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.

We Want to Hear from You

In order to track the impact of the Rental Housing Code, we are asking housing providers to come online and take our survey. The link to our survey will be posted here when it is available. Thank you in advance for your participation.

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

Ordinance No. 28559

Rental Housing Code Flyer

Washington State Residential Landlord Tenant Act