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Rental Housing Code (TMC 1.95)

Effective October 1, 2021, the Rental Housing Code includes:

  • Just Cause Evictions (JCE) standards 
  • Prohibits Illegal Rental Agreement Provisions
  • Prohibits Landlords from Requiring Tenants to provide more than a 20-day termination of tenancy

Read the Updated Code

 

Proposed Changes To the Rental Housing Code:

  • Shared Housing 
  • Late Fee standards 
  • Notice of proposed sale of low-income housing
  • Restriction on filing evictions if the housing provider does not have a City of Tacoma (COT) Rental Business License

To provide comments on the proposed changes or to ask a question, please contact TacomaRHC@cityoftacoma.org.

 

Learn More and Provide Feedback at Our Events

November 4, 2021 Rental Housing Code Informational Event

Join us to learn more about the recent updates and proposed changes to the Tacoma's Rental Housing Code (TMC 1.95, RHC).  

 

The changes to the RHC went into effect on October 1, 2021 and include:

  • Just Cause Eviction Provisions
  • Prohibits Illegal Rental Agreement Provisions
  • Prohibits landlords from requiring a tenant to provide more than a 20-day notice to terminate tenancy  

Proposed changes include:

  • Shared Housing Standards
  • Late Fee Standards
  • Notice of proposed sale to low-income tenants
  • Restricting landlord who do not have a City of Tacoma Rental Business License from filing evictions

Event Details

November 4, 2021 from 5:30-6:30 PM

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86958663922?pwd=TytXNmdwSGlYUUYzUXYyREZOOUoyZz09

(253) 215-8782

Webinar ID: 869 5866 3922

Passcode: 145112

 

View the Facebook Event page and RSVP

 

 

 

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 requirement for rent increases
  • A requirement that landlords distribute information about tenant rights as well as landlord and tenant responsibilities 

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

What is the Rental Housing Code?

On November 20, 2018, the Tacoma City Council passed the Rental Housing Code (TMC 1.95).  The Rental Housing Code (RHC) provides protections for tenants and provides specific guidance to landlords who own or operate residential rental property in Tacoma, and includes a provision for relocation assistance to low-income tenants who are displaced under certain circumstances.   

The Rental Housing Code permanently replaces the City’s temporary Ordinance 25508 which will sunset on January 31, 2019.  

Why did the City pass the Rental Housing Code?

The City of Tacoma recognizes that the rental market in Tacoma is drastically changing. In an effort to gain and sustain housing stability and to protect the most vulnerable populations, the City, working in collaboration with stakeholder groups that included housing providers, tenants, realtors, and legal representatives, established Tacoma Municipal Code 1.95.

Does the Rental Housing Code replace the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18)?

The Rental Housing Code does not replace the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18, RLTA).  However, it does expand certain protections under the RLTA and allows the City of Tacoma to regulate and enforce on violations.

What is required in the Rental Housing Code?

The Rental Housing Code includes:

  • 120-day notice to vacate and relocation assistance for low-income tenants authorized by RCW 59.18.440, when a landlord intends to change the use, substantially rehabilitate, or demolish a swelling unit
  • 60-day notice to vacate for no-cause eviction
  • 60-day notice requirement rent increases
  • A requirement that landlords distribute certain information
  • Prohibits retaliation against tenants for exercising their rights
  • Allows installment payments for various deposits and fees
  • Codification of relocation assistance when the City declares a building uninhabitable
  • Provides authority to enforce violations.    

When will the permanent Rental Housing Ordinance become effective?

The new ordinance will be fully in effect February 1, 2019.

The "Notice to increase rent" portion of the ordinance is effective December 7, 2018.

Does Rental Housing Code apply to me?

The Rental Housing Code applies to anyone who owns, operates or rents residential rental property within the city of Tacoma limits.

Contact Us

 

Customer Support Center
747 Market Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
311 or (253) 591-5000

 

Helpful Links

 

Rental Housing Code

Rental Housing Code Flyer

Washington State Residential Landlord Tenant Act