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Rental Housing Code (TMC 1.95)

Proposed Changes to the Rental Housing Code

We are engaging with the landlords, renters, advocates and property managers to discuss the proposed updates to the Rental Housing Code and get feedback, check out the dates below.

Get Involved--Take Our Survey or Attend an Event

 

Take the Survey to Provide Your Insight!

 

There also are three different events you can attend to learn more about the proposed changes. They are scheduled for March 23, 29, 30, 2023. 

 

March 23: Rental Housing Code Informational in-Person Event

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

 

Thursday, March 23, 5:30-7 PM

at Tacoma Public Utilities Auditorium

3628 S 35th St, Tacoma, WA 98409

 

This event will include a presentation about proposed Rental Housing Code changes and updates and breakout session.

 

Participants will be able to provide their feedback and comments as well as ask questions.

 

March 29: Housing Providers Virtual Session for Proposed Update to the Rental Housing Code (2 Session Times)

Join us to learn about the proposed changes to the City’s Rental Housing Code and reasons for proposed changes.

 

Wednesday, March 29, 12-1:30 PM via ZOOM 

Meeting ID: 953 6274 4671
Passcode: 772172
Phone Number: (253) 215-8782

 

ZOOM Meeting Link

 

Wednesday, March 29, 5:30-7 PM via ZOOM
Meeting ID: 998 2846 7318
Passcode: 100168
Phone Number: (253) 205-0468

 

ZOOM Meeting Link

 

These events will include a presentation about proposed Rental Housing Code changes and updates. Participants will be able to provide their feedback and comments as well as ask questions.

 

March 30: Renters and Housing Advocate Virtual Session for Proposed Update to the Rental Housing Code

Join us to learn about the proposed changes to the City’s Rental Housing Code and reasons for proposed changes.

 

Thursday, March 30, 5:30-7PM via ZOOM

Meeting ID: 927 4618 1623
Passcode: 869628
Phone Number: (253) 215-8782

 

ZOOM Meeting Link

 

This event will include a presentation about proposed Rental Housing Code changes and updates. Participants will be able to provide their feedback and comments as well as ask questions.

 

 

Proposed Changes:

 

Rent Increase Notice 

Possible policy requirements include:

  • 6-10%: 90 days written notice10+%: 180-220 days (6-7 months) written notice
    6% or less: 60 days written notice
  • Update the notice requirements for rent increase based on percentage of increase. Possible requirements include:
  •  Update the service requirements for rent increase notices.
  •  Written notice must be served in accordance with RCW 59.12.040.
  •  Landlord cannot charge for rent increase notice to be served.
  •  Provide options to tenants who cannot afford the rental increase and needs to vacate unit. 
  •  Waive requirement for tenant to serve a proper 20-day written notice to vacate or tenant will not be penalized if tenant vacates based on the rent increase. 

Shared Housing Standards

Possible policy requirements include:

  • Require master lease holder provide contact information for the sublet tenants and the property owner at time of tenancy.
  •  Require separate leases when renting to four or more tenants.
  •  Require lease to state the legal number of occupants and habitable spaces in unit.
  •  Require housing providers to serve any notices that can lead to eviction to all sublet tenants at the time the master lease holder is served. 
  •  Prohibit housing providers from starting the Unlawful Detainer Action (eviction) if they cannot show notices were served to all sublet tenants.

 

Late Fee Standards

Possible policy requirements include:

  • Require housing providers to actively take steps to recover late fees during tenancy, serving monthly or quarterly notices. 
  •  Prohibit housing providers who do not address late fees during tenancy from reporting them to a perspective housing provider at the end of tenancy.
  •  Limits to amount of late fees a housing provider can charge as outlined in RLTA: Possible caps: Cap late fee to $75 as outlined in Washington State Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18, RLTA) or Cap late fee to 3% to 5% of monthly rental amount. 

Restriction of Evictions without a Rental Business License

What would the policy address:

  • Policy would ensure anyone operating a rental business in the Tacoma city limits is complying with City policies, which requires all rentals to have a rental business license.
  •  It will ensure that housing providers are given the opportunity to provide input on all policies as the City uses the Rental Business License as an outreach tool.

Possible policy requirement include:

  • Require a housing provider to attach a copy of Rental Business License to the Show Cause heating paperwork.

Screening Criteria

What is the Problem?

Due to the current housing market, tenants are having difficulty securing housing due to screening criteria, because of income requirements.

 Housing providers are requiring social security numbers to apply for housing which can have an adverse effect on immigrant population. 

 Housing providers who have a blanket criminal history policy

 

What would a policy do?

  • This policy would particularly help the vulnerable population who is more likely to become homeless if they are not able to secure affordable healthy housing.  

Possible policy requirements:  

  • Limits on the rent to income ratio (ex 3x monthly rent).
  •  Limit on rent to income ratio on tenants who are on a fixed income (SSI, SSD, or retirement benefits).
  • Restrict housing providers from requiring a social security number to apply for housing.
  • Restrict housing providers from having a blanket criminal history policy.   

 

To provide comments on the proposed changes or to ask a question, please contact TacomaRHC@cityoftacoma.org, or join us for an informational session.

 

 

 

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