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Rental Housing Code (TMC 1.95)

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We would like to thank everyone who participated in our Rental Housing Code survey. Learn more about the changes below. 

 

Learn more about the proposed Rental Housing Codes (RHC):

 

Spring 2023 RHC Proposed Changes

 

The Office of Equity & Human Rights briefed the Tacoma City Council on updates to the Rental Housing Code at the Community Vitality and Safety (CVS) Committee on May 25, 2023. View the video recording of the meeting and memorandum about the proposed changes to TMC 1.95.

 

 

Tacoma's Rental Housing Code Information

 

 

 

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

 

 

Requirements for Landlords:  

  • Follow Just Cause Eviction (JCE) provisions when terminating a tenancy
  • 120-day notice to vacate and relocation assistance for low-income tenants when the landlord intends to demolish, substantially rehabilitate, or change the use (not to include selling of property) of a dwelling unit  
  • 60-day notice to increase rent
  • A requirement for landlords to distribute information about tenant rights as well as landlord and tenant responsibilities.  
  Tenant Protections: 

 

  • Prohibits retaliation against a tenant for exercising their rights under the Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18, RLTA)
  • Allows installment payments for various deposits, last month rent and fees
  • Codification of relocation assistance when the City declares a building uninhabitable
  • Provides relocation assistance for qualifying low-income tenants when tenancy is terminated for property being demolished, substantial rehabilitation, or change of use (not to include selling of the property) a dwelling unit
  • Allows tenants to file a complaint and the City of Tacoma to investigate and enforce violations of 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:

  • Just Cause Eviction (JCE) provisions must be followed when terminating a tenancy
  • 120-day notice to vacate and relocation assistance for low-income tenants authorized by RCW 59.18.440, when a landlord intends to demolish, substantially rehabilitate, or change of use (not to include selling the property)
  • 60-day notice to increase rent
  • A requirement for landlords to distribute the “Renting in Tacoma” handbook at the start of tenancy and yearly or electronic copies when updates to the handbook are made by the City
  • A requirement for landlords to provide the “Notice of Resources” form when serving notices that can lead to eviction
  • 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

 



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