On July 11, 2023, the Tacoma City Council passed Amended Substitute Ordinance 28894, which updated the Rental Housing Code (RHC) (TMC 1.95, RHC) which went into effect on July 24, 2023.
Changes to the Rental Housing Code (RHC) TMC 1.95
Outline of the Landlord Fairness Code Initiative (LFCI) TMC 1.100
How the Rental Housing Code & the Landlord Fairness Code Initiative Work Together
*For additional information on the business license for rental properties, please visit the Rental Business web page.
Renting in Tacoma
A landlord shall provide the tenant a copy of the "Renting in Tacoma" booklet to any tenant or prospective tenant when a rental agreement is offered, whether or not the agreement is for a new or renewal agreement. This information must also be provided to existing tenants within thirty (30) days of being made available by the City of Tacoma. The initial distribution of information to tenants must be in written form and landlords must obtain tenant’s signature documenting receipt of such information.
Download the Renting in Tacoma Booklet
Screening: Income-to-Rent Ratio Requirements (HUD FMR)
Per TMC 1.95.035, landlords cannot:
Exceed maximum income-to-rent ratios when determining eligibility.
If monthly rent is BELOW HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) the income-to-rent ratio would be 3x's monthly rent to qualify.
If monthly rent is ABOVE HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) the income-to-rent ratio would be 2.5x's monthly rent to qualify.
Example: FMR for 2-bedroom is $1,987 and your rent is $2100, the tenant would be required to have an income of $5,250 to qualify at 2.5x’s monthly rent.
Example: FMR for 2-bedroom is $1,987 and your rent is $1,500, the tenant would be required to have a monthly income of $4,500 to qualify at 3x’s monthly rent.
Tacoma Fair Market Rent 2024-2025
Landlords must comply with all notice provisions outlines in TMC 1.95 and TMC 1.100. If during tenancy, a landlord must serve a notice under RCW 59.18.030, TMC 1.95, or TMC 1.100, the landlord is also required to serve the associate “Notice of Resource” prepared by the City of Tacoma.
Required Notices/Forms:
Required “Notice of Resources” forms: