | In-Home Washer & Dryer (The Perch) | Shared Laundry Room | Coin-Op or Laundromat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Inside your own home | Common area, often a different floor | Off-site, requires a car or walk |
| Cost per load | Included in rent, no extra charge | Often coin or card operated, per load fee | Per load fee plus travel time |
| Schedule | Wash any time, day or night | Limited by machine availability and building hours | Limited by laundromat hours |
| Security of belongings | Laundry never leaves your home | Clothes left unattended in shared space | Clothes left unattended off-site |
| Typical building type | Boutique buildings like The Perch Capitol Hill | Larger apartment complexes | No apartment laundry at all |
The Perch Capitol Hill Location and Walkability
The Perch Capitol Hill sits at 500 Belmont Ave E, between the Broadway and E Olive Way corridors, with a Walk Score of 96. That means daily errands, coffee, dinner and transit are all within a few blocks, not a drive.
Getting Around Without a Car
Capitol Hill light rail station is close enough to reach on foot, connecting you to downtown Seattle, the University of Washington and Sea-Tac Airport without needing a car. RapidRide service adds another transit option nearby, and residents also have easy access to cycle share and ZipCar for the occasional trip that calls for four wheels. This matters for the same reason in-home laundry matters: it removes friction from daily life. You are not driving to a laundromat, and you are not driving to catch a bus either. Everything sits within a few blocks.
- Capitol Hill light rail station within a few blocks.
- RapidRide transit access nearby for cross-town trips.
- Cycle share and ZipCar available for car-free living.
Restaurants, Coffee and Parks on Belmont and Beyond
Summit Ave E runs one block west of Belmont, and between the two streets and Broadway you will find a dense cluster of restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Grab a coffee at Analog Coffee on Summit Ave E or Espresso Vivace on Broadway E before heading to the light rail. For dinner, Single Shot on Summit Ave E and Altura on Broadway E are both a few blocks from the building, and Harry’s Fine Foods on Bellevue Ave E is a neighborhood staple. For green space, Cal Anderson Park and Volunteer Park both give you room to walk, run or just sit outside, and Summit Slope Park is close enough for a quick break between errands. None of this requires a car, and none of it requires leaving your laundry unattended somewhere across town while you go enjoy the neighborhood.
- Coffee. Analog Coffee, Espresso Vivace, hearth and coffee, all within a few blocks.
- Dinner. Single Shot, Altura, Deluxe Bar and Grill, Corvus and Company on nearby blocks.
- Parks. Cal Anderson Park, Volunteer Park and Summit Slope Park for outdoor time.
What You Pay: Rent, Fees and Move-In Costs
Move-in costs at The Perch include a $60 application fee, a refundable $600 security deposit, and a hold fee that ranges from $250 to $400 depending on the rent tier of the home you choose. There are no separate laundry card fees or coin machine costs because the washer and dryer are already part of your home.
Understanding the Fee Structure
Every renter pays a $60 application fee up front. The hold fee, which applies toward your first month’s rent once you move in, is tiered based on the rent of the home: $250 for homes under $1,200, $350 for homes between $1,200 and $1,599, and $400 for homes at $1,600 or more. The security deposit is a flat $600 and is refundable. If you have a pet, expect a $300 refundable pet deposit plus $50 per pet per month in pet rent. Parking, if you need it, runs $250 per month with controlled access. All of these costs are laid out in detail on the move in costs and fees page, and none of them include a laundry surcharge, because that cost is already built into your rent.
- Application fee. $60, required for all applicants.
- Security deposit. $600, refundable.
- Hold fee. $250 to $400 depending on rent tier, applied toward first month’s rent.
- Pet deposit and rent. $300 refundable deposit, $50 per pet monthly.
What’s Included vs. What You Pay Separately
Residents are responsible for their own utilities and renter’s insurance is required, which is standard across most Seattle apartment buildings. What is not standard is having Energy Star appliances, water-saving fixtures and an in-home washer and dryer already included in your home, which can help keep utility costs more predictable than in older buildings with less efficient systems. Schedule A Tour to see exactly which fees apply to the specific floor plan you’re considering, since hold fee tiers shift with rent.
Sustainability and Building Features Beyond Laundry
The Perch Capitol Hill is LEED Gold certified and carbon neutral at construction, meaning the building was designed and built to reduce its environmental footprint from the ground up. This sustainability focus shapes everything from the windows to the heating system, not just the laundry setup.
Energy Efficiency Throughout the Building
The floor-to-ceiling energy-efficient windows in every home do double duty: they let in natural light and they hold indoor temperature better, which also reduces street noise from Belmont Ave E and the surrounding blocks. The building uses passive cooling design instead of window AC units, which is a notable point since air conditioning is not standard in most Seattle apartments and summers here rarely demand it. A reverse cycle air-to-water chiller transfers heat from the parking garage to the hot water supply, an unusual and efficient system that most renters never think about but that reflects the building’s broader commitment to sustainability. The Perch was also named a Green Builder Media Home of the Year in 2014, and you can see more of the building’s design on the sustainability page and in the photo gallery.
- LEED Gold certified with a carbon neutral footprint at construction.
- Passive cooling design, no window AC units needed.
