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Crime Free Housing Program

Keeping Illegal Activity Out of Rental Property

The Tacoma Crime Free Housing Program (CFHP) is a public safety partnership that assists residents, owners and managers of rental properties in keeping drugs and other illegal activity off their property.  

The CFHP is a crime-fighting program. CFHP demonstrates a good faith effort to learn about illegal activity, address community security concerns and educate residents about crime prevention.

 

How the Program Works

Personnel from Tacoma's Police, Office of Equity & Human Rights, Fire and Public Works Departments have teamed up to tailor this innovative program for the citizens of Tacoma.

The purpose of the Tacoma Crime Free Housing Program is to assist landlords in developing effective partnerships in a neighborhood environment, and fostering a safe, healthy place to live. The program uses a three-level approach to eliminate crime at rental properties, to reduce calls for police service and to foster a clean, healthier, more stable living environment.

Notice

Due to recent budget reductions, the Tacoma Crime Free Housing Program is unable to operate free of charge to all participants.  Effective with the August 2013 class, participants who do not operate rental property inside the Tacoma City limits will be required to pay a $50 fee.  Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

 

The Four Phases of the Crime Free Housing Program

Phase 1
Sixteen hours of training for owners, managers, maintenance staff or other staff members covering topics pertinent to the overall operation of rental properties. Training includes creating, explaining and enforcing rental agreements; identifying illegal activity, and working with police, human services, fire, code enforcement and other city staff. Special emphasis is given to training owners/managers on applicant screening and the eviction process.

Phase 2
An on-site evaluation of the property to certify that it meets minimum security requirements for resident safety. Some examples of areas assessed are
  • Lighting
  • Landscaping
  • Locks
  • Security
  • Facility interior, exterior and common areas
Phase 3
An on-site review of rental records and policies to verify the crime free lease addendum is being used as well as policies written and followed for screening tenants, evicting tenants, etc.
 
Phase 4
A resident crime prevention meeting where residents can meet one another as well as learn how to assist in making their community safer.
Upon completion of the four phrases of the Crime Free Programs, the rental community is awarded full certification in the Crime Free Programs and is authorized to display Crime Free signs and logos on the property and in promotions of their community.  The property will also be listed on the City’s website as a participant in the program.

CFHP is an international program that began in 1992 and is in approximately 1,700 American and Canadian cities in 43 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces.

 

crime free housing logo

Contact Us
747 Market Street
Room 1044
Tacoma, WA 98402

Crime Free Housing Coordinator
email

Walk-In Assistance
Wednesday
9 AM to 1 PM

Program Classes


Register for Classes Online

Duties of the Landlord/Duties of the Tenant

Additional Information

Affordable and Specialized Housing

Shelters and Emergency Services in Washington State



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