Subscribe to receive notifications when this web page is updated.
Community Discussions on Tacoma's Rental Housing Code
The City of Tacoma’s Office of Equity and Human Rights and Neighborhood and Community Services Department are developing rules for the enforcement of the Tacoma Rental Housing Code. The City would like to engage with community members and landlords to discuss the rule development process and gather feedback for the Rental Housing Code Rules.
The City has planned two meetings:
- July 11, 6-8 PM
Salishan Family Investment Center (1724 East 44th Street, Tacoma, WA)
- July 18, 6-8 PM
Center for Urban Waters - Bay Room (326 E. D Street, Tacoma, WA)
For more information about the events and to make language or disability accommodations for the meetings, contact the Office of Equity and Human Rights at (253) 591-5045.
The Rental Housing Code Information Packets Now Available
The City of Tacoma’s Tenant Information Packets are now available for download. The packet includes:
- Summaries of TMC 1.95, RCW 59.18, TMC 1.29 and TMC 2.01, which must be distributed to all current tenants within thirty (30) days of February 1, 2019, when the code went into effect.
- Resource pages landlords are required to give to tenants with any notice under RCW 59.12 and TMC 1.95.
Download the Tenant Information Packet
Tacoma City Council Passes Rental Housing Code
On November 20, 2018, the Tacoma City Council passed the Rental Housing Code providing protections for tenants and specific guidance to landlords who operate residential rental businesses in Tacoma. The Rental Housing Code also includes a provision for housing relocation assistance to qualifying tenants and allows the City to investigate complaints and enforce the code.
New Requirements for Landlords:
- 120-day notice to vacate and relocation assistance for low-income tenants when a landlord intends to change the use, substantially rehabilitate, or demolish a dwelling unit
- 60-day notice to vacate for no-cause termination of tenancy
- 60-day notice requirement for rent increases
- A requirement that landlords distribute information about tenant rights as well as landlord and tenant responsibilities
New Tenant Protections:
- Prohibits retaliation against tenants for exercising their rights under the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18, RLTA)
- Allows installment payments for various deposits and fees
- Codification of relocation assistance when the City declares a building uninhabitable
- Provides relocation assistance for qualifying termination of tenancy of low-income tenants
- Allows tenants to file a complaint and for the City of Tacoma to investigate and enforce the code
Does this Ordinance Apply to Me?
If you own, operate or rent residential rental property within the Tacoma city limits, the Rental Housing Code applies to you. Verify if your rental property is within the Tacoma city limits.
Frequently Asked Questions