- Reverse cycle air-to-water chiller reuses heat from the parking garage.
- Energy Star appliances and water-saving fixtures in every home.
Rooftop Lounge and Everyday Amenities
Beyond the in-home washer and dryer, residents have access to a rooftop lounge with BBQ grills, city views and an Olympic Mountains backdrop, a spot that works well for an evening outside without leaving the building. Most homes also include exterior decks, and some homes offer views of Mount Rainier or the Space Needle and Seattle skyline, though views vary by home and floor. Other day-to-day conveniences include Parcel Pending package lockers, controlled access parking and bike storage, and controlled building access throughout. These amenities, paired with in-unit laundry, mean fewer trips outside the building for routine tasks. You can browse the full list on the amenities page.
- Rooftop lounge with BBQ grills and Olympic Mountains views.
- Exterior decks on most homes.
- Parcel Pending package lockers for secure deliveries.
- Controlled access parking and bike storage.
MFTE and Affordable Options at The Perch
A limited number of income-restricted homes at The Perch Capitol Hill are available through Seattle’s Multifamily Tax Exemption program, offering reduced rent to households who meet income eligibility requirements. These MFTE homes include the same in-home washer and dryer as every other unit in the building.
How MFTE Works Here
The mfte program requires an eligibility review, income documentation and annual recertification, and applications are handled online through Pronto Housing rather than through the standard leasing process. Availability for MFTE homes is separate from market-rate availability, so it’s worth checking in directly rather than assuming a floor plan is open. Right now, MFTE units at The Perch come with up to two weeks free, a specific and limited offer that applies only to those income-restricted homes. If you think you might qualify, the fastest way to find out is to start the application process directly.
- Income eligibility review required, with annual recertification.
- Applications submitted online through Pronto Housing.
- Up to two weeks free currently available on MFTE units.
- Same in-home washer and dryer and amenities as market-rate homes.
Where to Start If You Might Qualify
If MFTE sounds like it could fit your situation, Register Now through Pronto Housing to begin the eligibility process. This is a separate track from touring a market-rate home, so it helps to know which path applies to you before you reach out. Either way, whether you are looking at a market-rate studio or an income-restricted one-bedroom, every home in the building includes the same in-home washer and dryer, the same quartz countertops, and the same access to the rooftop lounge and Capitol Hill location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you allowed to have a washer and dryer in your apartment in Seattle?
It depends on the building. Many older Seattle apartments do not have the plumbing or electrical setup for in-unit machines, and some leases restrict portable units. At The Perch Capitol Hill, every home already includes a built-in washer and dryer, so there is nothing to install or request permission for.
Does every floor plan at The Perch Capitol Hill have an in-home washer and dryer?
Yes. Every studio, one-bedroom, one-bedroom-plus-den and loft home at The Perch, ranging from 436 to 1,071 square feet, includes its own in-home washer and dryer as a standard feature.
Where can I live for around $500 a month in Seattle?
Market-rate rents in Seattle, including at The Perch, are typically well above $500 a month; for exact current pricing, contact leasing directly since rates vary by floor plan. For renters with lower incomes, Seattle’s Multifamily Tax Exemption program offers income-restricted homes at reduced rents, including a limited number at The Perch Capitol Hill.
How do I qualify for income-restricted housing in Seattle, like MFTE?
MFTE eligibility is based on household income relative to the area median income, and it requires documentation and annual recertification once you’re approved. At The Perch, MFTE applications are submitted online through Pronto Housing, separate from the standard leasing process.
Is air conditioning common in Seattle apartments?
No, air conditioning is not standard in most Seattle apartments, since the climate rarely requires it. The Perch Capitol Hill uses passive cooling design and energy-efficient windows instead of window AC units, which helps regulate indoor temperature without added equipment.
What sizes are the apartments at The Perch Capitol Hill?
Homes range from 436-square-foot studios up to a single 1,071-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft. In between are one-bedroom homes from 599 to 731 square feet and two-level loft homes from 646 to 750 square feet.
What fees should I expect when moving into The Perch?
Expect a $60 application fee, a refundable $600 security deposit, and a hold fee between $250 and $400 based on the rent of your chosen home. Pet deposits are $300 refundable per pet, with $50 monthly pet rent, and parking is $250 per month.
Is The Perch Capitol Hill close to light rail?
Yes. The building sits at 500 Belmont Ave E, close enough to walk to the Capitol Hill light rail station, and it also has RapidRide access nearby. Its Walk Score is 96.
See the In-Home Laundry and the Rest of The Perch in Person
An in-home washer and dryer, a Walk Score of 96, a LEED Gold certified building, and homes from 436 to 1,071 square feet: these are the concrete details that separate The Perch Capitol Hill from a typical apartment search. You are not choosing between a nice building and convenient laundry. Every home here includes both, along with quartz countertops, energy-efficient windows and rooftop access to Olympic Mountains views. Whether you’re drawn to a compact studio, a two-level loft, or one of the limited MFTE homes, the best next step is to see the space yourself. Schedule A Tour and walk through a floor plan, check the rooftop lounge, and get a feel for Belmont Ave E and the surrounding Capitol Hill blocks before you decide.
